Pool Renovation & Remodeling in Murfreesboro, TN: 2026 Homeowner''s Guide

An inground pool rarely signals that it needs attention all at once. More often, the surface becomes rough and stained over several seasons, the coping starts to separate, the equipment runs harder than it used to, and the deck that once looked sharp now looks dated. Each problem is manageable on its own — but when several arrive together, the renovation decision becomes a planning exercise, not just a repair call.

For homeowners in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County, that planning exercise has some dimensions worth understanding before committing to a scope. Established suburban backyards with mature landscaping, fencing, and existing hardscape create site-access and sequencing considerations that differ from newer construction sites. Properties where excavation is part of the renovation scope may encounter rock or limestone depending on the specific site. And homeowners with fiberglass pools face a renovation conversation that is fundamentally different from the gunite resurfacing discussion — a distinction that is worth addressing directly rather than treating as a footnote.

This guide covers the full range of renovation options available in 2026, starting with how to evaluate what your pool actually needs before any work begins.

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Evaluating Your Pool Before Choosing a Scope

The most important step in any renovation is understanding what you are actually dealing with. Surface wear, structural condition, equipment age, and site factors all influence what scope makes sense — and doing this evaluation before committing to a contract prevents surprises once work is underway.

Shell and Surface Condition

For gunite pools, the interior finish is a separate layer applied over the concrete shell. It has a finite service life, and its condition is the most visible indicator of where a pool stands.

Signs that resurfacing is overdue:

• A rough or abrasive texture that catches on swimsuits or scrapes skin — the smooth cement paste has worn away and aggregate is exposed
• Persistent staining across the floor and walls that does not respond to chemical treatment or acid washing
• Pitting, pockmarks, or visible flaking across the surface
• Hollow spots when you tap the floor or walls, indicating the finish has delaminated from the shell beneath

Surface wear is manageable. Structural problems are a different conversation.

Cracks that run through the finish and into the gunite shell — particularly cracks that are widening, that show white mineral deposits leaching through, or that are accompanied by visible water loss — suggest the shell itself needs evaluation before surface work begins. A pool that is losing water faster than evaporation accounts for may have a plumbing leak, a crack in the shell, or both.

Structural problems do not automatically mean replacement. Many structural issues in gunite pools are repairable. But they need to be identified and addressed before a new surface is applied — otherwise the new finish will fail at the same locations.

Equipment Age and Condition

Pool equipment has a finite service life. Pumps, filters, heaters, and sanitization systems that have been in service for a decade or more are candidates for evaluation during any renovation — though service life varies by equipment type, brand, and maintenance history. Signs that equipment is due for replacement include a pump that runs constantly without maintaining adequate circulation, a heater that cycles without reaching the set temperature, a filter that requires cleaning more frequently than it used to, and visible corrosion or scale buildup on the equipment pad.

Equipment that is still functional but inefficient — particularly older single-speed pumps — is worth replacing during a renovation even if it has not yet failed, because the energy savings over a full Tennessee swimming season are substantial.

Deck and Coping Condition

Cracked concrete, settled pavers, faded brick, or coping that is loose, chipped, or pulling away from the pool edge are all candidates for renovation. On established suburban properties — where the pool, surrounding deck, and landscaping have been in place for many years — the deck evaluation should go beyond the surface. Look at whether the existing base has shifted, whether runoff is directed appropriately away from the pool equipment and the house foundation, and whether any retaining structures near the pool area are still performing as intended.

Repair, Renovate, Remodel, or Rebuild?

Before committing to any scope of work, it helps to understand which category your situation falls into.

Repair is targeted work on a specific, isolated problem — a cracked return fitting, a failing light niche, a section of delaminated plaster. Repairs are appropriate when the rest of the pool is structurally sound and the surface still has useful life remaining.

Renovation addresses multiple components that have aged together — surface restoration combined with tile and coping replacement, equipment upgrades, and deck work. A renovation does not change the pool's fundamental shape or footprint; it restores and modernizes what is already there.

Remodeling implies a more significant change to the pool's design or function — adding a tanning ledge, reconfiguring the entry steps, expanding the deck footprint, or substantially changing the aesthetic direction of the backyard. Remodeling work often involves new gunite or concrete work on the existing shell, not just surface replacement.

