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Things You Might Want to Change About Your Pool (and How We Can Help)

by | Jul 21, 2025

Your backyard pool is more than just a place to swim, it’s where memories are made. But over time, your needs evolve, your style changes, and your pool might not quite match your lifestyle anymore. Whether you’re looking to make your pool safer, more efficient, or simply more beautiful, there’s never been a better time to renovate your pool.

At Adams Pool Solutions, we’ve helped thousands of California and Nevada homeowners and commercial property managers reimagine their swimming pools. From simple upgrades to complete remodels, we’ve seen firsthand the impact a thoughtfully renovated pool can make.

Here are some of the most popular changes our customers request, and what to consider if you’re thinking about making them to your pool.

1. Shallowing Your Pool

Why Make It Shallower?

Many older pools were built with deep ends of 8 feet or more. While that used to be the standard, today’s pool owners are rethinking the deep end. A shallower pool offers:

  • More usable space for lounging, games, and family fun
  • Better energy efficiency, since there’s less water to heat
  • Increased safety, especially for households with children or elderly swimmers

What’s Involved?

Shallowing a pool involves breaking up the floor of the deep end and reshaping it with new gunite or shotcrete. Once it’s properly formed and structurally sound, we apply your new finish from PebbleTec® to plaster and give it a cohesive look.

2. Add or Remove a Spa

Want to Add Luxury or Simplicity?

A spa can transform your backyard into a resort-like retreat. Whether you want a cozy space to unwind on cool evenings or therapeutic hydrotherapy benefits, adding a spa to an existing pool is a high-value upgrade.

On the other hand, some pool owners find their old spa goes unused and takes up valuable space. In that case, removing the spa can open up room for a Baja shelf, fire pit, or water feature.

What’s Possible?

We can seamlessly integrate a spa into your current pool layout elevated or flush, circular or square. We’ll also ensure its properly plumbed, heated, and designed with comfort and aesthetics in mind.

3. Reshape Your Pool

Time for a Total Transformation?

Sometimes, it’s not just one feature you want to change it’s the whole shape. Whether your pool feels dated, cramped, or awkwardly placed, reshaping your pool allows you to:

  • Create a more modern look (think geometric lines vs. kidney shape)
  • Improve safety and flow
  • Add depth variety or make better use of your yard

How It Works

This is one of the most involved remodel projects but it’s also the most dramatic. Our design team works with you to draft a new pool shape that matches your vision. From there, we demo parts of the shell, reshape it with new structural concrete, and refinish the entire interior and coping for a flawless finish.

4. Add a Baja Shelf (Sun Shelf)

Perfect for Relaxation

Also called a tanning ledge or sun shelf, a Baja shelf is a shallow, lounge-friendly area just a few inches deep. It’s the perfect spot for:

  • Relaxing in a chaise with a drink
  • Letting toddlers play safely in the water
  • Creating a stylish resort vibe

We can customize the width, depth, and finish of your Baja shelf to match your pool’s layout and even add umbrella sleeves or bubblers for a spa-like experience.

5. Install an Automatic Pool Cover

Safety, Savings, and Simplicity

An automatic pool cover is a game-changer for many families. It offers:

  • Increased safety especially for children or pets
  • Reduced water evaporation and heat loss
  • Lower chemical usage and maintenance
  • Cleaner water year-round

We specialize in integrating auto covers into existing pools, including ones with complex shapes or added spas. Whether you prefer a track system or under-track option, we’ll ensure a perfect fit and flawless operation.

6. Add Fire or Water Features

Bring the Wow Factor

Waterfalls. Fire bowls. Deck jets. Sheer descents. When you add dynamic elements like fire or water features, you instantly elevate your pool from standard to stunning.

  • Water features bring movement and sound, creating a calming ambiance
  • Fire features add drama, warmth, and an evening focal point

Whether you’re going for elegance, excitement, or a little of both, Adams Pool Solutions can help you design and install custom features that fit your style and space.

7. Update to Efficient Pool Equipment

Save Energy, Time, and Money

If your pool equipment is more than 7–10 years old, it may be time for an upgrade. Today’s pool systems are:

  • Quieter
  • More energy-efficient
  • Longer-lasting
  • Better for the environment

We offer variable-speed pumps, cartridge filtration systems, efficient heaters, and more — all compliant with California energy standards. Many upgrades may even qualify for rebates from your local utility provider.

8. Add LED Lighting

Make Your Pool Shine at Night

LED pool lighting not only makes your pool usable after dark it adds a whole new dimension of ambiance and style. You can choose:

  • Multi-color lights with remote control or app integration
  • Soft white LEDs for a clean, modern glow
  • Underwater niche lights, deck lighting, or illuminated water features

We install lighting systems that are safe, long-lasting, and visually striking. Your nighttime poolscape will never be the same.

9. Add Pool Automation

Total Control, Right From Your Phone

Imagine adjusting your pool’s temperature, spa jets, lighting, and water features — all from your phone. With today’s smart automation systems, you can:

  • Monitor water levels and temperature
  • Schedule filtration or heating
  • Control lighting and features
  • Receive alerts for maintenance or issues

Adams Pool Solutions can integrate automation into both new and older pools, giving you a modern, connected experience without the stress.

10. Fix Cracks and Leaks

Structural or Surface Problems?

If your pool has visible cracks, crumbling plaster, or recurring water loss, it’s time to address it. Left untreated, these issues can lead to:

  • Water damage to surrounding soil and foundations
  • Increased utility bills
  • Unsafe swimming conditions

Our expert technicians will inspect the pool for structural cracks, plumbing leaks, or surface delamination. We then perform the necessary repairs, including pressure testing, rebar reinforcement, or reapplying finishes.

11. Apply a New Pool Surface

Time to Refresh Your Look and Feel

One of the most common pool upgrades is a new interior finish. Not only does it enhance beauty, but it also improves swimmer comfort and longevity.

Popular resurfacing options include:

  • PebbleTec® or PebbleSheen®, Wetedge®, PebblePlus, Poolstone: durable, natural stone texture
  • Quartz finish: smooth with a subtle shimmer
  • White or colored plaster: classic and cost-effective

We’ll help you choose the right texture and color for your pool — whether you’re going for a Caribbean blue oasis or a serene lagoon vibe.

12. What Else? Custom Upgrades You May Not Have Thought Of

Your vision isn’t limited to what’s popular. We can help you explore other upgrades like:

  • Adding a beach entry (walk-in style like a shoreline)
  • Expanding the pool deck with new pavers or natural stone
  • Upgrading tile and coping for a fresh border
  • Installing an outdoor shower, bar, or BBQ area
  • Converting your pool to saltwater

With over 70 years of experience in pool remodeling and construction, Adams Pool Solutions can handle any vision, big or small, modern or traditional.

Why Work With Adams Pool Solutions?

Trusted by Thousands of Homeowners and Commercial Clients

As the leading pool renovation company in Northern California, with decades of experience across the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Santa Rosa, Pleasanton, and more, we’ve built our name on craftsmanship, customer service, and consistent results.

We provide:

  • Detailed consultations and accurate estimates
  • Full in-house crews (no subcontractors)
  • PebbleTec®, Wetedge®, PebblePlus authorized installers
  • Licensed, bonded, and insured service
  • Transparent timelines and communication

Ready to Reimagine Your Pool?

Whether you’re dreaming of a spa addition, a new Baja shelf, or simply need to fix a few cracks, Adams Pool Solutions is here to make your pool better than ever.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get expert pool renovation recommendations tailored to your backyard, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Adams Pool Solutions
“We don’t just remodel pools — we transform backyards.”

We'd love to help you with your POOL PROJECT!