When is the Best Time to Remodel a Pool?

What Time of Year is Best to Remodel a Pool?

The short answer is… after the rainy season.

Typically, the busy time for pool remodelers is, you may not be surprised to learn, when pool owners want to use their pools the most. Instead of remodeling during the colder months so the pool is ready for the swim season, most homeowners are either busy with other home improvement projects or take the “out of sight, out of mind” attitude about the pool. This is why a typical panicked phone call during the summer months from a prospective client begins with, “I’m having a party in a few weeks and I need my pool remodeled!”

The best time to remodel a pool from the remodeler’s perspective, is the winter, barring the rainy season, when the schedule is little lighter.

Another component of timing is budget. When you’re ready to remodel a pool and/or outdoor living space, sooner is always better than later. Many of our clients lament having waited too long to update their pool and backyard because, once completed, they are able to spend more time enjoying their outdoor living space with family and friends.

“We REALLY enjoyed the pool and patio last weekend! It was the perfect way to wrap up the summer.Our vision has become a reality and we love sharing it with our family and friends! — Elizabeth & Ted Heath

Weather Considerations that Affect Pool Construction

Rain

Even in California with mild winters, construction is best after the rainy season for many reasons. First, pool construction is a very labor intensive process. Unless you’re building an indoor pool, any outside construction project is prone to weather and field challenges. Rain, especially when you’re digging holes and laying concrete, you need clear days and weather that supports adequate curing time. Freezing temperatures (while not common to Southern California except for higher elevations) can also affect how plaster sets.

Another potential issue of building or remodeling a pool in winter is the water table (the level below which the ground is saturated with water). Due to many years of drought conditions this hasn’t been a problem for most of California. However, if the water table rises, it can cause a pool, when emptied, to “pop out” of the ground. To prevent this issue, an experienced remodeler will install an hydrostatic valve which is a one-way valve located at the deep end of the pool during construction. This allows swelling groundwater to escape into the pool instead of pushing the pool up from underneath.

Wind

Surprisingly, wind can be a factor. Santa Ana winds, a Southern California phenomenon, drives an intense, warm wind all over the Southland. Caused by pressure from warmer desert temperatures, we can experience the Santa Anas anytime between September and May. Wind – can affect applying a pool finish or decorative concrete decking. You don’t want pool plaster to be flying all over the yard or unwanted particles flying onto a new cement deck.

Are you ready to remodel your pool?