Rebuilding — demolishing the existing pool and constructing a new one — is the most disruptive and expensive path. It is not the right answer simply because a pool is old or needs multiple components addressed. Rebuild becomes the conversation when the shell has structural problems that cannot be repaired cost-effectively, when the pool is fundamentally the wrong size or shape for how the property is used, or when the pool's location creates drainage or access problems that renovation cannot solve. If none of those conditions apply, renovation is almost certainly the more practical route.

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Gunite Pool Resurfacing and Interior Finish Replacement

For gunite pools, resurfacing is the most common renovation scope. The interior finish is a separate layer applied over the concrete shell, and replacing it restores the pool's appearance, feel, and water chemistry performance.

Choosing a New Finish

Standard white plaster is the most economical starting point. It delivers the classic bright-blue water appearance and is widely available. The trade-off is maintenance: plaster is porous, stains relatively easily, and typically requires resurfacing sooner than premium alternatives. In areas where water hardness is elevated — a condition worth confirming for your specific water source — standard plaster tends to show wear earlier than in softer-water markets, as mineral scale deposits can accelerate surface degradation.

Quartz aggregate finishes blend crushed ceramic-coated quartz crystals into the cement matrix, producing a surface that is substantially harder and more stain-resistant than plain plaster. The color range is considerably broader than standard white, and the surface holds up better against the chemical demands of pool maintenance. Quartz is a practical choice for homeowners who want to reduce long-term resurfacing frequency without moving to the highest price tier.

Pebble aggregate finishes use small, smooth river stones to create the most durable interior surface currently available. The texture is distinctive — slightly more tactile than quartz — and the natural stone appearance ages well. Pebble finishes are worth considering for homeowners who want to minimize future resurfacing cycles and are comfortable with the higher upfront cost.

For a detailed look at surface wear patterns and finish comparisons specific to Middle Tennessee, see our gunite pool resurfacing guide for Tennessee homeowners.

Timing Resurfacing Work

Late spring and early fall — after the last hard freeze and before the first — give new finishes the best conditions for curing. Summer heat is manageable but requires careful attention to fill timing and startup chemistry. Winter resurfacing is possible but introduces freeze-thaw risk during the curing period.

Drain timing also matters. On properties where soil conditions hold moisture and expand when wet — which varies by site — draining without accounting for hydrostatic pressure can create upward force on the pool shell. Experienced contractors plan drain timing around weather patterns and verify that hydrostatic relief valves are functional before beginning work.

Structural Modifications and Excavation

If the renovation scope includes structural modifications — adding a tanning ledge, expanding the pool footprint, or installing new plumbing runs — and those modifications require new excavation, subsurface conditions at the specific site become relevant. Middle Tennessee properties, including those in Rutherford County, can encounter rock or limestone during excavation depending on the location. If rock is encountered, specialized equipment is required, which affects both the timeline and the scope of the structural work.

This is not a reason to avoid structural modifications. It is a reason to have a contractor evaluate the site before the scope is finalized, so that any subsurface conditions are addressed in the contract rather than discovered mid-project.

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Fiberglass Pool Renovation and Restoration

For homeowners in Murfreesboro who already have a fiberglass pool, the renovation conversation is fundamentally different from the gunite resurfacing discussion above — and it is worth addressing directly rather than treating as a brief footnote.

A fiberglass pool shell is a factory-manufactured composite unit. It does not have a plaster, quartz, or pebble finish applied in the field the way a gunite pool does. A fiberglass pool shell is not resurfaced in the field with a new plaster, quartz, or pebble finish the way a gunite pool is — the renovation scope is fundamentally different. The renovation scope for a fiberglass pool is primarily about the shell's surface condition, the coping and deck, the equipment, and the features — not about applying a new interior layer.

Evaluating a Fiberglass Shell

The gel coat is the outermost layer of a fiberglass pool shell. It provides the pool's color and surface finish and protects the composite structure beneath. Over time, gel coat can show wear in several ways:

Fading and chalking are among the most visible signs of age. The original color becomes dull or uneven, and the surface may develop a chalky texture. This is primarily an aesthetic issue and does not indicate structural compromise.

Surface blistering — small raised areas or bubbles in the gel coat — can occur when water migrates through micro-pores in the surface and becomes trapped beneath the gel coat layer. Minor blistering is a surface condition; more extensive blistering warrants a closer evaluation of the shell's structural integrity.

