Not loving the shape of your pool anymore? Wish it were deeper or shallower for the kids? As families grow and outdoor spaces change, plenty of Gold Coast homeowners wonder if they can tweak their existing concrete pool to suit their current needs. The good news is that yes, you can change the shape or depth of your concrete pool, and the results can be a total game-changer. In this post, we’ll cover how the process works and a few things to think about before deciding if it’s the right move for your backyard.
5 Reasons Why You’d Want to Change the Shape or Depth of a Concrete Pool?
There are a lot of reasons why homeowners might think of reworking their pool to suit their lifestyle. Here are some of the most common reasons for making the change:
1. To Modernise an Outdated Design
Older pools, especially those built last century, often have shapes or features that don’t quite fit today’s style. Reshaping the pool can give your outdoor area a more modern look that matches the rest of your home.
2. To Make It Safer for Kids or Older Family Members
A deep pool might have been what you wanted before, but if you’ve got young kids right now or older relatives are using the space, safety becomes a higher priority. Deep pools are risky for your children if there’s no shallow area to play in, and steep entries or steps can be hard to navigate for older users. Adjusting the depth or adding a wading zone makes the pool safer and more accessible for everyone.
3. To Improve How You Use the Pool
Changing the layout can turn your pool into something more practical. Want to swim laps? You might need a longer, straight section. If you prefer relaxing, add a built-in bench or ledge to give you more usable space plus it creates the perfect space for adding spa jets.
4. To Lower Running Costs
Deeper pools mean more water, more energy to heat, and more chemicals to keep things balanced. By making the pool shallower, you reduce the overall volume, which can cut down on your heating bills, pump run time, and maintenance.
5. To Match the Renovated Home or Backyard
If you’ve done a home reno or added new landscaping features, an older pool shape might feel like it doesn’t belong anymore. Reshaping the pool helps it blend with new outdoor zones and give the entire area a more intentional, high-end finish.
What’s Involved in Changing a Pool’s Shape or Depth?
Changing the shape or the depth of a concrete pool is quite an extensive procedure, so it’s often paired with other upgrades such as resurfacing the pool, pool coping, pool surrounds and more. Here’s what’s involved in the process:
1. Draining and Preparing the Pool
First, the pool is drained and cleaned so the work can begin safely. Any loose finishes, tiles, or coping are removed to expose the concrete shell underneath.
2. Demolition or Reshaping
Concrete sections are cut, jackhammered, or excavated to create space for the new layout. For shallowing, the floor might be built up. On the other hand, for deepening, the base is lowered and reinforced. Shape changes often involve cutting into one or more walls.
3. Steelwork and Formwork
New steel reinforcement is added to support the updated structure. Formwork shapes the new shell before the concrete is applied.
4. Concrete and Surface Finishes
Fresh concrete is poured to form the new wall or floor. Once cured, the entire interior is resurfaced with plaster, pebblecrete, or tiles. New coping or waterline tiles are installed.
5. Plumbing and Equipment Adjustments
Any changes to the pool’s layout usually mean updates to plumbing and circulation. New depth can affect skimmer levels, suction points, and drainage. This is also a good time to upgrade filters, pumps, or features like spa jets or lighting.
6. Refilling and Final Testing
Once everything is finished and cured, the pool is refilled, balanced, and tested to make sure all systems are working as they should.
Structural and Regulatory Considerations
Changing the shape and depth of a concrete pool also comes with important structural and legal requirements. Keep in mind the following:
- Engineering and structural integrity. A structural engineer needs to assess and design any changes to ensure the pool remains safe and stable. This helps prevent issues like cracks, leaks, or uneven settling after the work is done.
- Council approvals and permits. Since you’re planning structural changes to your pool, building approval is likely required. Renovations involving changes to shape or depth generally need to be approved through your local council or a private building certifier.
- Pool safety compliance. Any changes that affect depth, entry points, or fencing layout will need to comply with Queensland’s pool safety laws. This includes barrier height, gate operation, and access compliance.
- Plumbing and drainage. Moving walls or changing depth often means relocating suction points, skimmers, and drains. All plumbing must meet current codes, especially regarding water efficiency and backflow prevention.
Things to Consider Before Committing
Reshaping or adjusting the depth of your pool is a fantastic upgrade, but it’s a big decision. These are the factors you need to consider before you decide:
Budget
Structural changes are a lot more involved than cosmetic updates like resurfacing or retiling. You’ll need to factor in demolition, concrete work, new finishes, plumbing adjustments, and possibly equipment upgrades. A detailed quote from a licensed Gold Coast pool builder will help you understand what’s realistic for your budget. If you’re not sure what kind of costs to expect, we break it down in more detail in our guide to pool renovation costs.
Pool Equipment
If your pump, filter, or heating system is outdated, it’s time to upgrade. New plumbing layouts or added features can place more demand on your system, so it’s worth checking if everything will still run efficiently.
Surrounding Landscaping
Changing the shape or size of the pool might mean altering the surrounding area as well. Paving, fencing, decking, or garden beds may need to be removed and replaced, especially if you’re pushing out walls.
Timing
Pool renovations take time, usually several weeks, depending on the scale of the job and weather conditions. If you want the pool ready for summer, it’s best to get started in autumn or winter when demand is lower and trades are more available.
Pool Downtime
During the renovation, your pool will be completely out of use. Most projects involving shape or depth changes take around 6-8 weeks, sometimes longer if the weather causes delays or extra work is needed.
Ready to Transform Your Pool?
Changing the shape or depth of your pool is no small job, but when done properly, it can completely change the way you use or enjoy your outdoor space. Whether you’re after a more family-friendly layout or just a more modern design, concrete pool renovations give you the flexibility to make it happen. It’s a practical upgrade that can make your pool feel new again and better suited to how you live now.
If you’re thinking of reshaping or deepening your pool, the best place to start is with a site assessment from our team! As experienced pool builders on the Gold Coast, we’ll inspect your existing pool and walk you through what’s possible based on your layout and budget. Call us today on (07) 5651 0404 to schedule a FREE onsite consultation!
