Deeper Demolition
Existing interior materials and selected hardscape are removed so the pool and surrounding area can be rebuilt as a coordinated system.
PLAPCO RESOURCE CENTER
The Full Pool Remodel Journey
A complete homeowner guide to what happens when a pool remodel includes interior demolition, surrounding hardscape removal, new plumbing, masonry, decking, interior finish, startup and first-month care.
A full remodel is more involved than a basic resurfacing project. This guide explains the typical construction sequence, the activity you may see on-site, the homeowner responsibilities that matter most, and the conditions that can affect the schedule.
1985
Established
Family
Owned
Owner
Operated
California License #987689
B, C-53 & C-27
B, C-53 & C-27
Built with pride. Backed by the Pacheco name.
WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT
More Than a New Interior Finish
A full pool remodel typically reaches beyond tile and interior finish. Depending on the contracted scope, it may also include removal of the surrounding deck, replacement of underground plumbing, new coping and masonry, drainage and grading work, and installation of new hardscape.
New Plumbing
Main drains, skimmers, returns and water-feature lines can be replaced and pressure-tested before trenches are backfilled.
Complete Exterior Renewal
Tile, coping, masonry, grading and hardscape are installed to create a more cohesive finished pool and outdoor-living environment.
BEFORE CONSTRUCTION
What Helps the Project Start Smoothly
Full remodels involve more trades, more material movement and more activity around the property. A few early preparations help reduce delays and protect the site.
Confirm Selections
Finalize tile, coping, veneer and hardscape selections early enough to accommodate ordering and lead times.
Prepare Access
Keep gates, side yards and staging areas clear. Remove fragile decorations, furniture and items that could interfere with access.
Plan for Noise and Activity
Demolition, excavation, concrete work and material delivery can be loud. Keep children and pets away from active work areas.
Allow for Project-Specific Requirements
Depending on the scope and jurisdiction, permits, inspections, utility coordination or additional site preparation may be required.
01Step One
Draining the Pool
The full remodel begins by draining the existing pool. Our team places a submersible pump in the deep end and routes a discharge hose to the nearest suitable sanitary clean-out.
What to Expect
The pool equipment and automatic fill are shut off, and the water level begins to drop. The discharge system should remain undisturbed.
Typical Timing
Usually started the day before demolition or preparation work begins.
Homeowner note:
If the water stops draining, the pump shuts off, or electrical power is
interrupted, contact PLAPCO immediately.
02Step Two
Strip Existing Finish, Tile and Masonry
Once the pool is empty, relief holes are drilled in the pool floor to relieve underground pressure. The existing interior finish and tile are then removed. Coping and other masonry are also removed when included in the contracted scope.
What to Expect
Jackhammers and demolition equipment create significant noise and activity. Debris is collected and hauled away as work progresses.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to four days, depending on pool size, access and site conditions.
Hidden-condition reminder:
Cracks, deteriorated material or other shell conditions may not be
visible until the old finish is removed. Significant findings are
reviewed before additional work proceeds.
03Step Three
Demolish the Surrounding Hardscape
Existing concrete, pavers or other deck materials included in the scope are broken up, removed and hauled away. Larger equipment may be used when site access allows; narrow-access properties typically require smaller equipment and more hand work.
What to Expect
This phase can involve skid steers, excavators, breakers, trucks and active debris removal. Expect noise, dust and frequent movement through the designated access route.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to five days, depending on the amount of hardscape, material thickness and site access.
Protect the access path:
Keep vehicles, furniture, decorations, pets and children away from the
active work route and equipment-staging area.
04Step Four
Install the New Pool Plumbing
The pool shell is core-drilled as needed so the plumbing included in the project can be replaced. This may include main drains, skimmers, return lines, cleaner lines and water-feature plumbing.
What to Expect
Trenches and an organized network of PVC lines will be visible around the pool. The lines are pressure-tested as a critical quality control step before they are permanently covered.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to four days for a complete plumbing replacement, depending on the scope and equipment layout.
Do not disturb the test:
Pressure-test equipment, temporary caps and exposed plumbing should not
be moved or altered while the system is being tested.
05Step Five
Pool Masonry Installation
With demolition and underground work substantially complete, the decorative masonry begins. Waterline tile, coping, veneer stone, raised walls and other contracted masonry features are carefully laid out and installed.
What to Expect
Skilled masons set each tile and stone with careful attention to alignment, transitions and finished elevations. The pool begins to show its final character during this stage.
Typical Timing
Approximately two to seven days, depending on material selections, layout complexity and the amount of masonry included.
Finish-work reminder:
Specialty layouts, custom cuts, curing time and weather may affect this
phase. Precision is more important than rushing the installation.
06Step Six
Backfill Trenches and Install the Hardscape
After underground work is complete, plumbing trenches are carefully backfilled and the surrounding area is regraded. The base is then prepared for the contracted concrete, pavers, natural stone, walkways or other hardscape features.
What to Expect
Concrete trucks, material pallets, compacting equipment and finishing crews may be on-site. The yard begins changing from an active construction zone into a cohesive finished environment.
Typical Timing
Approximately five to ten days, depending on hardscape scope, material, access, curing requirements and weather.
Drainage matters:
Proper grading and drainage are planned so water moves away from the
pool and other structures. Do not place furniture or heavy items on new
surfaces until the crew confirms they are ready.