Crazing or surface cracking — fine, shallow cracks in the gel coat — can develop over time from thermal cycling and UV exposure. Crazing that is limited to the gel coat surface is different from structural cracking that runs through the composite shell itself. The distinction matters: surface crazing is a cosmetic condition, while structural cracking is a more serious finding that requires evaluation by a contractor with direct fiberglass experience.

Staining on a fiberglass shell may be related to water chemistry rather than surface degradation. Mineral deposits, algae staining, and metal staining can sometimes be addressed through chemical treatment or professional cleaning — it is worth exploring that path before concluding that the shell surface needs more significant attention.

If the gel coat on your fiberglass pool has faded significantly, developed blistering, or shows crazing, the appropriate next step is an evaluation by a contractor who has direct experience with fiberglass pool surfaces — not a contractor whose primary background is gunite construction. The two shell types require different knowledge to evaluate and different approaches to address.

What Fiberglass Pool Renovation Actually Covers

Because standard fiberglass renovation does not involve applying a new interior finish layer, the renovation scope is primarily a conversation about the following components:

Coping replacement is one of the most impactful changes available for a fiberglass pool. The coping — the cap that runs along the pool's perimeter edge — is typically installed separately from the shell and can be replaced without touching the shell itself. Coping that has separated from the shell edge, cracked, or simply looks dated can be replaced with natural stone, concrete, or paver coping that gives the pool a substantially updated appearance. Because the coping defines the visual transition between the pool and the surrounding deck, replacing it alongside a deck renovation produces the most cohesive result.

Deck renovation can be among the most visually significant changes for an aging fiberglass pool. Updating the deck can substantially change the appearance of the entire pool area — and because the fiberglass shell itself may still be in good structural condition, a deck renovation can produce a dramatically refreshed result without any work on the pool shell. Brushed concrete, travertine pavers, and concrete pavers are all practical options for Murfreesboro renovations; the right choice depends on the existing site conditions, the drainage requirements, and the aesthetic direction of the project.

Equipment modernization is the same conversation for fiberglass pools as for gunite pools. Variable-speed pumps, updated filtration, saltwater sanitization systems, and heat pumps are all relevant upgrades for a fiberglass pool with aging equipment. Where a fiberglass pool's circulation system is less complex than a comparable gunite installation, equipment upgrades may be more straightforward — but the age and condition of the existing plumbing should still be evaluated before new equipment is specified.

LED lighting upgrades are a practical and impactful renovation for fiberglass pools. Older incandescent fixtures can typically be replaced with LED retrofit kits that fit the existing niche, provided the niche is in good condition. Where the niche is damaged or incompatible with current LED fixtures, niche replacement is the more reliable approach.

Water feature additions — deck jets, scuppers, bubblers, and raised spillways — can be added to a fiberglass pool during a renovation, though the approach differs from gunite. Because a fiberglass shell is more constrained in what can be modified in the field compared to gunite, water features that originate from the deck or from a separate structural element are generally more practical than features that would require significant penetration or alteration of the shell itself. Deck jets and scuppers that plumb from the deck surface are the most straightforward additions; bubblers installed in a tanning ledge are an option if the shell's existing ledge configuration supports them.

Automation and smart controls connect the pump, heater, lighting, and water features to a single controller accessible from a smartphone. For a fiberglass pool where equipment is being upgraded, adding automation at the same time is the most efficient path — the controller can manage all the new components from a single interface rather than requiring a separate installation later.

The Fiberglass Renovation Decision

The practical question for a Murfreesboro homeowner with a fiberglass pool is whether the shell's condition warrants attention or whether the renovation is primarily about the surrounding components. In many cases, a fiberglass shell that has faded or shows minor surface wear is still structurally sound — and a renovation that focuses on the coping, deck, equipment, and features can produce a result that looks and performs like a new installation without any work on the shell itself.

Where the shell condition is a genuine concern — significant blistering, structural crazing, or surface degradation that goes beyond cosmetic fading — the evaluation needs to happen before the renovation scope is finalized. A contractor who has direct experience with fiberglass pool surfaces can assess whether the shell condition is a cosmetic issue, a surface repair candidate, or a more significant structural finding.

