Dreaming of a backyard pool makeover?
Thinking your swimming pool remodeling ideas have to cost a fortune? Think again. Many DIY projects can be completed by homeowners over a couple weekends and still give the appearance of having been professionally done.
Here’s what’s cool…
Pool upgrades don’t have to cost anything to plan. You can start small and see immediate results that transform both the look and feel of your outdoor space.
LET’S GO!
What You’ll Learn
- Why Budget Swimming Pool Upgrades are Important
- DIY Projects to Update Any Pool Area
- Planning Pool Remodeling Work on a Budget
- Mistakes to Avoid with Pool Upgrades
Why Budget Swimming Pool Upgrades are Important
Pool area upgrades aren’t always about vanity. Often times they’re about maximizing ROI on an investment you already own.
Pool ownership can increase your homes value up to 7%, so it only makes sense to keep yours looking sharp. Repairing, upgrading, and refreshing your pool area has tremendous payoff for those willing to sweat a little equity.
Upgrading your pool is doable without spending thousands of dollars. Full-service pool remodeling projects can get expensive. That’s why many homeowners are electing DIY projects as an alternative solution. If you’re looking to remodel your current pool or build from scratch, consult with contractors that specialize in pool construction in Danville, California to decide which projects you should be tackling on your own vs hiring out.
Need ideas? We’ve got you covered with budget-friendly projects that fall well within the DIY column.
DIY Projects to Update Any Pool Area
Not every pool remodeling project requires a contractor. Many simple updates and fixures can be installed by almost any homeowner.
Refresh Pool Deck
Gone are the days of painted pool decks. Years of sun, water, and foot traffic will leave your deck looking worn down and dull.
Sprucing up your pool deck with a new stain or coat of paint is an easy weekend project that only costs $100-300 for materials. The biggest part of this project is allowing time for everything to dry.
How to Refresh Your Pool Deck:
- Clean deck thoroughly with a pressure washer
- Allow deck to dry for 24-48 hours
- Apply primer if needed
- Roll stain/paint onto deck in thin coats
- Seal painted surface
Upgrade Outdoor Lighting
Lighting around the pool serves two purposes – ambiance and safety. Evening pool parties require adequate lighting to keep everyone safe.
String lights don’t have to plug into the house. Solar lights clip into the ground and charge during the day so you don’t have to worry about electrical wires. Hang solar lights around your pool fence or pergola for major resort vibes at a fraction of the cost.
You can even get LED spotlights to feature your landscaping.
Add Some Privacy
Your neighbors probably love watching you jump into the pool on the weekends. Don’t give them the satisfaction. Adding privacy to your pool area is an easy weekend project that doesn’t require a full fencing company.
Grab some lattice panels from your local hardware store for about $30-50 each. You can easily install them to posts or attach to an existing fence line. Train some vines to grow through the lattice for natural privacy.
Some other budget-friendly ideas include:
- Bamboo roll up fencing
- Outdoor curtain privacy systems
- Tall potted plant “walls”
Put Together a Storage Bench
Everyone has pool noodles, floats, toys, and cleaning equipment that need somewhere to live. When not in use, these pool accessories should be put away. Leaving them laying around the pool deck looks messy and unkept.
Building a simple wooden storage bench will only set you back about $100 in materials. Not only will you have a nice seating area by your pool, but all your pool toys can be neatly organized inside. If you don’t want to build it yourself, several prefabricated deck boxes are available that require no building skills.
Upgrade Your Landscaping
Nothing softens the hard lines of a pool like adding some plants and greenery. Landscaping around the pool area is one of the most inexpensive remodeling upgrades you can do.
- Add some pots and planters around the perimeter of your deck.
- Plant some low maintenance flowers or perennials around the pool fence.
- Use river rock or mulch to create defined landscaping beds.
- Incorporate some ornamental grasses for texture and movement.
Remember, the plants you choose should be pool-friendly. Leaves and flowers floating in the pool creates more work for you.
Planning Pool Remodeling Work on a Budget
The best way to ensure you have a successful DIY pool remodeling project is to plan everything out in advance. Jot down every task you want to accomplish and rank them in order of priority.
The first projects you take on should have the biggest impact. 62% of Americans take on DIY projects to save money. That’s perfectly okay if you’ve got the time and know how to plan things out properly to look like they were done by a professional.
Budget wisely and don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Advice on Setting a Budget:
- Do your research before starting. Price out all materials so there are no surprises.
- Wait for sales. Pool supplies aren’t going anywhere. Materials and store fixtures go on sale at the end of summer every year. If you time your projects for early fall you could save 20-40% on everything.
- Buy used when possible. Secondly materials are great but don’t be afraid to go the thrift store route or use recycled materials when possible.
- One project at a time. Start and finish one upgrade before starting another.
Mistakes to Avoid with Pool Upgrades
There are some unavoidable mistakes that come with any DIY work. No matter how experienced you may become, these can happen to anyone.
Not preparing surfaces. Paint and stain don’t adhere to dirty surfaces. Take the time necessary to ensure a long-lasting finish.
Neglecting proper drainage. All deck work should take into consideration how water will drain. Pool decks are meant to be porous. Standing water only leads to mold and potential structural damage.
Using improper materials. Pool decks, furniture, and landscaping all come in contact with chlorine and plenty of sunshine. Make sure whatever you buy is made to withstand pool chemicals and UV rays.
Running out of time. DIY projects always take longer than you think. Allow for adequate dry time when painting and staining anything. Bad weather can also foil any perfectly laid plans.
Don’t forget to…
Plan!
Wrap Up
It doesn’t take a large budget or a professional contractor to give your pool some upgrades. There are tons of budget-friendly projects that can be done by almost anyone.
If you’re swimming in swimming pool remodeling projects, start with the ones that will give you the biggest punch for your budget. A new deck stain, some lights, and upgraded landscaping can make an older pool area feel brand new.
You just have to want to do it. Pick one of the projects above and get started this weekend. Before you know it, your backyard pool will be matching those you see in magazines.
Key Points to Remember…
- Refreshing your pool deck is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your pool area.
- Solar lights are affordable and can add major ambiance to any backyard pool.
- Including some plants and greenery can give your backyard the appearance of being professionally landscaped.
- Always plan your project out before you begin.