Is Your Pool Due for Restoration?

May 8, 2025

Is Your Pool Showing Its Age?

Owning a pool is an investment in comfort, recreation, and home value—but over time, even the best-built pools will start to show their age. Whether you’ve noticed cosmetic issues or subtle changes in how your pool functions, it might be time to consider a restoration. At The Pool Chemist, we’ve been helping Hudson Valley homeowners revive their pools since 1977. We specialize in restoring both the beauty and performance of pools—without cutting corners.


Here are the most common signs that your pool may be due for professional restoration.


1. Surface Stains, Cracks, or Peeling Plaster

If your pool’s interior surface is stained, cracked, or beginning to peel, it’s more than just an eyesore. Over time, chemical exposure, UV rays, and general wear can break down the plaster surface or vinyl liner. This not only affects appearance—it can also compromise the structure and make cleaning and chemical balancing more difficult.


We offer a variety of resurfacing options, from traditional white plaster to upgraded finishes like Diamond Brite or Terrazzo, which offer better durability and visual appeal. For vinyl liner pools, we provide expert liner replacements using top-tier manufacturers backed by meaningful warranties.

A large indoor swimming pool with a gym in the background

2. Loose or Damaged Tile and Coping

Tile and coping aren’t just decorative—they protect the edges of your pool and help direct water properly. If you’ve noticed tiles popping off, cracked coping stones, or signs of erosion around the pool perimeter, it’s time to act.


Replacing outdated or damaged tile and coping not only protects your pool structure but gives your backyard a dramatic visual upgrade. Whether you want something classic or contemporary, we help you choose materials that suit your space and hold up to Northeast weather.


3. Persistent Leaks or Water Level Issues

Is your pool losing water more quickly than usual? Minor evaporation is normal, but if you’re constantly refilling, there could be a leak in the structure, plumbing, or equipment. Left unchecked, leaks can lead to larger structural problems and unnecessary water and chemical costs.


As part of our restoration services, we can inspect for hidden leaks and repair plumbing or shell damage as needed. In some cases, a complete restoration of plumbing lines or skimmers may be the most effective long-term solution.

A close up of a blue tiled floor in a swimming pool.

4. Worn-Out or Noisy Equipment

Pool restoration isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about how your pool performs. Old pumps, filters, and heaters can drive up energy bills, require frequent repairs, or simply fail to do their job. If your equipment is noisy, inconsistent, or struggling to keep up, a system upgrade may be in order.


We specialize in energy-efficient solutions like variable-speed smart pumps and heat pumps that reduce costs while improving performance. These upgrades can often be included as part of a larger restoration project.


5. Fading or Outdated Appearance

Even if your pool functions well, fading materials and outdated finishes can make the whole backyard feel tired. A full restoration can breathe new life into the space—especially when combined with updated decking, lighting, and features like automatic covers or waterline enhancements.


At The Pool Chemist, we work with you to select finishes that match your taste and stand the test of time. Whether you’re aiming for a classic Catskill-style black plaster gunite pool or a sleek modern design, we deliver quality with every detail.

A swimming pool with a lot of green water in it.

Let’s Make Your Pool Look—and Work—Like New

Restoring a pool doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. In many cases, strategic repairs and surface upgrades are all it takes to transform your backyard into something you’ll be proud to show off.


If you’ve noticed any of the signs above, it’s worth scheduling a consultation with our team. With decades of experience in pool restoration and construction throughout Ulster, Dutchess, Columbia, and Greene Counties, we’re here to help you protect your investment and extend the life of your pool.

Ready to restore your pool the right way?


Call The Pool Chemist today at 845-334-1332 or request a free estimate online. Let’s bring your pool back to its best.

A close up of a swimming pool with black tiles
A man is working on the floor of a swimming pool.
A blue swimming pool with stairs in it
A large swimming pool with trees reflected in the water
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