Pool resurfacing: deep renovation to the shell

When a pool needs deep renovation

Regrouting and tile repair (regrouting-tile-repair) suit a pool whose tiles are sound. Deep renovation is the next level, for pools where the layers behind the surface have failed.

• Tiles or mosaic coming away in patches, or sounding hollow over large areas
• Render or an old finish lifting off the wall, with loose fill behind it
• Layers added over earlier repairs, raising the surface and hiding the problem
• Leaks through the shell, joints or fittings that cannot be reached without taking the surface off
• Worn terrazzo, sandwash or plaster that no longer comes clean

What we strip and what we renew

We take the pool back to the shell. The old tiles, the render and every layer added since the pool was built come off. This lets us see the concrete itself, repair cracks and weak joints, reset or replace fittings and waterproof where it is needed. The shell is then rendered through, ready for the new surface. You choose between two finishes:

• PebbleCrete: a seamless finish in a wide range of colours, carried through the floor, walls, steps and benches
• New tiles: mosaic or large-format tiles (such as 60 x 120 cm), laid and grouted on the new render

Combining work in one shutdown

With the pool empty and open, deep renovation is a good time for other drained work. We often rebuild steps, replace old lights, add fibre optics, renew the coping and rework the pump room in the same shutdown. Any electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician. We plan the shutdown around your bookings and agree the programme for the individual project.

Inspection first

We start with an on-site inspection and tap-test the surface wherever we can reach it. We tell you plainly whether regrouting and spot repairs will do, or whether the pool needs to go back to the shell. If the shell itself shows structural damage, we say so. We then agree the next step with you and your engineer — or, if you don't have one, with our partner engineer.

What to send for a first discussion

For a first discussion and a quotation, send us:

• Photos of the pool, with close-ups of loose tiles, hollow areas or lifting render
• Your villa, hotel or resort location in Phuket or elsewhere in Thailand
• The approximate pool dimensions and whether it uses skimmers or an overflow
• Whether you prefer PebbleCrete or tiles, and any other work you want included