Homeowners considering a full pool remodel often ask the same question first: how long is my pool going to be out of commission, and what actually happens during that time? Here is a step-by-step look at how a full remodel project in the Houston area typically goes from start to finish.
Day One: Draining and Protection
The project starts by draining the pool completely. Before any work begins, our crew protects the surrounding deck, landscaping, and equipment pad from dust and debris, since sandblasting and demolition work can get messy. This setup work matters because it keeps the rest of the property clean throughout the project.
Removing the Old Surface
With the pool drained, the old plaster surface gets removed, either by sandblasting or chipping, depending on the condition of the existing surface and the plan for the new finish. This step also reveals any cracks, hollow spots, or structural issues in the underlying shell that need to be addressed before new plaster goes on. Catching these issues now, while the shell is exposed, is one of the advantages of a full remodel over a quick patch job.
Tile and Coping Replacement
Once the shell is prepped, old tile at the waterline comes out and new tile goes in. At the same time, coping around the edge of the pool gets replaced. We coordinate the tile and coping selections so they work together visually, since these two elements frame the entire pool.
Plaster Application and Cure
New plaster gets applied to the prepped shell in a continuous process, since plaster needs to be applied and finished before it begins to set. After application, the plaster goes through a startup and cure process that typically takes about a week, where the pool gets slowly refilled and the water chemistry gets carefully managed to help the plaster cure properly and avoid issues like plaster dust or uneven coloring.
Deck Finish
While the plaster cures, or sometimes before the pool gets refilled, the surrounding deck gets its new spray finish. This step ties the whole project together visually, giving the pool area a consistent, updated look from the water to the edges of the patio.
Refilling and Final Walkthrough
Once plaster has cured enough and the water chemistry is balanced, the pool gets refilled and the equipment gets started back up. Our owner does a final walkthrough with the homeowner to go over the finished work and answer any questions about caring for the new surfaces during the first few weeks, which is an important period for new plaster especially.
From start to finish, a full remodel like this typically takes a few weeks, depending on the scope of work and weather. For a pool that has been showing its age, the result is a finished product that looks and feels like a brand new pool.
Ready to Talk to an Expert?
If you are thinking about a full remodel for your pool and want to understand what the timeline and process would look like for your specific situation, our owner is happy to walk through it on a free 15-minute call. No obligation, no sales pressure. Just a straight conversation with the person who will build your pool.
Call us at (346) 481-3835 or book your free call at chrbuilder.com.
