Above Ground Pool Renovations for Older Pools: Sterns, Zodiac, Driclad and More
Many of the above ground pools in Melbourne backyards were installed decades ago, under brand names some owners no longer recognise. If yours is showing its age, above ground pool renovations can often bring it back without pulling the whole pool out.
Gemini Pool & Spa Services has worked on above ground pools since 1987. Over that time, our owner Tim has installed and serviced most major brands. This guide explains which older pools we work on, what details shape a renovation, and what the work can include.
Why Older Above Ground Pools Are Often Worth Renovating
An older pool is not automatically a lost cause. The problems we see most often, such as a tired liner, a rusted wall section or a failing skimmer box, are usually the parts that can be repaired or replaced.
Renovating can make sense when:
- The pool still suits your family and backyard
- The problems are in specific areas, such as the wall near the skimmer box
- You would rather avoid the upheaval of removing the pool entirely
- The liner, filtration or skimmer box are ready for an upgrade anyway
Every pool is different, so we only recommend a renovation after we have seen the pool in person. One customer described how Tim explained the best options for his old pool and found a cost-effective solution, and that is the approach we take on every job.
Above Ground Pool Brands We Have Installed and Serviced
Tim's background is as a service technician and pool installer, and for around 30 years he has specialised in above ground pools. Brands we have installed and now service include:
- Classic Pools
- Sterns
- Driclad
- Zodiac
- Blue Seas
- Affordable
- Blue Haven
- Poolworld
- Mighty Sun
- Clark Rubber
This is not a complete list. If your pool's brand is not shown here, or you are not sure what brand it is, get in touch anyway. We can usually tell you more once we have seen the pool.
Your Pool's Setup Shapes the Renovation
Two pools of the same brand can need very different work. That is why our online enquiry form asks a handful of questions before we visit.
| What we ask | Why it helps us plan |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Lets us plan travel and scheduling |
| Size, make and brand | Gives us a starting point for the pool's construction |
| Age of the pool and liner | Helps us understand how much wear to expect |
| Does the pool have a deep end? | Affects the shape of the new liner |
| Is the pool installed into the ground? | Affects access to the walls and surrounds |
| Does the pool have a deck? | Affects access around the pool during the work |
| Do you have solar heating? | Solar connects to the pool's plumbing and filtration |
| Are you happy with your skimmer box set-up? | Flags skimmer issues to look at during the renovation |
| Do you need help with filtration? | Lets us include a sand change or other filtration work |
You can also upload photos with the form, which helps us understand your pool before we arrive.
What Above Ground Pool Renovations Can Include
A renovation is built around what your pool needs. Some jobs are a single repair. Others combine several services into one project.
Above ground pool wall repairs
Most above ground pools have metal walls, and these can rust or become damaged over time. We repair walls and replace failed sections, giving a worn pool a fresh start rather than forcing an early replacement.
Rusted pool wall repairs are one of the jobs we are asked about most often on older pools.
Pool skimmer box replacement
The skimmer box sits in the wall at the waterline, which makes it one of the first areas to rust or crack. Because it plays a key part in filtration, a failing skimmer box can lead to further damage if it is left alone. Replacing it is a common part of a renovation.
Vinyl pool liner replacement
A new liner is often the most visible change in a renovation. Our primary service is replacing vinyl liners on above ground pools, and colours on offer include:
- Reef Pebble
- Bahama
- Dark Blue
- Light Blue
- Maui
If you are not sure whether your current liner is due, our guide to knowing when it is time for an above ground pool liner replacement covers the common signs.
Filtration and plumbing
An older pool often has older equipment. As part of a renovation, we can look at sand filter changes, pump repairs, salt chlorinator servicing, plumbing repairs or a new filtration installation. We use products from reputable suppliers such as Fluidra Australia and Spa Electrics.
To talk through a renovation for your pool, call
0416 276 210
or email
tsmck@bigpond.net for a free quote.
