If you are planning a pool remodel in Orange County, whether that means a full renovation or just resurfacing and replastering, the first question is always the same. Here is a straight answer, with our real numbers, what moves them, and how long you will be without a pool.
| Scope | Cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Replaster only | From $9,850 | New finish, plus demo, new return flush fittings, drain covers and a full start-up service. Depends on pool size and finish choice. |
| Partial remodel | $15,000–$25,000 | Replaster plus either decking or tile. The most common scope once a pool is past fifteen years old. |
| Full remodel | $30,000–$70,000+ | Finish, decking, tile and equipment together, or a change to the shape of the pool itself. |
Estimates are free. If you want help placing your own pool in one of these tiers before you call, we wrote that up separately.
Which tier you are in is usually decided by how many elements are due at once rather than by the pool’s size. Our resurfacing cost by pool age guide walks through how to work that out from the tile, coping, deck and equipment before anyone visits.
Five things, in roughly the order they matter. The finish everyone agonizes over is rarely the biggest line.
Two families cover most Orange County remodels, and the choice really comes down to how long you want it to last before you do this again.
| Finish | Lasts | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| White plaster | 7–10 years | Lowest upfront cost of the options and a classic smooth finish. Expect to replaster again inside that window. |
| Mini pebble | 15–20+ years | What we recommend most. The most cost-efficient of the pebble family, and a smaller, finer pebble that is noticeably smoother underfoot than standard pebble. |
| Larger and premium pebble | 15–20+ years | Bigger aggregate and richer color, above mini pebble in price. Worth seeing in person before you decide. |
Mini pebble is not the only pebble option, just the most popular one. There are tiers above it.
We use StoneScapes mini pebble, which comes from NPT, the same supplier as our tile. If you have been searching PebbleTec, that is a brand rather than a material: Pebble Technology International introduced the original pebble finish in 1987 and the name became generic for the whole category. Good product. StoneScapes is the same idea, and it is what we prefer to work with.
Want the deeper comparison? Our guide to pool plaster vs. pebble finishes breaks down durability, staining and what each surface actually feels like underfoot.
Not because it is a bargain, but because of sequencing: the pool is drained, the area is staged, and retrofitting any of these later means disturbing finished work.
| Add-on | From | Why people add it |
|---|---|---|
| Baja step / tanning shelf | $6,000+ | A shallow, wide ledge for lounge chairs or keeping an eye on kids in the water. Price moves with size and shape. |
| Bubblers or deck jets | $3,000+ | The small water features, and one of the most requested upgrades once people see them. |
| Custom rock waterfall or slide | $25,000+ | The large end of water features. Price depends entirely on scale. |
| Saltwater conversion | $2,000+ | Softer-feeling water and lower ongoing chemical costs. |
| Handrails | Small | Meaningful for safety and accessibility near steps or a Baja shelf, and straightforward while the deck is already being worked on. |
| Spa addition | Varies widely | Depends heavily on size and materials. Worth a conversation about your specific yard. |
There is a fuller walkthrough of what is possible, and what each option actually involves, in our guide to pool upgrades.
| Scope | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Standalone replaster | About a week |
| Full remodel | 3 to 6 weeks |
Most homeowners are surprised how quick a replaster is: drained, refinished and refilled in about a week, barring anything unexpected once the old surface comes off. A full remodel is a longer commitment, typically three to six weeks depending on scope, weather and inspections.
On permits, requirements differ from city to city across Orange County. We establish what your job needs, pull them where they are required, and manage the inspections.
You do not have to fund a remodel in one go. Flexible monthly payments are available through our financing partner, Lyon Financial, so you can start the work now and spread the cost. Ask us and we will point you at the calculator.
Send photos of the pool, the waterline tile and the deck, and tell us roughly how old it is. We will tell you which tier you are looking at. Free, honest quote, no pressure and no upsells.
Get a Free EstimateACE Pool Repair & Remodel is a licensed California pool contractor, CSLB #1075061, based at 251 E Imperial Hwy, Fullerton, CA 92835, serving Orange County since 2014. We have remodeled and replastered pools across Orange County since 2014, residential and commercial. Related reading: resurfacing cost by pool age, resurfacing & remodel hub, pool upgrades, pool decks & pavers.
