One of the first conversations we have with homeowners at Adams Pool Solutions has nothing to do with tile colors, plaster finishes, or smart automation. It’s more fundamental than that: should you remodel the pool you already have, or remove it entirely and build something new? It’s a question that deserves a straight answer, not a sales pitch. Here’s how we help our clients think through it.
Why Most People Start by Wanting to Save the Pool
It makes sense. Demolition is expensive. New construction is a major investment. And the instinct to keep what’s already there is a natural one. But saving an older pool only pays off if that pool can actually become what you want your backyard to be. Otherwise, you’re spending real money and still ending up with a space that doesn’t feel right. We’ve seen it happen, and it’s one of the most frustrating outcomes in this business—for us and for the homeowner.
The Question That Changes Everything
Before we talk about finishes or features, we ask every client the same thing: what frustrates you about your pool or backyard today? Sometimes homeowners can pinpoint it immediately: the pool blocks the view, the layout kills the usable yard space, or the shallow end faces the wrong direction for afternoon sun. Other times, it’s more of a vague feeling that something is off. Either way, unless those underlying frustrations are identified, even a beautiful pool resurfacing job can miss the mark.
This is a big reason why tens of thousands of pools are removed every year across the U.S. The pool itself often isn’t the real problem. It’s the layout, orientation, scale, or how the space functions as a whole. A remodel that doesn’t address those root issues might look better on the surface, but it won’t change how you actually feel when you walk out your back door.
Inspiration Is Great—Just Don’t Try to Use All of It at Once
Many of our clients come in inspired by a resort they visited, a vacation rental, or a neighbor’s backyard renovation. That kind of inspiration is valuable because it helps us understand your taste and what you’re drawn to. But there’s a balance worth respecting. Borrowing one strong design idea and executing it well is smart. Trying to cram every idea you’ve ever loved into a single backyard rarely produces a cohesive result. Good pool design is about clarity and restraint, not accumulation.
The Real Deciding Factor: Is the Pool in the Right Place?
This is where the remodel-or-rebuild question usually gets answered. Ask yourself a few things. Is the pool oriented correctly for sun exposure, views, and privacy? Does its shape complement the yard, or fight against it? Does the pool enhance your outdoor living area, or does it eat up all the usable space? If a pool is poorly positioned, facing the wrong direction, or fundamentally the wrong shape for the lot, no amount of new plaster, fire features, or water effects will fix that. At that point, remodeling becomes cosmetic work on a structural problem, and building a new pool from the ground up becomes the smarter long-term investment.
When a Remodel Makes Perfect Sense
Not every aging pool needs to come out. Concrete pools in particular can often be lengthened, reshaped, raised, or lowered to improve sightlines and function. If the shell is structurally sound and the pool is in a location that works, thoughtful modification can deliver excellent results without the cost of demolition and full reconstruction.
That said, there’s a practical threshold. If more than roughly 30% of a concrete shell needs to be removed or rebuilt, a full replacement usually becomes more cost-effective and carries less structural risk. Cutting corners on structural integrity is never worth the short-term savings.
What’s Hiding Below the Surface
Whether we’re remodeling or rebuilding, we always look beyond what’s visible. Some of the most important decisions involve components homeowners rarely think about.
Plumbing is a good example. Underground pipes are relatively inexpensive compared to the damage they can cause when they fail. Old plumbing frequently hides slow leaks, corrosion, and poor circulation design. In most remodel situations, replacing the plumbing is the right call.
Pumps and equipment are another consideration. Pool pumps older than about six years are typically running inefficiently and approaching the end of their useful life. Modern variable-speed pump systems use significantly less energy and perform better. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that variable-speed pumps can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% compared to single-speed models—a difference you’ll see on your utility bill month after month.
Electrical systems in older pools may not meet current National Electrical Code (NEC) safety standards. Upgrading panels, wiring, and converting to low-voltage LED lighting improves both safety and long-term reliability.
Automation is one of those upgrades where every client who gets it wonders how they lived without it. Today’s pool control systems and smartphone apps make managing water chemistry, lighting, heating, and filtration dramatically easier. Once you’ve had that kind of control, going back to manual operation feels like a chore.
How We Approach the Decision With You
At Adams Pool Solutions, we believe in presenting clear options—whether that means a targeted remodel, a partial rebuild, or a full replacement—and pricing every option fairly and transparently. We don’t pressure homeowners into a decision. We lay out what each path involves, what it costs, and what you can expect when it’s done. Then you decide.
We also have a responsibility to flag code and safety issues, even when the conversation gets uncomfortable. If something in your current setup is non-compliant or unsafe, you deserve to know about it. Safety always comes before saving money, and any contractor who tells you otherwise isn’t doing you a favor.
The Bottom Line
Hundreds of thousands of pool remodels happen across the country every year, and when they’re done right, the results can be remarkable. But the successful projects don’t start with tile samples or 3D renderings. They start with honest evaluation and thoughtful design. If you’re weighing whether to update your pool or start fresh, we’d welcome the chance to walk your backyard, hear what’s working and what isn’t, and help you make the right call. Reach out to us when you’re ready to start the conversation.
