Common Mistakes to Avoid When Remodeling Your Pool or Spa
Remodeling your pool or spa is an exciting way to update your backyard and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. Whether you want to refresh the look, improve its function, or save on energy costs, remodeling can offer a lot of benefits. However, like any big home project, things can go wrong if you're not careful. In this article, we’ll go over some common mistakes people make when remodeling their pools and spas, and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Setting a Realistic Budget
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when remodeling their pool or spa is not setting a clear, realistic budget. Remodeling can get expensive, and without a proper budget, costs can quickly add up.
Why It’s Important
If you don’t budget properly, you might end up spending more than you planned or having to make cuts that affect the final results. You want to avoid surprises that could derail your project or leave you with an unfinished remodel.
How to Avoid It
Do your research: Before starting, get an idea of how much your remodel will cost. Whether you’re resurfacing the pool or adding new features, knowing the price ranges will help you plan better.
Create a buffer for extra costs: Unexpected expenses can come up, so it’s a good idea to set aside 10-15% of your budget for surprises.
Get quotes from different contractors: Compare different quotes to make sure you’re getting a fair price and good value for the work being done.
2. Skipping Permits and Regulations
Many people think they can skip the permitting process for their pool or spa remodel, but that’s a mistake. Depending on where you live, there may be rules and codes you need to follow for safety and legal reasons.
Why It’s Important
If you skip permits, you might face fines or even have to redo parts of the work that don’t meet local codes. It can also make selling your home harder in the future if the work wasn’t approved by the local authorities.
How to Avoid It
Check local rules: Make sure you understand what permits are required in your area before starting the remodel.
Hire a professional: Experienced contractors will know exactly what permits are needed and will take care of them for you, saving you time and hassle.
3. Not Planning Ahead
Jumping straight into the remodel without a solid plan can lead to mistakes and delays. Planning is key to making sure everything works out as expected and your new pool or spa looks and functions the way you want.
Why It’s Important
Without a clear plan, you might end up making last-minute decisions that don’t fit well together or don’t work as planned. For example, improper placement of new features like lighting or water fountains can affect the overall look and function of your pool or spa.
How to Avoid It
Take time to design: Plan out your remodel carefully, including the layout, colors, materials, and features you want.
Consult an expert: A professional designer can help you create a plan that fits your needs and prevents any issues from cropping up.
4. Choosing Low-Quality Materials
It’s tempting to cut costs by picking cheaper materials for your pool and spa remodel. However, this can lead to issues down the road, including repairs and replacements sooner than expected.
Why It’s Important
Cheap materials might save you money upfront, but they often don’t last as long, meaning you’ll spend more on maintenance or replacements later. For example, low-quality tiles may crack, or cheap pumps might fail quickly.
How to Avoid It
Invest in quality materials: While it might cost a bit more initially, using durable, high-quality materials can save you money in the long run.
Ask for advice: Your contractor can recommend affordable but high-quality options that fit your budget.
5. Ignoring Energy Efficiency
When remodeling your pool or spa, many homeowners forget to think about energy efficiency. This can lead to high utility bills over time, especially if your equipment isn’t up-to-date.
Why It’s Important
Old equipment like pumps, heaters, and lights can waste a lot of energy. This can result in much higher electricity and water bills, which adds to the cost of owning and maintaining your pool and spa.
How to Avoid It
Upgrade your equipment: Invest in energy-efficient pumps, heaters, and LED lights. They may cost more upfront but will save you money over time.
Consider solar options: Solar panels for heating your pool or powering lights are a great way to reduce your energy usage and save on bills.
6. Forgetting About Future Maintenance
When remodeling, people often focus on how their pool or spa will look once the work is done, but it’s also important to think about how much maintenance will be required in the future.
Why It’s Important
Some materials or features may require more upkeep than others. For example, certain finishes need regular cleaning, or complex water features might need frequent repairs.
How to Avoid It
Ask about maintenance: When choosing materials or features, find out how often they’ll need maintenance. Simple options can save you time and money on upkeep.
Plan for the long run: Think about how easy or difficult it will be to care for your pool and spa after the remodel is complete.
7. Not Planning the Surrounding Space
Your pool and spa are the stars of your backyard, but the surrounding area is just as important. Many people overlook landscaping or the outdoor space around the pool when remodeling, which can affect the overall feel of the area
Why It’s Important
Poor landscaping or improperly planned outdoor spaces can make your remodeled pool or spa feel out of place or uncomfortable. Also, placing plants or structures too close to the pool can damage the area or interfere with the equipment.
How to Avoid It
Plan the entire space: Think about the whole outdoor area, not just the pool and spa. Include features like seating, pathways, and plants that complement your remodel.
Hire a landscape designer: A professional can help ensure that your outdoor space flows seamlessly with your pool and spa.
8. Not Including Safety Features
Safety should always be a top priority when remodeling your pool or spa, especially if you have children or pets. Many people forget to include proper safety features, which can lead to accidents.
Why It’s Important
Pools and spas can be dangerous without the right safety measures. Features like fencing, pool covers, and non-slip surfaces can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.
How to Avoid It
Install safety barriers: Fencing and safety gates can keep children and pets out of the pool area. Make sure they meet local safety standards.
Add proper lighting: Lighting around the pool and spa will make it safer to use at night and help prevent accidents.
9. Rushing the Project
It can be tempting to rush through your pool and spa remodel to get it done quickly, but rushing often leads to mistakes and poor quality work.
Why It’s Important
Hurrying through the remodel can cause mistakes that affect the final outcome. Contractors might cut corners to meet deadlines, or some details might be overlooked, leading to a less-than-perfect result.
How to Avoid It
Allow time for quality work: Give your contractor enough time to complete the project properly. Quality work takes time and shouldn’t be rushed.
Communicate clearly: Make sure you and your contractor agree on the timeline and expectations so the project runs smoothly.
Conclusion
Remodeling your pool or spa can be an exciting way to enhance your outdoor space, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that could lead to extra costs, delays, or a disappointing outcome. By setting a clear budget, planning carefully, choosing quality materials, and considering long-term maintenance, you can ensure that your pool and spa remodel is a success.
If you’re ready to start your pool & spa remodeling project, or if you want professional help to get the best results, check out Epic Watershapes. With years of experience and a team of experts, Epic Water Shapes can help turn your dream pool and spa into a reality.
Appreciate the creator