How to Tell Your Orange Pool Needs Resurfacing or a Remodel
Between Old Towne's century-old homes and the newer hillside neighborhoods on the east side, Orange has about as wide a spread of pool ages as any city we work in — here's what to watch for on either end.
Signs You Likely Need Resurfacing
- Rough, abrasive texture on the pool floor or walls
- Staining or discoloration that won't clean off
- Chipping, peeling, or delaminating plaster
- Plaster is 10+ years old and looking dull
Signs You Likely Need a Full Remodel
- The tile, coping, or deck look dated next to a new finish
- Equipment is old, inefficient, or frequently breaking down
- You're already resurfacing and want to fix everything at once
- Structural repairs, leaks, or cracked shell need addressing
The City the County Was Named After
Orange has one of the most recognizable downtowns in the county — a traffic circle and plaza ringed by Old Towne's century-old homes — and it's also where "Orange County" itself got its name.
We work the whole spread: a single-scope pool resurfacing on an Old Towne pool, or a full remodel with new finish, tile, decking, and equipment out in Orange Park Acres or Santiago Hills. Same process either way.
And the number on your estimate always comes from an actual visit to your backyard, not a guess made over the phone.
Orange was founded in 1888 and built its downtown around a traffic circle and plaza that's still there today — Old Towne Orange is one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in California, full of Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes from the early 1900s, with Chapman University sitting right at its edge.
That historic core sits alongside much newer growth — Orange Park Acres, Santiago Hills, and El Modena were built out mostly from the 1960s through the 1990s, bringing larger lots and larger pools to the hillside east side of the city. Between the two eras, pool age in Orange varies about as much as anywhere we work.
Get Your Free Estimate
Tell us about your pool — we'll follow up to schedule a free on-site visit.
Get a Free QuoteWhy a Pool Remodel Changes More Than the Pool
In Old Towne especially, the pool is often the one part of the property that's never been touched — the house has character, and the pool just looks tired next to it.
How the pool sets the tone
An aging pool is usually the first thing a visitor notices — even when the landscaping and patio furniture around it are in great shape.
Resale and everyday value
Resale aside, Orange homeowners tell us fairly often that the pool remodel is the project they wish they'd started years earlier.
One project, less disruption
Combining resurfacing with deck or equipment work means one schedule and one crew — not a new backyard project every summer.
Why Orange Chooses ACE Pool Repair & Remodel
Same standard whether it's a historic Old Towne property or a newer build out in the hills.
Remodeling Experts Since 2014
Since 2014 we've handled resurfacing and full remodels across the county — Orange's mix of historic and hillside pools very much included.
4.9★ Rated, 249+ Reviews
Real Orange County homeowners rating real finished remodels and resurfacing projects on Yelp.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
We pull the City of Orange permits ourselves and stand for every inspection — including the extra care Old Towne's historic district sometimes calls for.
Locally Owned & Operated
Based in Fullerton, a short drive from Orange — not a national franchise routing your job through a call center.
Pool Deck Renovation, Featuring Paver Decking
On a lot of Orange properties, especially in and around Old Towne, the deck is just as original as the pool — a good reason to knock both out at once.
- Paver decking — the option most Orange homeowners land on, durable and cooler underfoot
- Concrete decking for budget-conscious projects, with the tradeoff of cracking as one slab rather than flexing like pavers
- A range of real Angeles paver colors, including our most-popular Courtyard and Cobble styles
- Individual paver repair and re-leveling for existing decks
Residential Pool Remodeling Services in Orange
The full menu for an Orange backyard, whether you need one item off it or the whole list.
- Pool resurfacing — mini pebble, quartz, and traditional plaster finishes
- Tile & coping replacement — waterline tile, coping stones, and decorative accents
- Pool deck renovation — pavers or concrete decking
- Equipment upgrades — variable-speed pumps, heaters, filters, salt systems, and automation
- Plumbing repairs — skimmer replacement, lines, and pipe rerouting
- Upgrades & water features — Baja steps, waterfalls, deck jets, spas and shallowing
- LED lighting upgrades — color-changing LED pool lights and landscape lighting
- Pool replastering — full plaster removal and replacement with modern finish options
Pool Resurfacing Finish Options
Given how wide the range is between Old Towne's century-old pools and the newer hillside builds, we'll help you pick the finish that actually fits yours.