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Waterline Tile and Coping Renovation

Waterline tile and coping are the architectural frame of the pool. They are also among the first components to show their age, and replacing them during a resurfacing project is efficient — the pool is already drained and the work crews are already on-site.

Waterline Tile

The tile band at the waterline protects the bond beam from direct water contact and makes the pool easier to clean at the surface line. When grout fails or tiles crack, water can work its way into the beam and begin deteriorating the concrete beneath.

Current tile options for Murfreesboro renovations include:

• Glass mosaic tile — Reflective, contemporary, and available in a wide color range. Resists staining and chemical absorption better than traditional ceramic.
• Large-format porcelain — Dense, low-maintenance, and available in sizes that minimize grout lines for a cleaner look.
• Natural stone — Travertine and limestone tile complement the Tennessee landscape and age gracefully, though they require sealing to manage porosity.

Coping

Coping is the cap that runs along the pool's perimeter edge. It defines the transition between the pool shell and the surrounding deck and takes significant wear from foot traffic, pool chemicals, and weather.

Cantilevered concrete coping offers a clean, modern profile and integrates seamlessly with poured concrete decks. Natural stone coping — travertine, bluestone, or limestone — stays cooler underfoot during Tennessee summers than concrete or brick, which matters on a deck that gets full afternoon sun. Bullnose pavers provide a traditional look and are easy to replace individually if a section is damaged.

Replacing tile and coping during a resurfacing project avoids a second drain-and-refill cycle and additional mobilization costs. For homeowners who are already investing in the surface, adding tile and coping to the scope is almost always the more economical decision.

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Pool Deck Renovation

The deck surrounding the pool is often the component that most visibly dates a backyard. Cracked concrete, settled pavers, or a layout that no longer fits how the family uses the space are all strong candidates for renovation.

Deck Materials

Brushed or stamped concrete is the most common deck surface in Middle Tennessee. It is durable, relatively low-maintenance, and can be resurfaced or overlaid if the base is still structurally sound. Stamped patterns can replicate stone or tile at a lower cost than natural materials.

Travertine and natural stone pavers are a well-regarded choice for Middle Tennessee pool renovations. The material stays noticeably cooler than concrete in direct sun, drains well through the joints, and individual pavers can be lifted and reset if the base settles unevenly. Natural stone complements the Tennessee landscape and holds its appearance well over time.

Concrete pavers offer a middle ground: more design flexibility than poured concrete, easier to repair than a monolithic slab, and available in a wide range of colors and profiles.

Drainage, Grading, and Established Suburban Sites

Deck renovation on an established Murfreesboro property involves more than choosing a surface material. On properties where the pool has been in place for many years, the existing deck may have settled unevenly, developed drainage problems, or been modified incrementally in ways that affect how the renovation needs to be approached.

Before installing new deck material, a thorough evaluation should address:

• Whether the existing base has settled unevenly and needs regrading or repair before a new surface is applied
• Where water flows during and after rain events, and whether the current grading directs runoff away from the pool equipment pad and the house foundation
• Whether any retaining structures near the pool area are still performing as intended or have begun to shift

A deck renovation that addresses these underlying conditions produces a more durable result than one that simply replaces the surface on top of an unresolved drainage or grading problem.

Site Access on Established Properties

On properties where the pool is surrounded by mature landscaping — established trees, planted beds, irrigation systems, fencing, or hardscape features that have been in place for many years — deck renovation requires more careful planning than on a cleared site.

Tree roots near the pool perimeter can affect excavation and base preparation. Irrigation lines that run under the existing deck need to be located and protected before demolition begins. Landscape features that are being retained need to be accounted for in the new deck layout. Fencing and gate configurations affect how construction equipment and materials reach the work area — a factor that is worth discussing with the contractor during the site evaluation, not after mobilization.

On properties where the backyard is enclosed by fencing or mature plantings — a configuration that appears on many established suburban lots — the delivery of materials and the movement of equipment through the site requires planning. A contractor who walks the full property during the site evaluation — not just the pool shell — will identify these constraints before they become mid-project complications.

None of these conditions make a deck renovation impractical. They do affect how the work is sequenced and what the contractor needs to know before mobilizing.

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Equipment Modernization

Pool equipment has changed significantly over the past decade. A renovation is a natural opportunity to modernize components that are aging, inefficient, or no longer meeting the household's needs.

