Pools are created to withstand the test of time, but sometimes the designs fall short when they move into the next decade. If your backyard pool has become more of an embarrassment than a family gathering spot, maybe it's time for a redo. Pool remodeling can be surprisingly affordable and completely transform your outdoor living space. Check out these options for renovating your pool and create an outdoor oasis you will be proud to share with friends and family once again.

Interior Resurfacing

One way to give your pool a face lift is by resurfacing the interior of the pool. This process can create a pool that is easier to maintain as well as more aesthetically pleasing. First, if you have a really deep end on one side of your pool, consider filling in a portion of the basin with stone to create a more shallow depth. This can save water, energy and cleaning costs without giving up much pool function. Most homeowners today stick with a maximum depth of about six feet for easier maintenance and energy efficiency.

Once you have created the depth you desire, let your imagination run wild as you consider the many possibilities in interior pool resurfacing. Consider an application of colored plaster or the installation of mosaic tiles. Another popular option in pool resurfacing is exposed aggregate, which consists of many colorful pebbles set into a concrete mixture. The finished product is surprisingly smooth and quite natural looking. You can choose from a variety of looks based on the color of the concrete base and the types of pebbles embedded within.

Water Features

Another way to update a tired swimming pool is with the addition of a water feature. A rock waterfall or a couple of fountains sprouting up in the middle of your pool will provide an updated, high end look to your outdoor space. When you add your water feature, it is also a good idea to add lighting to highlight the spot for evening entertaining. Colored lights on pool fountains make a particularly festive touch for parties after the sun goes down.

Lighting

Lighting is another way to bring an outdated pool into this century. LED and fiber optic lights come in a rainbow of colors and can be used poolside or underwater. Fiber optic lights tend to soften the space, and color can be used to transform your pool water into almost any hue. You can even switch out the colors of some of these lights for a festive look for holidays. You can also add illumination to pathways using solar light along the way. Spotlights are a good choice for highlighting special features like that waterfall or a particularly lovely area of landscaping.

Updating your pool doesn't have to cost a fortune, but it can make a big difference in the overall look of your outdoor living space. With these tips you can take your pool area from tired to trendy without much time or money involved.