Pool Replacement in Central Florida: Full Rip and Replace
We do full tear-outs and rebuilds only. We remove the old shell and deck, then design, engineer and build a brand-new pool from scratch. We don’t resurface, re-tile or repair existing pools. If that’s what your pool needs, a resurfacing specialist will do it faster and for less, and we’ll tell you so.
Replacement projects use the same tiers as our new builds: Foundation from $120,000, Signature from $175,000 and Monument from $325,000, plus demolition, which typically runs $8,000 to $20,000 depending on pool size, deck removal and access. See full pricing. For replacement-specific numbers, see our pool remodel cost guide.
With over $100 million in luxury pool projects built, experience since 1997, and certification for both residential and commercial construction, we bring the same precision, craftsmanship, and design expertise to renovations that we apply to new custom pool builds.
Call (407) 339-5800 to schedule your free pool renovation consultation.
What Is a Rip and Replace Pool Renovation?
Rip and replace is the most complete form of pool remodeling, and it goes far beyond resurfacing or cosmetic updates. It involves removing the existing pool shell and systems and rebuilding the pool from the ground up, allowing for complete design freedom, modern engineering, and long-term reliability.
This approach is ideal when structural issues, outdated layouts, or poor original construction make traditional remodeling impractical or cost-ineffective.
Rip and Replace Pool Renovations Are Ideal If:
- The pool shell is cracked, shifting, or structurally compromised
- Plumbing or circulation systems are failing or outdated
- The pool layout no longer fits your lifestyle
- You want to upgrade to a modern luxury design
- The original pool was poorly built or improperly engineered
Luxury Pool Replacement Specialists in Central Florida
Southern Pool Designs is a certified pool contractor replacing pools for homeowners across Orlando, Winter Park, Windermere, Lake Nona, Lake Mary and the rest of Central Florida who expect a higher level of design, construction, and project management.
Our Renovation Expertise Includes:
- Full rip and replace pool construction
- Modern pool layouts and elevations
- Custom water features and spillovers
- Integrated spas and sun shelves
- Advanced pool automation systems
Whether your home sits on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, along Windermere’s Butler Chain, near Lake Monroe in Sanford, or in a newer community like Lake Nona, we design pools that complement the architecture and outdoor space.
View Our Recent Luxury Pool Projects
Why Homeowners Choose Southern Pool Designs
Choosing the right contractor for a pool renovation is critical. A rip and replace project requires extensive technical knowledge, engineering precision, and experienced oversight.
What Sets Us Apart:
- $100M+ in luxury pool projects built
- Established November 1997
- Certified commercial and residential pool contractor
- Local experience with Sanford permitting and inspections
- Active industry association memberships
- Dedicated in-house design and construction team
- Clear timelines, communication, and project management
We have built our reputation by delivering pools that last and by standing behind our work long after construction is complete.
Our Pool Replacement Process, Step by Step
A successful pool renovation starts with a clear plan and ends with flawless execution. Our proven process ensures transparency, efficiency, and exceptional results.1. Free Consultation and Site Evaluation
We begin with an on-site consultation to assess:
- Condition of the existing pool and deck
- Structural and plumbing concerns
- Property layout and access
- Design opportunities and constraints
2. Custom Pool Design and Engineering
Our design team creates a fully customized pool plan, incorporating:
- New pool shape and depth
- Updated circulation and plumbing systems
- Luxury finishes and materials
- Safety and code compliance
- Long-term durability and performance
3. Demolition and Removal
We carefully remove the existing pool structure, plumbing, and outdated components while protecting your home and surrounding landscape.
This is managed with precision to ensure:
- Safe demolition
- Proper disposal
- Minimal disruption to your property
4. New Pool Construction
Once demolition is complete, we rebuild your pool using the same construction standards as our custom luxury builds:- Steel-reinforced gunite shells
- Modern hydraulic systems
- High-efficiency equipment
- Premium finishes
5. Final Details and Project Completion
After construction, we fine-tune every detail:- Equipment startup and testing
- Finish application and curing
- Automation setup and homeowner training
- Final walkthrough and inspection
Popular Upgrades When You Replace Your Pool
A rip and replace renovation allows you to incorporate features that weren’t possible with your original pool.