Variable-Speed Pumps

Single-speed pumps run at full power whenever they are on. Variable-speed pumps adjust their operating speed to match the task — lower speeds for filtration, higher speeds for running a water feature or backwashing the filter. The energy difference between the two is substantial over a full season of operation, and Tennessee's swimming season can run from April through October with the right equipment.

Variable-speed pumps are now the standard recommendation for new installations and renovations in Middle Tennessee. They are quieter than single-speed models and allow more flexible scheduling through automation systems.

Filtration

Sand filters are the most common type in older pools. They are reliable but require backwashing to clean and have a finite media life. Cartridge filters offer finer filtration without backwashing but require periodic cartridge cleaning and replacement. DE (diatomaceous earth) filters provide the finest filtration of the three but involve more maintenance.

If your current filter is undersized for the pool volume or has been in service for many years, a renovation is a practical time to evaluate whether an upgrade makes sense.

Sanitization Systems

Saltwater systems generate chlorine on-site from dissolved salt, eliminating the need to handle and store liquid or tablet chlorine. The water feels noticeably softer and gentler on skin and eyes. Salt systems do require monitoring — the salt cell has a service life and the water chemistry still needs regular testing — but some pool owners prefer the feel and day-to-day experience compared with a traditionally chlorinated pool.

UV and ozone sanitizers can be added alongside a salt or chlorine system to reduce the total chemical load. These systems neutralize contaminants that chlorine alone may not address and are worth considering for households with members who have chemical sensitivities.

Heaters and Heat Pumps

Tennessee's swimming season can extend well into October with the right equipment. Gas heaters heat water quickly and are effective even in cold ambient temperatures, making them a good choice for pools that are used intermittently or need to be brought up to temperature quickly. Heat pumps extract warmth from the ambient air and transfer it to the water — a more energy-efficient approach when ambient temperatures are above roughly 50°F. For a pool used regularly through the shoulder seasons, a heat pump can be the more economical long-term choice depending on local energy rates and usage patterns.

Equipment Pad and Plumbing Condition

On older pools, the equipment pad itself — the concrete or paver surface where the pump, filter, and heater sit — may have settled, cracked, or developed drainage problems over time. A renovation that replaces the equipment is also a practical time to evaluate whether the pad needs attention. Equipment that sits in a low spot where water pools after rain is more vulnerable to corrosion and premature failure than equipment on a properly drained pad.

Similarly, the plumbing connecting the equipment to the pool — particularly older PVC runs that have been in the ground for many years — is worth evaluating during a renovation. Plumbing that is brittle, has been repaired multiple times, or shows signs of deterioration at fittings and unions is a candidate for replacement while the deck is already open. Addressing plumbing condition during a renovation avoids the disruption of cutting through a finished deck to reach a failing line later.

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Pool Automation and Smartphone Controls

Modern automation systems connect your pump, heater, lighting, and water features to a single controller accessible from a smartphone app. You can adjust the water temperature on your way home, schedule the pump to run during off-peak hours, change the LED lighting color for an evening gathering, or receive an alert if the system detects an unusual condition.

Automation is most valuable when it is installed as part of a broader equipment upgrade, because the controller can manage all the new components from a single interface. Retrofitting automation onto older, mismatched equipment is possible but more complicated — the compatibility of existing components with a new controller is worth confirming before committing to a specific system. Where the pump, heater, and lighting are all being replaced during a renovation, adding automation at the same time is the most efficient path. The incremental cost of adding the controller during an equipment replacement is considerably lower than returning to install it separately later.

For a fiberglass pool where equipment is already being modernized, automation is a natural extension of the scope. Where a fiberglass pool's circulation system is less complex than a comparable gunite installation, the integration may be more straightforward — though the same compatibility check applies before specifying a controller.

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LED Lighting Upgrades

Older incandescent pool lights are energy-intensive and have a relatively short bulb life. LED replacement fixtures draw considerably less power, last longer, and offer color-changing capability that incandescent lights cannot match.

A pool renovation — when the pool is already drained — is the most practical time to replace light fixtures, since the work can be done without a separate drain-and-refill cycle. Color-changing LED systems allow the pool to shift from white light for everyday use to colored sequences for evening entertaining. For a backyard that is used regularly after dark, updated lighting changes how the space feels as much as any surface or deck improvement.

