Pool Remodeling and Renovation in Cape Coral and Fort Myers

Pool remodeling is a renovation that changes more than the interior finish. Pebble Technology International’s planning guide lists what one can include: a new pool finish and updated waterline tile, new coping, new decking or pavers, water features, and structural changes such as new steps or a spa. If only the finish is worn, pool resurfacing may be the whole job.

Early on, the same guide asks about problems the pool already has: “Leaking, cracks, mottling, mildew/algae, hollow pool walls, loose pebbles or tiles”. If yours has any of these, say so at the visit; pool leak detection and the page on surface crazing or a structural crack cover the first two.

What a pool remodel can include

• A new finish: marcite, quartz or pebble; see marcite, quartz and pebble compared.
• Waterline tile and coping: the two edges of the pool, below.
• Steps, seating and a spa: structural changes to the shell.
• Lights and equipment: pumps, filters and heaters can be replaced in the same project. See pool pump repair and pool heater repair.
• The deck: a new surface for the concrete around the pool. See pool deck resurfacing.

Pool tile repair

“Waterline tile” is, in Pebble Technology International’s words, “the rim of tile around the pool near the water’s surface.” The same guide says that in a remodel project “the pool finish and waterline tile are usually completed at the same time.” Loose or missing tile is on its list of functional problems to fix. If the tile is sound and only the finish is worn, ask whether the tile can stay.

Pool coping replacement

Coping is “the concrete or stone surface surrounding the pool, where the pool structure meets the deck,” in the same guide’s definition. Because it sits where the shell meets the deck, plan it with the waterline tile below it and the deck around it.

The order of the work

Pebble Technology International’s planning guide sets out the choices in this order: the water color, the finish texture, the waterline tile, the coping, then the decking and pavers, then features. The contractor sets the order of the work itself, and the written quote should show it.

Remodel permits in Cape Coral and Fort Myers

Cape Coral: the Building Division has a residential Pool Renovation permit. The guideline says it is “used when renovating a pool on a residential property”, and that a pool contractor (CPC), a general contractor (CGC) or an owner-builder can apply. Pool deck additions are a separate permit type, and replacing a pool heater has its own guideline.

Fort Myers: the city requires building permits to “construct, alter, repair and move or demolish a building or structure”, and requires proof of license from contractors who pull permits for properties in the city. Its permit list shows residential in-ground pool bottom refinishing as needing no permit; for the rest of a remodel, ask the city. Pool repair in Fort Myers has more.

A remodel that replaces the finish means draining the pool first; draining a pool in Florida explains the relief valve and where the water may go.

Elsewhere in Lee County: ask the office that issues permits for your address. Lee County’s permit center says projects within Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel may need permits from that jurisdiction.

Before you sign, look the contractor up at myfloridalicense.com. No price is published here; a remodel is priced from its scope, so the more of the list above you settle at the visit, the more useful the quote.