Renovation
Pool Renovation in Richmond & Central Virginia
Restore, Refresh, Transform
A pool renovation can be much more than replacing an aging finish. It can be an opportunity to completely rethink how your pool looks, performs, and fits the way you live today.
Since 1970, Douglas Aquatics has renovated pools throughout Virginia — from plaster, tile, coping, and equipment upgrades to extensive structural renovations that reshape and modernize the pool itself.
Our team approaches renovation with the same emphasis on planning, engineering, structural integrity, hydraulics, craftsmanship, and design that we bring to new pool construction.
Whether your pool needs to be restored or completely transformed, we have the experience to determine what is possible and build it correctly.
Concrete Pool Renovation & Transformation
No two pool renovations are exactly alike.
Some pools need a new interior finish and tile. Others require extensive structural, hydraulic, or design changes. Douglas Aquatics has the experience and technical capability to handle both.
Depending on the existing pool and project goals, a renovation may include:
- New plaster, quartz, pebble, or specialty interior finishes
- New waterline tile and coping
- Deck and hardscape replacement or modification
- New steps, benches, tanning ledges, and seating areas
- Pool depth modifications
- Structural shell modifications and repairs
- Bond beam and coping reconstruction
- Plumbing and hydraulic upgrades
- Equipment replacement and equipment-pad modernization
- LED lighting and automation
- Water features
- Spa additions or modifications
- Drainage and surrounding-site improvements
Our renovation process begins by evaluating the existing pool and understanding what the customer wants to accomplish. From there, we develop a renovation plan that considers the existing structure, new design, construction requirements, equipment, hydraulics, finishes, and surrounding environment.
The goal isn’t simply to make an old pool look newer. It’s to create a pool that looks, functions, and performs the way the customer wants it to today.
Vinyl Liner Replacement
Over time, vinyl pool liners can fade, wrinkle, become brittle, or develop leaks. Douglas Aquatics provides professional vinyl liner replacement to restore the appearance and performance of existing vinyl pools.
We offer Merlin liners in a wide range of patterns and colors and professionally measure and install the new liner for a proper fit and refreshed appearance.
Renovation Process
Step 1 — Existing Pool Evaluation
Evaluate the existing pool, structure, equipment, plumbing, finishes, site conditions, and areas of concern.
Step 2 — Vision & Scope
Determine what the customer wants to restore, change, add, or completely redesign.
Step 3 — Design & Engineering
Develop the renovation plan, including structural considerations, hydraulic requirements, material selections, and design modifications where applicable.
Step 4 — Demolition & Structural Work
Remove existing materials and complete required structural repairs or modifications.
Step 5 — Systems, Tile, Coping & Finishes
Complete plumbing, equipment, electrical and lighting upgrades as applicable, followed by tile, coping, hardscape, and interior finishes.
Step 6 — Start-Up & Orientation
Fill and start the renovated pool, balance water chemistry, calibrate equipment and automation, test systems, and walk the customer through the completed project.
FAQ’s
Can Douglas Aquatics renovate an existing concrete pool?
Yes. Douglas Aquatics performs full concrete pool renovations including replastering or pebble finish resurfacing, new tile and coping, equipment replacement, updated lighting, and surrounding hardscape refresh. They’ve been renovating pools across Virginia since 1970 and bring the same engineering standards to renovation work as to new construction.
How do I know if my pool needs a full renovation or just a liner?
For vinyl liner pools, the issue is usually straightforward. If you’re seeing fading, wrinkles, small tears, or the liner is pulling away from the walls, it’s likely time for a liner replacement. Most liners last about 7–10 years, so age is also a big factor.
For concrete (gunite) pools, the signs point more toward a full renovation. Look for rough or pitted surfaces, visible cracks, flaking or peeling plaster, missing or loose tile, or staining that won’t come off. If your pool feels rough on your feet or looks worn and dated, that typically means the surface and surrounding elements need to be redone.
You may also need a more comprehensive renovation if you’re experiencing ongoing leaks, outdated equipment, poor circulation, or frequent repairs, regardless of pool type.
If you’re unsure, a professional inspection can quickly determine whether you’re looking at a simple liner replacement or a full renovation. Douglas Aquatics can evaluate your pool and recommend the right solution based on its condition.
How long does a pool renovation take?
A full concrete pool renovation typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on scope — surface work, tile, coping, and equipment replacement each add time. A vinyl liner replacement is usually completed in 1–2 days. Douglas Aquatics will provide a project timeline specific to your renovation scope during the estimate process.
Does Douglas Aquatics replace vinyl pool liners?
Yes. Douglas Aquatics installs Merlin vinyl liners — one of the most trusted liner brands in the industry — in a wide range of patterns, colors, and thicknesses. Liner replacement is typically completed in one to two days and dramatically refreshes the look of an aging pool.
What brands of liners does Douglas Aquatics carry?
Douglas Aquatics primarily carries and installs Merlin vinyl liners for both replacement and new installations. Merlin is one of the most respected liner manufacturers in the pool industry, known for durability, color retention, and a wide selection of patterns and thicknesses.
Can I update my pool equipment during a renovation?
Yes, and it’s often the ideal time to do it. A renovation is a natural opportunity to upgrade pumps, heaters, filters, lighting, and automation systems. As a Hayward Authorized Dealer and Warranty Station, Douglas Aquatics can install and warranty the full range of Hayward equipment as part of any renovation project.
