Beyond the Plaster

If you live in the Treasure Valley, you know the drill. We love our backyards. Whether you’re in Meridian, Eagle, or tucked away in the North End of Boise, your outdoor space is your sanctuary during those scorching Idaho summers. But here’s a question for you: If you bought a house built in 1976, would you be happy with the original kitchen?

Probably not. You’d likely envision gutting the whole thing, tearing out the laminate countertops, ditching the harvest gold appliances, and putting in an island that could host a small village. You’d spend $100,000 without blinking because you know a modern kitchen changes the entire "feel" of your home.

So, why do we treat our swimming pools differently?

For decades, the pool industry has looked at renovations as a "maintenance" task. You get a leak, you fix it. The plaster gets rough, you resurface it. But at Idaho Pool Remodeling, we’re challenging Boise homeowners to think bigger. It’s time to stop thinking about your pool as a utility and start thinking about it as a "Kitchen-Style" remodel.

The Growing Reality of the Idaho Pool

Every time a new inground pool is installed in Idaho, a future renovation project is born. There are over six million inground pools in the United States, and every single one of them gets closer to needing a facelift every year. Even when new pool sales are flat (which happens when interest rates or the economy get a bit wonky), the number of pools needing a serious overhaul only goes up.

If your pool was built 20, 30, or 40 years ago, it isn’t just "old", it’s a relic. Back then, a pool was basically a hole in the ground filled with water and maybe a diving board. Today, a pool is an extension of your lifestyle. If your home has been updated to 2026 standards but your pool still looks like it belongs in a 1980s sitcom, you’re missing out on the best part of your property.

Why "Just Replastering" Isn't Enough

In the world of home improvement, repainting your house is a given. It keeps things looking clean, but it doesn’t make the house feel modern. The same applies to interior finishes. Simply putting a new coat of plaster on a 1985 pool is like putting fresh paint on those old kitchen cabinets. It’s better, sure, but the layout is still clunky, the lighting is terrible, and the features are non-existent.

A true "Kitchen-Style" pool remodel means looking at the structure and the experience. We aren’t just talking about fixing what’s broken; we’re talking about a total transformation.

Here are a few things your old pool probably doesn't have (but should):

1. Tanning Ledges (Baja Shelves): These are the #1 requested feature in modern pool design. It’s a shallow area (usually 6-12 inches deep) where you can set up a couple of Ledge Loungers and a sun umbrella.
2. Outdoor Kitchen:  Leave the heat outside and install an outdoor kitchen.  Modern kits are very affordable and quick to add.
3. LED Lighting: Old pools usually have one giant, hot incandescent bulb that makes the pool look like a dark lagoon. Modern LED lighting allows you to change colors from your phone and creates a vibrant, high-end glow.
4. Vanishing Edges or Perimeter Overflows: If your backyard has a view of the Boise foothills, why hide it behind a standard coping?
5. Water Features: Sheer descents, deck jets, and rock waterfalls add a sensory experience (and block out the sound of your neighbor’s lawnmower).
6. Swim System:  Maybe your pool isn't long enough to do laps.  Did you know you can add a system that generates a current to swim against?  The perfect low impact exercize.
7. Fire Bowls:  Add a bit of pop to the pool with a fire bowl or two.  Fire bowls provide luxury and relaxation.
8. Modern Decking: Swapping out old, cracked concrete for pavers or high-end stone can completely change the aesthetic. Check out our decking options to see the difference.

The "Wild and Crazy Ideas" Pitch

Most pool contractors are a bit shy. They’re afraid if they suggest a $150,000 total backyard transformation, you’ll laugh them off your property. But we believe in having the "courage" to talk about what’s actually possible.

When we come out for a consultation, I usually say something like this:

> "I’ll be happy to quote you a price for the basic renovation here, the interior finish, the tile, and the coping. But if you want to have a little fun, I can also share with you some other ideas that you may have never considered. Maybe you didn’t even know they were possible. If you’re game, we can talk about what it would take to make your pool look like it was built in 2026, instead of 1976. Would you like to hear a few wild and crazy ideas?"

Rarely does a homeowner say "no" to that. Even if you don't go for the full "wild and crazy" package, it opens your eyes to the potential of your own backyard. You might realize that adding a tanning ledge is exactly what was missing from your summer experience.

Fixing the "Pandemic Pool"

We need to address the elephant in the room: the Pandemic Pool. Between 2020 and 2022, the demand for pools exploded. People were stuck at home and desperate for an escape. Unfortunately, this led to a lot of "rush jobs" by contractors who had a shovel, a truck, and not much else.

If you bought one of these pools, you might find that while it’s relatively new, it isn’t exactly what you wanted. Maybe the tile is already popping off, the equipment is loud and inefficient, or the design just feels "unfinished." You don't have to wait 20 years to fix it. We specialize in swimming pool inspections to identify where these rush jobs went wrong and how we can bring them up to the professional standard you actually paid for.

The Wellness Revolution: More Than Just Swimming

The pool industry is shifting. A 2025 survey showed that over 83% of Americans are now investing heavily in health and wellness. Your backyard shouldn't just be for "splashing around"; it should be a wellness center.

When we look at a "Kitchen-Style" remodel, we look beyond the water's edge.

• Cold Plunges & Saunas: These are the hottest trends in the industry right now. Imagine a dedicated cold-plunge station next to your heated spa.
• Swim Spas: Perfect for the Idaho climate where you might want to exercise year-round.
• Safety First: A modern remodel is the perfect time to ensure your pool is up to code. Whether it's a VGBA update or installing a more secure retractable enclosure, safety is always our number one concern.

Why Idaho Pool Remodeling?

We aren’t just "pool guys." We are experts in the technical side of pool restoration. From certified pool operators to experts in high-performance finishes like AquaBright and EcoFinish, we understand the chemistry and physics of your pool.

We know that Idaho weather is tough on masonry. We deal with freeze-thaw cycles that can wreck a cheap tile job in a single winter. That’s why we focus on long-term solutions, not just quick fixes. We want your pool to be the place where you host graduation parties, family reunions, and quiet Sunday mornings for the next thirty years.

Is Your Pool Missing Its "Pop"?

Take a walk out to your backyard right now. Look at the waterline tile. Is it calcium-crusted and dated? Look at the coping. Is it chipped or loose? Does the whole area feel like a separate, forgotten part of your home?

If your pool doesn't make you feel like you're at a high-end resort in Eagle, it’s time for a change. You’ve probably updated your kitchen, your master bath, and maybe even your flooring. Don't leave the biggest asset on your property stuck in the past.

Let’s have a conversation about what’s possible. We’re not here to give you a boring sales pitch. We’re here to give you ideas that will make you fall in love with your home all over again.

Ready to transform your backyard? Give us a call at 208-495-5047 or visit our  contact page to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about those "wild and crazy" ideas and see which ones belong in your backyard.