A Planned Renovation vs Piecemeal Repairs
Fixing one problem at a time can feel cheaper in the moment. On an older pool, though, it can mean paying for several visits to deal with issues that are connected.
| Piecemeal repairs | A planned above ground pool renovation |
|---|---|
| Each problem is dealt with as it appears | The pool is assessed as a whole on site |
| A new liner may go onto a wall that still needs work | Wall and skimmer box issues are addressed before the liner goes in |
| Filtration problems can be missed | Filtration and plumbing can be checked at the same time |
| Several separate visits and call-outs | Work is planned and scheduled together |
| Harder to know the pool's overall condition | A clear picture of what was done and why |
How the Renovation Process Works
Getting started is straightforward, and the quote is free.
- Fill in our online form with details about your pool and upload photos if you can.
- Choose your liner colour from our range.
- Book a site visit so we can assess the pool and the area in person.
- Confirm the service once you are happy with the plan and quote.
- Pay your deposit, and we schedule a date to complete the job. Work is weather dependent.
We are a mobile operation, so the work happens at your property. Clear access to the pool and to the pump and filter area helps, along with a working power point nearby. If the pool is behind a locked gate or narrow side return, let us know when you book.
Renovations for Commercial Pools and Swim Schools
We also provide renovations and liner replacements for commercial above ground pools. Swim schools in particular need extra attention, because higher water temperatures and heavy daily use put more strain on liners, walls and filtration.
Commercial operators can talk to us about planning work around their schedule, and about our Thermal Layer Protection (TLP) system, which is designed to help maintain pool temperature and reduce operating costs.
Where We Work
We are based on the Mornington Peninsula in Mt Eliza and look after above ground pools across:
- Mt Eliza, Mornington and Mt Martha
- Frankston South and Langwarrin
- The wider Mornington Peninsula
- Suburbs north, south and east of Melbourne
We have travelled as far as Corio, Christmas Hills, Lysterfield, Altona, Traralgon and Eynesbury. Jobs more than 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD may need a separate arrangement, but we are happy to travel. You can learn more about our more than 35 years of above ground pool experience and the areas we service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you renovate an old above ground pool?
In many cases, yes. Older pools often need work in specific areas, such as the liner, wall or skimmer box, which can be repaired or replaced. We confirm what is possible after a site visit.
Do you work on Sterns, Zodiac and Driclad pools?
Yes. We have installed and serviced many brands, including Sterns, Zodiac, Driclad, Classic Pools, Clark Rubber, Poolworld, Blue Haven and more. Get in touch even if your brand is not listed.
What if I don't know what brand my pool is?
That is common with older pools. Fill in what you know on our form, add photos, and we will look at the pool during the site visit.
What can an above ground pool renovation include?
It can include wall repairs, rusted skimmer box replacement, a new vinyl liner, and filtration and plumbing work. Each renovation is planned around what the pool needs.
Is it better to renovate or replace an above ground pool?
It depends on the pool's condition. Renovation is often a cost-effective option when the problems are in specific parts, and we give you an honest view once we have seen it.
How much does an above ground pool renovation cost?
We do not publish fixed prices because every pool is different. We provide a free quote after assessing your pool on site.
Does the weather affect when renovation work can be done?
Yes. Scheduling is weather dependent, and we confirm a date with you once the plan is agreed.
Do you renovate commercial pools?
Yes. We provide renovations and liner replacements for commercial above ground pools, including swim schools.
Do you travel outside the Mornington Peninsula?
Yes. We work north, south and east of Melbourne. Jobs more than 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD may need a separate arrangement.
Plan Your Above Ground Pool Renovation in Melbourne
An older pool can still have plenty to give. With the right repairs to the wall, skimmer box, liner and filtration, many pools can be brought back into regular use instead of being removed.
You can see examples of finished jobs in our before and after pool renovation photos. When you are ready, our team can assess your pool and recommend the right mix of work.
For a free quote on above ground pool renovations across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, call
0416 276 210 or email
tsmck@bigpond.net.