If the existing light niches are in good condition, LED retrofit kits can often be installed into the existing housing without replacing the niche itself. Where the niche is damaged, corroded, or incompatible with current LED fixtures, niche replacement is the more reliable approach. A contractor can assess niche condition during the pre-renovation evaluation and confirm which path is appropriate for the specific fixtures in place.

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Water Features

Water features — waterfalls, deck jets, bubblers, and scuppers — add movement and sound to the backyard environment. They are most cost-effective when added during a renovation that already involves deck or coping work, since the plumbing and electrical runs can be incorporated into the existing scope rather than cut through finished surfaces later.

Plumbing Capacity and Pump Requirements

Before committing to a water feature, confirm that the existing plumbing and pump configuration can support it. An older pool may have a single-speed pump sized primarily for filtration rather than the additional flow demand of a waterfall or multiple deck jets. Adding a water feature without addressing pump capacity can result in inadequate flow to the feature, reduced filtration performance, or both.

Variable-speed pumps — which are the standard recommendation for renovations in any case — handle this more gracefully than single-speed models. A variable-speed pump can be programmed to run at a higher speed when the water feature is active and return to a lower filtration speed when it is not. If a pump upgrade is already part of the renovation scope, the water feature conversation becomes considerably simpler.

Placement and Deck Modifications

Water features that originate from the deck — deck jets, scuppers, or raised spillways — require plumbing runs through or beneath the deck surface. On an existing pool where the deck is being replaced as part of the renovation, this work can be incorporated cleanly into the new deck construction. On a pool where the deck is being retained, adding a deck-mounted feature requires cutting into the existing surface to run the plumbing, which is more disruptive and affects the deck's appearance.

Water sheers and scuppers — thin, laminar sheets of water that fall from a raised wall or bond beam into the pool — are among the more straightforward additions during a renovation. They require a dedicated supply line and a return to the equipment pad, but they do not demand major structural changes to the pool shell itself.

Deck jets arc individual streams of water from flush-mounted fittings in the deck surface into the pool. Because the supply plumbing runs under the deck, deck jets are most cost-effective when the deck is already being replaced — the lines can be laid before the new surface goes down. Retrofitting deck jets into an existing finished deck requires cutting and patching, which adds scope and cost.

Bubblers are low-profile fittings installed in shallow areas — tanning ledges, entry steps, or wading zones — that push a gentle column of water upward. If a tanning ledge addition is part of the renovation scope, incorporating bubblers at that stage is efficient: the plumbing is already open and the gunite work is already planned.

Waterfalls and raised spillways built from natural or manufactured stone require more structural planning. A freestanding waterfall feature needs a footing, a supply line sized for the volume of water it will move, and a pump with sufficient capacity to run the feature alongside the pool's primary circulation. Before committing to a waterfall during a renovation, it is worth confirming that the existing pump and equipment pad can support the additional load — or budgeting for the equipment upgrade alongside the feature.

On established Murfreesboro properties where the backyard has meaningful grade changes, a grade transition near the pool can be an asset for water feature design. A naturalistic waterfall that follows the existing terrain is often more visually convincing than one built on a flat site, and the grade change can reduce the amount of structural work needed to achieve the desired height differential.

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Tanning Ledges, Steps, and Interior Modifications

Structural modifications to the interior of an existing gunite pool — adding a tanning ledge, reconfiguring entry steps, adding bench seating, or modifying the pool's depth profile — are feasible in many cases, though the scope and complexity depend on the existing shell geometry and the site conditions.

Tanning Ledges and Sun Shelves

A tanning ledge — a shallow, flat platform at one end of the pool, typically six to twelve inches deep — is one of the most requested features in current renovations. It provides a space for lounge chairs in the water, a safe wading area for young children, and a visual anchor for the pool's design.

Adding a tanning ledge to an existing gunite pool requires excavation and new gunite work at the ledge location. The feasibility depends on the existing pool's shape, the depth of the surrounding shell, and the site conditions at the ledge end of the pool. On properties where subsurface conditions — including rock or limestone — are present at or near the excavation depth, those factors affect the excavation scope and timeline. A site evaluation is the only reliable way to determine whether a ledge addition is practical for a specific pool.

