Plenty of Lakeland homes came with a pool that’s now showing its age: rough or stained plaster, cracked tile, a tired deck, a noisy pump, or a sagging screen enclosure. A well-planned remodel can make an older pool look and run like new for less than starting over. We connect you with independent, Florida-licensed pool contractors who handle pool remodeling and resurfacing in Lakeland and across Polk County.
Pool resurfacing in Lakeland, FL
Concrete pools are finished with an interior surface that wears over time, especially under Florida sun and year-round use. Signs it may be time to resurface include rough patches that snag swimsuits or feet, stains that won’t brush out, etching, delamination or hollow-sounding spots, and visible cracks. Common finish options include:
- Plaster (marcite): the traditional white or tinted finish
- Quartz aggregate: plaster blended with quartz for added color and durability
- Pebble aggregate: a textured, natural-looking finish that many owners choose for longevity
Fiberglass pools can also be refinished or repaired by qualified contractors. In Florida, interior finish and refinishing work falls within the scope of state-licensed pool/spa contractors under section 489.105, Florida Statutes.
Resurfacing usually means draining the pool. In parts of Polk County where groundwater sits high, draining a pool without checking conditions can risk damage from groundwater pressure, so this is a job for an experienced professional.
Tile, coping, and decking
Waterline tile and coping take the most abuse from sun, chemicals, and calcium buildup. Replacing them during a resurface is efficient, since the pool is already drained. Decks are another big upgrade: options include resurfacing existing concrete with a cool-to-the-touch coating, overlaying with pavers, or switching to travertine. Sandy soil can cause older decks to settle or crack, so ask contractors to assess the base, drainage, and any trip hazards.
Pool equipment upgrades
Pumps, filters, heaters, and controls wear out faster than the pool itself. Popular upgrades for Lakeland pools include:
- Variable-speed pumps, which can run at lower speeds to reduce energy use
- Heat pumps or other heaters to extend the swim season through cooler months
- Salt chlorine generators and automation you can control from your phone
- LED lighting, new filters, and replumbing of leaking or undersized lines
Polk County lists pool and spa repairs, renovations, and remodels that involve structural elements, electrical, gas, solar, or additional equipment among the jobs that require a building permit. Your contractor should tell you which parts of your project need permits. See our planning section for official links.
Screen enclosure repair and replacement
Florida storms, sun, and age take a toll on pool cages. Options range from rescreening panels to replacing an entire enclosure or upgrading to a new design. Polk County notes that replacing screening with like material generally doesn’t need a permit, while new framing does; check with your building department. Enclosure work is often handled by a specialty enclosure contractor, so ask about licensing for that portion of the job.
Bigger renovations: reshaping, spas, and safety upgrades
Some remodels go further: adding a sun shelf or bench, converting to a saltwater system, adding a spillover spa, or upgrading safety features such as pool alarms, self-closing gates, or a safety cover. Structural changes usually need engineering and a permit. If the remodel is extensive, ask a contractor whether a new custom pool or a fiberglass pool might make more sense.
What affects the cost of a pool remodel
We don’t publish prices. Remodeling quotes depend on the pool’s size and condition, the finish and tile you choose, the amount of deck and enclosure work, equipment selections, permit requirements, and any repairs uncovered once the pool is drained. Ask for itemized quotes so you can phase the project if needed.
Verify every contractor on the Florida DBPR license search before you sign. We connect homeowners in Lakeland, South Lakeland, Lakeland Highlands, Winter Haven, Bartow, Mulberry, and Haines City with licensed pros who handle remodels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my pool needs resurfacing?
Rough texture, stubborn stains, etching, hollow-sounding spots, peeling, and cracks are common signs. A licensed pool contractor can inspect the surface and tell you whether resurfacing, spot repair, or more extensive work is needed.
Do I need a permit to remodel my pool in Polk County?
It depends on the scope. Polk County lists pool and spa remodels involving structural elements, electrical, gas, solar, or additional equipment as requiring a permit. Inside Lakeland city limits, check with the City’s Building Inspection Division. Your contractor should confirm.
Can I resurface my pool without draining it?
Most resurfacing requires draining. Because groundwater can be high in parts of Polk County, draining should be done by an experienced professional who checks conditions first.
Do you remodel pools?
No. We are a free referral service, not a pool contractor. We connect you with independent, licensed pool contractors who quote and perform remodeling work.