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A backyard swimming pool is more than a place to cool off, it’s an investment in your home, lifestyle, and the memories you create with family and friends. In the Phoenix metro area, where pools endure intense UV exposure, hard water, and year‑round use, even the best‑built pools eventually show signs of aging. Cracked interiors, outdated tile, inefficient equipment, or a design that feels stuck in another decade are all reasons homeowners consider remodeling.
This comprehensive guide explores the benefits, costs, and full remodeling process, along with Phoenix‑specific insights and details about how Thunderbird Pools & Spas serves homeowners across the Valley.Thunderbird Pools & Spas is a family-owned and operated pool designer and builder in Phoenix, Arizona. For over 20 years, we have used our experience and expertise to construct all kinds of in-ground pools, from simple, straightforward designs perfect for cooling off in the Arizona heat, to the most elaborate, luxurious backyard oases. We provide a variety of design features and options to create an outdoor space where your family can relax, connect, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Many remodels begin with a desire for a fresh look, but the advantages go far deeper.
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Over time, pools can develop leaks, delamination, or loose tiles that create sharp edges. Remodeling allows you to:
- Repair structural issues
- Replace worn coping
- Install modern, anti‑entrapment drain covers
- Bring older pools up to current safety standards
In the Arizona climate, where extreme heat and shifting soil can accelerate wear and tear, these updates are especially important.When it comes to concrete pools, you may have also heard the terms “gunite" and “shotcrete.” While they sound like different materials, they are actually simply different processes for applying concrete.
Technology has advanced dramatically in the last decade. Upgrading outdated equipment can significantly reduce monthly operating costs.
Popular upgrades include:
- Variable‑speed pumps (far more efficient than old single‑speed models)
- LED lighting
- High‑efficiency heaters
- Automation systems that optimize run times
- Filter Cartridge Systems
As a Hayward Partner, Thunderbird Pools installs industry‑leading, energy‑efficient equipment designed to withstand Phoenix’s demanding climate.
A modern, well‑maintained pool is a major selling point in Phoenix. Conversely, a deteriorating pool can deter buyers who see it as a costly project. Remodeling transforms a liability into a luxury asset.
Pool remodels range from simple refreshes to complete transformations.
Resurfacing is the most common remodeling task. Traditional white plaster only lasts around 7–12 years, or even less in Arizona’s harsh climate, so many homeowners now choose more durable options.
As a PebbleTec® Elite Builder, Thunderbird Pools & Spas exclusively offers these industry-leading finishes. Known for a lifespan of 20+ years and superior resistance to staining and hard-water buildup, PebbleTec® is the premier choice for the Phoenix desert. Thunderbird offers several distinct lines to achieve your desired look and feel:
- PebbleSheen®: This is Thunderbird’s most popular offering. It utilizes smaller pebbles to strike the perfect balance between a refined, soft texture and a slip-resistant surface.
- PebbleEssence®: For those seeking the smoothest possible finish, PebbleEssence® offers an even softer feel than PebbleSheen® and includes a "Shimmering Sea" blend for an added touch of sparkle.
- Luminous™ Enhancements: For a truly luxurious effect, Thunderbird can augment these finishes with iridescent glass beads that catch the light and create a shimmering, reflective water color.
Quartz blends offer improved durability and color variety, often considered an attractive middle ground between plaster and pebble. However, Thunderbird Pools does not offer "true" or traditional quartz finishes. Because traditional quartz is more susceptible to UV fading and chemical sensitivities, Thunderbird instead utilizes the high-performance PebbleSheen® and PebbleEssence® lines. These products provide the smooth, uniform aesthetic of quartz but with the vastly superior durability and longevity of a genuine PebbleTec® finish.
Waterline tile creates a durable, non‑porous band at the pool’s edge that resists staining and makes scale and oils easy to clean. When installed below the waterline during a remodel, the tile also helps keep the interior finish consistently submerged, which reduces wet‑dry cycling and the micro‑stresses that can lead to cracking, especially important in hard‑water areas like Phoenix.
Thunderbird partners with National Pool Tile (NPT) and Noble Pool Supply to offer a wide selection of ceramic, glass, and mosaic tile options.
Upgrading coping to natural stone, travertine, or modern pavers can dramatically elevate your pool’s appearance.