Steps and Bench Modifications

Older pools often have step configurations that feel dated or that no longer serve the household's needs — narrow entry steps, a single corner step unit, or no bench seating at all. During a renovation that involves draining and resurfacing, it is possible to modify or add interior steps and benches using new gunite work.

As with tanning ledges, the feasibility depends on the existing shell geometry and the site conditions. Modifications that require removing or significantly altering the existing shell structure are more involved than additions that can be built against an existing wall. A contractor with direct experience in renovation — not just new construction — is better positioned to evaluate what is practical for a specific pool.

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Retaining Walls and Hardscape on Sloped Sites

On properties where the pool area involves meaningful grade changes, retaining walls and hardscape structures may be part of the renovation conversation — either because existing walls are aging and need replacement, or because a deck renovation reveals that the underlying grade management needs attention.

Aging timber or block retaining walls that are leaning, cracking, or failing are both an aesthetic problem and a potential drainage issue. A failing wall can redirect water toward the pool, toward the house foundation, or into neighboring properties. Replacing a retaining wall during a pool renovation allows the hardscape work to be coordinated with the deck and coping replacement, producing a more cohesive result and avoiding the disruption of a second mobilization.

Natural stone and concrete block walls are both common choices in Middle Tennessee renovations. The right choice depends on the height of the wall, the load it needs to retain, the aesthetic direction of the project, and the site conditions at the wall location. On properties where the grade change is significant or where the wall is load-bearing in a meaningful way, an engineered design may be appropriate.

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Coordinating Pool Renovation with Outdoor Living Improvements

A pool renovation is often the catalyst for a broader backyard modernization — homeowners who are already investing in the pool may choose to extend the scope to include outdoor kitchen areas, covered pergolas or pavilions, fire features, and improved lighting throughout the yard.

Coordinating these elements with the pool renovation — rather than treating them as separate projects with separate contractors — allows the hardscape, electrical, and gas work to be planned together. This avoids situations where a new patio has to be cut up to run conduit for a fire feature added the following year, or where a pergola post ends up in a location that conflicts with pool equipment access or the new coping line.

Conduit and gas lines that need to run under the deck or patio should be laid before the new surface goes down. A pergola post location that conflicts with pool equipment access is much easier to resolve on paper than after the concrete has been poured. Outdoor kitchen plumbing and electrical connections that share a trench with pool equipment runs can be coordinated in a single excavation rather than two separate ones.

On established Murfreesboro properties with mature landscaping, this coordination also extends to existing plantings, irrigation, and hardscape. Irrigation lines that run under the deck or patio need to be located before demolition begins. Established trees and planted beds that are being retained need to be accounted for in the new layout. A contractor who walks the full property during the site evaluation — not just the pool shell — will identify these factors before they become mid-project complications.

View our gallery to see examples of complete backyard transformations in Middle Tennessee.

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Murfreesboro and Rutherford County Planning Considerations

A few planning factors are worth addressing before finalizing a renovation scope for a Murfreesboro property.

Permitting

The City of Murfreesboro is its own municipality with its own building department and permit process — separate from Rutherford County and from other Middle Tennessee jurisdictions. Project-specific permit requirements should be confirmed directly with the City of Murfreesboro before work begins. Requirements can vary based on the nature and scope of the work and the property's zoning — confirming current requirements directly with the City before work begins is the only reliable approach. A contractor who is familiar with the City's permit process can help identify which elements of the scope require review before work begins.

If the property is subject to HOA covenants or an architectural review process, renovation work that changes the pool's appearance or the backyard's layout may require approval before work begins. Confirming the approval process early prevents delays once the project is underway.

Subsurface Conditions

If the renovation scope includes any new excavation — adding a tanning ledge, expanding the pool footprint, or installing new plumbing runs — subsurface conditions at the specific site become relevant. Properties in Rutherford County can encounter rock or limestone during excavation depending on the location. Where rock is encountered, specialized equipment is required, which affects both the timeline and the scope of the structural work. A pre-renovation site assessment that includes a discussion of subsurface conditions is the right way to address this before the contract is signed — not after excavation has already begun.

Freeze-Thaw Timing

Middle Tennessee's winters are variable. Temperatures that drop below freezing for several consecutive nights can cause water trapped in aging plaster or behind failing tile to expand and accelerate delamination. Scheduling surface work for late spring or early fall — after the last hard freeze and before the first — gives new finishes the best conditions for curing. Summer heat is manageable but requires careful attention to fill timing and startup chemistry.