07Step Seven
Interior Plaster or Pebble Finish
The selected plaster or pebble finish is mixed, applied and hand-troweled by a specialized finishing crew. This is the interior surface you will see and feel every time you use the pool.
What to Expect
The application is completed during a coordinated installation. For pebble finishes, the crew normally returns the following morning to acid-wash, clean and expose the aggregate.
Typical Timing
One day for the initial application, followed by the appropriate cleaning, acid-wash and pool-filling sequence.
DO NOT PANIC
The Finish May Look Rough on the First Day
Immediately After Application
A freshly applied pebble finish can look hazy, chalky, uneven or imperfect while it is dry. You may notice pinholes, minor surface variations, trowel marks or areas where fewer pebbles appear exposed.
That first-day appearance is not the finished result and should not be judged before the next cleaning step and water fill.
The Following Morning
The finishing crew returns to acid-wash and clean the surface. They expose the pebble, remove haze and residue, and fill or address small holes and minor imperfections where needed.
Most minor visual concerns improve substantially after the acid wash and become much less noticeable once the pool is full of water.
Once the fill begins, do not stop the water.
The water should run continuously until it reaches approximately the
middle of the waterline tile. Interrupting the fill can leave a visible
ring or permanent discoloration on the new finish.
08Step Eight
Pool Start-Up and Care
Once the pool is full, a CPO-certified pool service company should complete the startup. The service company begins balancing the water, follows the applicable startup procedure and explains the early-care requirements.
What to Expect
Water chemistry is managed carefully while the new finish cures. Plaster dust may continue appearing during the early days and must be removed through proper brushing and filtration.
Typical Timing
Startup begins after the pool is filled and continues through the initial curing and water-balancing period.
Need a service referral?
If you do not already have a qualified CPO-certified pool service
company, PLAPCO can provide a referral.
CRITICAL HOMEOWNER RESPONSIBILITY
Brushing Is Not Optional
Proper brushing is one of the most important things the homeowner can do to help a new plaster or pebble finish cure and develop correctly.
Unless your written agreement states otherwise, brushing the new interior finish is the homeowner’s responsibility. Brush the walls, floor, steps, benches and corners twice daily during the first 14 days.
Brushing removes plaster dust, helps the finish cure more evenly and assists with exposing the pebble aggregate.
Where to Brush Most
Pay special attention to areas that appear smoother or where fewer pebbles are visible.
Give those areas additional passes and firmer pressure with the pool
brush to help expose more of the pebble finish.
Continue brushing the entire pool—not only the areas that look different. Consistent brushing helps create a more uniform final appearance.
FIRST 28–30 DAYS
Essential New-Finish Care
Continuous Fill
Do not stop the water once filling begins. Continue until the water reaches the middle of the tile line.
Brush Twice Daily
Brush all interior surfaces twice daily for the first 14 days. Brushing is critical and is the homeowner’s responsibility.
No Heater
Do not turn on the pool heater during the first 28 days while the finish is curing.
No Salt
Do not add salt for at least 30 days. PLAPCO recommends waiting approximately 90 days.
Weekly Chemistry
Maintain balanced water chemistry to protect the finish, tile, coping and surrounding masonry.
Maintain the Equipment
Clean filters and service the equipment based on use, debris load and the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations.
Project-specific instructions control.
This page provides general guidance. Your signed agreement, written project
instructions and instructions provided by the finishing or startup company
take priority if they differ from this guide.
WHY TIMELINES CAN CHANGE
Full Remodels Have More Moving Parts
The timing shown throughout this guide is general. Some phases overlap, while others must wait for inspections, curing, material delivery or completion of the previous trade.
Hidden Conditions
Shell damage, unsuitable soil, deteriorated plumbing or buried obstacles may not be visible until demolition begins.
Weather
Rain, extreme temperatures and wet site conditions can delay demolition, concrete, masonry, finish work and curing.
Materials
Special-order tile, coping, stone and pavers may have changing lead times or availability.
Inspections and Coordination
When required, inspections and coordination with utilities or other professionals can affect when the next phase begins.
COMMON HOMEOWNER QUESTIONS
Full Pool Remodel FAQs
A basic remodel may focus primarily on tile and interior finish. A
full remodel can also include surrounding hardscape demolition,
underground plumbing replacement, new masonry, grading, drainage and
new pool decking, depending on the contracted scope.
Removing selected deck areas provides access for plumbing replacement,
allows elevations and drainage to be corrected where included, and
gives the remodeled pool a coordinated new hardscape finish.
The new plumbing is placed under pressure as a quality-control test.
The temporary test equipment and exposed lines should not be disturbed
while the test is in progress.
A freshly applied pebble finish can look hazy, chalky or uneven while
dry. The finishing crew normally returns the following morning to
acid-wash, expose the aggregate and address minor pinholes or surface
imperfections. The appearance changes substantially after cleaning
and filling.
Unless the written agreement states otherwise, brushing is the
homeowner’s responsibility. The entire pool should be brushed twice
daily for the first 14 days, with extra attention given to areas where
fewer pebbles are visible.
The heater should remain off for the first 28 days. Salt should not be
added for at least 30 days, and PLAPCO recommends waiting about 90
days. Follow the startup company’s project-specific instructions before
swimming or operating specialty systems.
CONSIDERING A FULL POOL REMODEL?
Start With a Conversation
We begin with a phone conversation to understand the existing pool, surrounding hardscape, access, priorities and the scope you are considering.