Standard Plaster
The most budget-friendly resurfacing option. Smooth white or colored finish, 10–15 year lifespan.
Mini Pebble Finish
Textured, natural-stone look with strong stain and algae resistance. We install StoneScapes mini pebble in Tropics Blue, Aqua White, Aqua Blue, and Aqua Cool. 15–20+ year lifespan — our top recommendation for Orange pools.
Quartz Finish
Vibrant color range with excellent durability and a bright, long-lasting shine.
Orange Pool Remodel & Resurfacing Costs
These are the real ranges we quote, not teaser numbers — every Orange estimate comes written, itemized, and free.
| Scope | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Resurfacing only — white plaster, no upgrades | Starting at $9,850 |
| Partial remodel (resurfacing + decking or tile) | $15,000–$25,000 |
| Full remodel (finish + decking + tile + equipment) | $30,000–$70,000+ |
| Baja step / tanning shelf add-on | $6,000+ |
| Small water feature (bubblers, deck jets) | $3,000+ |
| Custom rock waterfall or slide | $25,000+ |
| Saltwater conversion | $2,000+ |
That starting number includes demo (traditional or hydroblast), return flush fittings, drain covers, and start-up service — components some contractors bill separately once the job is underway. A lower price online almost always means something got left out of the scope, not that the job is actually cheaper.
Pricing varies by pool size, condition, and scope. See our full Orange County pool remodel cost guide for a detailed breakdown, or call (909) 577-5274 for a free estimate specific to your pool.
See Your Monthly Payment
Run your project through Lyon Financial's pool loan calculator for a real monthly number on your Orange remodel or resurfacing.
How an Orange Remodel or Resurfacing Project Works
Same six steps whether it's an Old Towne resurfacing or a full remodel out in the hills.
Free on-site consultation
We walk your Orange property in person, check the pool's condition, and talk through your goals and budget.
Written, itemized estimate
Every line item priced up front — no vague scopes, no hidden costs.
Permits & scheduling
We pull City of Orange permits and lock in a project schedule.
Demolition & prep
Old surface, tile, or deck material removed cleanly, with your property protected.
Resurfacing & installation
New finish, tile, decking, and equipment installed and inspected.
Final walkthrough
We walk your finished pool with you and start up every system before we leave.
Orange Neighborhoods We Serve
Not a remodel? We also handle pool repair in Orange — pumps, heaters, filters and plumbing.
From the historic streets of Old Towne to the newer hillside communities out east, here's where we're out working most.
Don't see your neighborhood listed? We cover all of Orange and the surrounding area — the fastest way to find out is to call.
Call or Text Us Today: (909) 577-5274Recent Pool Remodels Nearby in Orange County
A sample of resurfacing and remodel work from around our Orange County service area. Full case studies coming soon.




Want to see full before-and-after project details?
View Full GalleryReal Feedback From a Real ACE Client
A homeowner shares their experience with the Aqua White mini pebble finish ACE installed.
Client review — Aqua White mini pebble finish
What Orange County Clients Say
“Full retile and replaster with mini-pebble — called the crew perfectionists, and they earned it.”
“Same-day diagnosis and repair on a pool heater error — the technician clearly knew pools inside and out.”
“New pump and control box upgrade — I can now run the whole pool system from my phone.”
Orange Pool Remodel & Resurfacing FAQ
Should I resurface my Orange pool or do a full remodel?
What does pool resurfacing cost in Orange?
How long will my Orange pool be out of service?
What's the best pool finish for an Orange pool?
Can equipment be upgraded at the same time as a remodel?
How long does a pool finish actually last in Southern California?
Can I add paver decking while my pool is being resurfaced?
Does ACE handle City of Orange permits?
Ready to Transform Your Orange Pool?
Reach out for a free estimate — no obligation, just a real number after a real visit.