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Project Sequencing: How a Renovation Comes Together

Understanding the general order of operations in a pool renovation helps homeowners plan around the disruption and set realistic expectations for how the project unfolds.

A renovation that combines resurfacing, tile and coping replacement, deck work, and equipment upgrades typically follows this general sequence:

1. Pre-renovation evaluation — shell inspection, equipment assessment, site walkthrough, scope finalization
2. Permitting and approvals — where required, submitted and approved before work begins
3. Demolition — removal of existing deck surface, coping, tile, and any equipment being replaced
4. Structural work — any shell repairs, tanning ledge additions, step modifications, or retaining wall work
5. Equipment installation — new pump, filter, heater, automation controller, and plumbing connections
6. Resurfacing — interior finish application after structural work and equipment rough-in are complete
7. Tile and coping installation — waterline tile and coping set after the new surface has cured
8. Deck installation — new deck surface installed after coping is set and any drainage or grading corrections are complete
9. Water features and lighting — final connections and testing
10. Fill and startup — pool filled, water chemistry balanced, equipment commissioned

Not every renovation follows this exact sequence — the scope determines the order — but understanding the general flow helps homeowners anticipate when the pool will be out of service and how the different phases relate to each other. Compressing the sequence or completing components out of order can create problems that are more difficult or expensive to correct later. A contractor who can walk through the project sequence in detail before work begins is demonstrating the kind of planning discipline that produces better outcomes.

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Financing a Pool Renovation

Renovation projects vary widely in scope and cost depending on which components are being addressed. Surface-only resurfacing, a full renovation combining surface work with equipment upgrades and deck replacement, and a comprehensive backyard modernization that includes outdoor living elements are all different conversations with different price points.

Marlin Exteriors works with financing partners who offer options for home improvement projects. Visit our financial partners page to learn about the programs currently available, including VistaFi and Regions Bank financing options.

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Choosing a Pool Renovation Contractor

Not every pool contractor who builds new pools has deep experience in renovation work. The two disciplines overlap but are not identical — renovation requires evaluating an existing structure, identifying what can be repaired versus replaced, sequencing work around a shell that is already in the ground, and managing the complications that come with working on an established site.

When evaluating contractors for a Murfreesboro renovation, look for:

• Demonstrated renovation experience — ask specifically about renovation projects, not just new construction. Request references from homeowners whose pools they have renovated, and ask those references about how the contractor handled unexpected conditions.
• A thorough pre-renovation evaluation — a contractor who provides a detailed scope based on a site visit is more reliable than one who quotes from a phone call or a photo. The evaluation should address the shell condition, equipment, deck, drainage, and any site-specific factors relevant to the property.
• Clear contract language — the scope of work, materials specified, payment schedule, change-order procedures, and warranty terms should all be in writing before work begins. For renovation work that may encounter unexpected conditions — particularly on properties with subsurface unknowns — the contract should address how those conditions are handled if they arise.
• Local experience — a contractor who has worked on Murfreesboro and Rutherford County properties understands the site conditions, the permitting process, and the practical realities of working in this area. That familiarity reduces the likelihood of surprises mid-project.
• Fiberglass-specific experience — if you have a fiberglass pool, confirm that the contractor has direct experience evaluating and renovating fiberglass shells, not just gunite construction. The two pool types require different knowledge to assess and different approaches to address.

For guidance on evaluating pool contractors in this area, see our guides to gunite pool builders in Murfreesboro, TN and fiberglass pool builders in Murfreesboro, TN — much of the contractor evaluation framework applies equally to renovation work.

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Working with Marlin Exteriors on Your Murfreesboro Renovation

Marlin Exteriors has more than 20 years of construction experience serving homeowners in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, and across Middle Tennessee. We build and renovate both gunite pools and fiberglass pools, and we approach renovation projects with the same site-specific planning discipline we bring to new construction.

If your Murfreesboro pool is showing its age — whether that means a surface that needs replacing, equipment that is past its useful life, a deck that no longer fits how you use the space, or a combination of all three — we would be glad to evaluate what it needs and help you plan a renovation that makes sense for your property and your goals.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.