When it comes to renovating or resurfacing an older pool, many homeowners ask the same question:
“Can you just patch it?”
Technically, yes. But at Southern Pool Designs, we usually don’t — and there’s a reason.
We believe in fixing problems the right way, not the fast way.
Our goal is to build (or rebuild) pools that last decades, not just look good for a season. That’s why we almost always recommend full rip & replace over cosmetic or temporary “touch-ups.”
⚙️ 1. The Problem Beneath the Surface
What looks like a small issue — cracks in the finish, chips in the coping, or uneven tile — often hides a much bigger problem underneath.
Old pools can have:
- Rusting or corroded rebar beneath the surface
- Weak gunite or shotcrete that’s begun to delaminate
- Compromised waterproofing that allows water to seep through the shell
- Outdated plumbing that’s undersized or brittle
- Improper slope or drainage causing surface wear and discoloration
A simple “touch-up” may hide the symptoms for a while — but it doesn’t stop the cause.
In Florida’s climate, that usually means the same problem returns within a year or two — often worse than before.
🧰 2. Rip & Replace Ensures Structural Integrity
When we perform a full rip & replace, we strip the pool down to its core materials and rebuild it using modern standards, upgraded materials, and new hydraulics.
That process allows us to:
- Inspect and repair steel, plumbing, and structure
- Apply a new gunite or Bond-Kote surface for adhesion longevity
- Install energy-efficient plumbing, equipment, and automation
- Rebuild coping and tile with precision alignment
- Ensure proper drainage, slope, and elevation
The result? A pool that doesn’t just look new — it is new from the inside out.
🧱 3. Touch-Ups Create False Savings
Yes, touch-ups cost less upfront — but only temporarily.
A patch or partial refinish might save a few thousand dollars now, but when it fails again (and it will), the total repair cost often exceeds what a proper renovation would have cost in the first place.
Think of it like painting over a rusted car: it might look shiny for a bit, but the corrosion never stopped spreading underneath.
With rip & replace, you get a clean foundation, modern materials, and peace of mind knowing the job was done right.
💧 4. Performance, Not Just Appearance
Beyond looks, rip & replace gives us the opportunity to improve how your pool works.
We can:
- Re-engineer plumbing for better water circulation and efficiency
- Add automation and smart control systems
- Improve filtration and heating performance
- Upgrade decking, coping, lighting, and tile for long-term value
That means lower maintenance costs, cleaner water, and smoother operation — every single day.
🔒 5. We Stand Behind What We Build
Every pool we renovate is backed by the same standards as our new builds: engineered, warrantied, and built to last.
We’d rather say no to a quick fix than deliver something we can’t confidently stand behind.
When you choose Southern Pool Designs, you’re not hiring a patch crew — you’re partnering with a builder who treats your project as an investment.
🧭 Bottom Line
We don’t do temporary.
We don’t do “good enough.”
We do pools that perform flawlessly, look incredible, and stand the test of time.
That’s why we prefer rip & replace over touch-ups — because shortcuts might save a week, but craftsmanship saves decades.
Southern Pool Designs — Florida’s leader in engineered luxury pools, renovations, and rebuilds that last for life.