Design and Layout Enhancements
- Contemporary geometric or freeform designs
- Baja shelves and tanning ledges
- Deeper swim areas or play zones
- Integrated spas and seating
Luxury Features
- Sheer descents and waterfalls
- Fire bowls and water-fire combinations
- LED lighting systems
- Glass tile and high-end interior finishes
Equipment and Technology
- Variable-speed pumps
- Automated controls and smart systems
- Energy-efficient heaters
- Saltwater chlorination
Structural and Safety-Driven Pool Renovations
Not all pool remodeling is about aesthetics. Many homeowners come to us due to serious structural or safety concerns.
Common Issues We Resolve:
- Cracked or leaking pool shells
- Outdated or failing plumbing lines
- Poor circulation and filtration
- Non-compliant drain systems
- Unsafe depths or entry points
Our renovations bring your pool up to modern safety and building standards, protecting both your investment and your family.
Where We Replace Pools in Central Florida
Our office is in Sanford and our crews work across Central Florida, from Seminole and Orange County through Osceola, Brevard and St. Johns. Pool remodeling changes character with the ground it sits on, so the county matters more than the mileage.
Inland lots near the St. Johns River and the chain of lakes sit on a high, seasonally moving water table. Draining an existing pool in the wrong season can lift the shell on hydrostatic pressure and crack it, which is why we check hydrostatic relief before anyone pulls a plug. Coastal work in Brevard and St. Johns brings salt air, and that decides equipment and fastener specification rather than leaving it to the catalog. Permitting differs by authority as well, and waterfront lots attract extra review.
Do You Need a Full Replacement or Just Resurfacing?
Pool remodeling and resurfacing are different jobs, and the honest answer saves people money. Resurfacing replaces the interior finish on a shell that is structurally sound. It is a five figure job, it is the right call when the pool works and simply looks tired, and a resurfacing specialist will do it faster and for less than we would.
Rip and replace is the answer when the shell is failing, when the shape or depth is wrong for how the yard is used, or when the design you want cannot be reached from the pool you have. The signs that resurfacing will not hold are cracks that move, water loss that is not evaporation, and rebar showing through the finish. A new surface over a failing shell buys two or three years, and then you pay for the work twice.
What looks like a cosmetic problem often hides a structural one. In older pools we regularly find corroded rebar, gunite that has started to delaminate, failed waterproofing that lets water move through the shell, undersized or brittle plumbing, and poor slope that wears the finish unevenly. A touch-up covers the symptoms. It does not stop any of them, which is why we rebuild instead of patch.
If a refinish is what your pool needs, we will say so. The most expensive outcome in this category is paying for a rebuild that was never required.
Renovate or Replace? A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Resurfacing or renovation | Full rip and replace | |
|---|---|---|
| Best when | The shell is sound and the pool just looks tired | The shell is cracked, moving or leaking, or the shape and depth no longer fit how you use the yard |
| What changes | Interior finish, tile, sometimes equipment | Everything: shell, plumbing, equipment, deck and layout |
| Typical cost | Five figures | From $120,000, plus $8,000 to $20,000 for demolition |
| Timeline | Usually a few weeks | 16 to 28 weeks from first design to swimming, plus demolition |
| Who should do it | A resurfacing specialist | Southern Pool Designs |
How long does a pool replacement take?
Plan on the same 16 to 28 weeks as a new custom build, from the first design meeting to swimming, plus the demolition phase. Permitting usually takes 2 to 6 weeks of that. See our step-by-step pool timeline.
Schedule Your Free Pool Replacement Consultation in Central Florida
If your pool is outdated, failing, or no longer meets your needs, Southern Pool Designs is ready to help you start fresh with confidence.
Call us at (407) 339-5800 or fill out our contact form. Request your free consultation today and discover what’s possible with a professionally designed rip and replace pool renovation anywhere in Central Florida.
Pool Replacement FAQs
How do I know if my pool needs a renovation?
What’s the difference between pool remodeling and rip and replace renovation?
Do I need permits for a pool renovation in Sanford?
Can I change the size or shape of my pool during a renovation?
- Redesign pool shape and depth
- Add sun shelves or spas
- Improve traffic flow and seating
- Modernize the overall layout
Is rip and replace better than resurfacing an old pool?
- A brand-new pool structure
- Modern hydraulic systems
- Improved efficiency and safety
- Long-term reliability
Rebuild Your Pool the Right Way
Schedule your free rip & replace pool consultation today. Call (407) 339-5800 to get started or fill out our contact form below.
After a renovation, keep your new pool in top shape with weekly care from Southern Pool Care.