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An old villa pool differs from a new one in one basic way: you do not know exactly what lies beneath the tiles. There may be no drawings, the plumbing may have been altered more than once, and the original waterproofing may be long past its useful life. Choosing a contractor here is not just a price comparison. It is choosing a team that can handle the unknown in an organised way. This guide follows the search from the start, in Riyadh or any other Saudi city.
Why old villa pools need a different kind of contractor
A builder of new pools works on open ground with a clear plan. A renovation contractor walks into a pool with a history, and history brings surprises. Common ones include:
- Old plumbing in materials no longer used, or joints made irregularly.
- Stacked layers of tiles or paint from earlier quick fixes.
- Weak or missing waterproofing, especially around fittings and steps.
- Outdated equipment in the pump room that no longer suits the pool.
- Undocumented changes such as an added waterfall or lights.
The right contractor assumes surprises exist, builds the plan on inspection first, and explains up front how anything found after demolition will be handled.
Where to begin the search
Start by defining the kind of company you need. A shop that swaps pumps or cleans filters is different from a company specialised in pool renovation with crews for waterproofing, tiling, plumbing and electrical work plus technical supervision. Old villa pools usually need the second kind. Look for companies that list renovation, waterproofing and leak detection as core services, check whether their website explains their process and shows real before-and-after work, confirm clear contact details and coverage of your area, and shortlist about three.
The site visit is the real test
The visit shows how a contractor thinks, not just how they talk on the phone. Watch whether they:
- Get into the pool and check tiles, grout and corners themselves.
- Enter the pump room and look at the filter, plumbing and electrical panel.
- Ask about the pool's history, water loss and the last renovation.
- Suggest a leak test rather than judging at first glance.
- Explain possibilities instead of quoting a final figure on the spot.
Questions specific to older pools
- What will you do if the concrete is more damaged than expected after demolition?
- Will you pressure-test buried pipes, or only replace exposed ones?
- Will old tile layers be fully removed or tiled over?
- Which waterproofing do you propose, and why does it suit my pool?
- Is there a fill test after waterproofing and before tiling?
- What does the warranty cover, item by item?
Clear, specific answers matter more than reassuring ones. "It depends on testing, and here are the scenarios" is more credible than "everything will be fine".
Comparing contractors after the visit
| Point | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Scope | Is each item listed: demolition, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical? |
| Materials | Are waterproofing, tile and grout types named? |
| Contingencies | Is there a clear approach for surprises after demolition? |
| Schedule | Are stages and a fill test defined? |
| Warranty | Is it written and itemised? |
The cheapest offer sometimes leaves out essential items, and the difference shows up later. The most expensive may include work you do not need. Line-by-line comparison shows the real picture.
Red flags
- A large upfront payment before any work or testing.
- Refusing a written warranty.
- Tiling over old tiles without explaining the risks.
- No plan for leak or fill testing.
- Pressure to sign quickly because of a "limited offer".
For more, see the mistake of hiring a non-specialist contractor.
Requesting a quotation that actually helps
Prepare photos of the pool and pump room, notes on water loss, any known past renovation and any drawings. Ask for a written, itemised quotation that states how extra work will be handled if it appears. YAM Pools starts with a site visit and testing, then provides a detailed written quotation with materials and stages, engineering supervision during work and a written warranty on workmanship and waterproofing, across Riyadh and other Saudi cities.
Frequently asked questions
What matters most when choosing a contractor for an old villa pool?
That they inspect and test before setting a solution and price, and explain how they will handle surprises that appear after demolition.
How many quotations should I get?
About three is usually enough for a clear picture, provided each contractor inspected the pool and gave an itemised offer.
What if the contractor refuses a written warranty?
Treat it as a warning sign. A written warranty is a normal right for the homeowner, and a confident contractor has no problem documenting it.
Can I tile over old tiles to save time?
In most old pools we do not recommend it, because it hides waterproofing problems and cracks and adds load to the layers. The decision should follow inspection.