Modern pool owners can now control their entire backyard from a smartphone. Remodeling is the perfect time to install automation systems that manage filtration cycles, heating, and lighting schedules remotely.
Ultra-violet (UV) and ozone water treatment systems can help you keep your pool water extra clean by target germs and contaminants that might be resistant to chlorine. UV sanitizers use a high-powered light to neutralize the DNA of germs and algae as water flows past it, stopping them from growing. An ozone system injects ozone gas into your pipes that acts like a powerful cleaner, quickly breaking down contaminants like sweat and oils. For the highest level of purity, an AOP system combines both UV and Ozone to create a "super-cleaner" for the water.Waterline tile protects the pool shell from staining and makes cleaning easier, especially important in areas with hard water like Phoenix.
Understanding the timeline helps set expectations: your backyard will be a construction zone for several weeks.
This stage includes:
- Selecting materials and colors
- Reviewing design options
- Creating 3D renderings
Most Valley cities do not require permits for standard remodel work such as new interiors, waterline tile, or decking. However, permits are required when the project involves structural changes, like adding a spa, changing the pool’s shape, adding a pergola, or demolishing an existing pool.
Thunderbird Pools works closely with municipalities across the Valley, including Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Buckeye, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek, to ensure any required permits are handled correctly.
The pool is drained, and the demolition crew removes old interior and tile using jackhammers. This is the noisiest, dustiest phase.Technology has advanced dramatically in the last decade. Upgrading outdated equipment can significantly reduce monthly operating costs.
If you’re upgrading lights, adding features, or replacing equipment, plumbing and electrical lines are updated now.
New tile and coping are hand‑laid with precision. This phase can take several days depending on the complexity of the design.
The new finish is hand‑troweled into place, then given a light acid wash before the pool is refilled. Once filling begins, the water must run continuously until it reaches the tile line to prevent permanent waterline rings from forming.
Pool remodeling costs vary based on size, materials, and project scope.
$10,000 and up for standard plaster on an average‑sized pool.
Replacing tile, coping, and equipment alongside resurfacing typically starts at $25,000 and goes up depending on the scope of the project.
Adding features like a baja shelf, spa, or water features can significantly increase costs. Hidden expenses can also arise if the pool has outdated plumbing or a weakened shell.
Refilling 10,000–30,000 gallons will temporarily increase your water bill.
Some pool contractors charge extra for the required start‑up service after a new finish is applied. Pebble surfaces don’t need constant brushing, but they do require proper water balancing and follow‑up checks as the surface cures. At Thunderbird, we handle this for you; returning after the initial fill, then again at 7 days and 30 days to ensure the finish is curing correctly and the equipment is operating as it should.
Phoenix’s hard water accelerates calcium buildup. Pebble and quartz finishes resist staining better than plaster.
Summer temperatures can affect curing times and scheduling. Many homeowners remodel in fall or spring.
Depending on your community, your HOA may require approval for certain parts of a pool remodel, particularly if you’re adding new structures, like a pergola, or making changes that affect the home’s exterior appearance, such as front yard landscaping.
Thunderbird proudly serves homeowners across the Phoenix metro area, including:
Each community has unique architectural styles, soil conditions, and permitting requirements, areas where Thunderbird’s local expertise is invaluable.
Basic resurfacing: 1–2 weeks
Tile & coping replacement: 1–3 weeks
Full remodel: 3–6+ weeks
Structural additions: 6–10+ weeks
Seasonal demand in Phoenix can extend timelines, especially in spring.
Remodeling your pool is a meaningful investment in your home’s value, safety, and enjoyment. Whether you want a simple refresh or a complete transformation, choosing durable materials and working with an experienced contractor ensures long‑lasting results, especially in the demanding Phoenix climate.
Thunderbird Pools & Spas brings more than 20 years of experience, trusted vendor partnerships, and deep local knowledge to every project. From Peoria to Scottsdale and everywhere in between, our team helps homeowners create beautiful, efficient, and long‑lasting backyard retreats.
Explore the stunning results delivered by one of the leading pool builders in Arizona, trusted for custom swimming pool construction in Phoenix, AZ, luxury designs, custom spas, and flexible pool financing options across the Valley.
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