In this article
Many owners of older villas in Riyadh know their pool needs renovation but are stuck at the starting line. There is a lot of information, opinions conflict and everyone says something different. This article is not a list of general facts but a roadmap of seven stations, followed in order from the moment you decide to the moment you sign a contract. Each station has a clear purpose, and you move on only when it is complete. The same approach works in any other Saudi city.
Station one: define what you want
Before calling anyone, sit down with your family and ask what the goal is. Answers vary: stopping a leak that has been bothering you, refreshing a faded look, improving safety for children with clearer steps, slip-resistant tiles and safe drain covers, lowering running costs with efficient equipment, or a major change in design or lighting. A clear goal makes conversations with contractors sharper and helps them propose what fits rather than everything. Rank your main and secondary goals.
Station two: gather what you already know
- The pool's approximate build date and any past renovations.
- House or pool drawings, or photos from construction.
- Notes on water loss: how often you top up and whether it is increasing.
- Photos of visible problems: tiles, cracks, stains, damp.
- Pump room equipment types and rough age.
- A bucket test result, if you have done one.
Keep it all in one folder on your phone. You will need it at the inspection, when comparing quotes and afterwards as a reference.
Station three: inspect before deciding
This is the first real step of the renovation. An engineering inspection answers the key question: what is the cause? It covers the shell, tiles, cracks, leaks, plumbing, equipment and surroundings. In older villas especially, do not skip line pressure testing, since leaks are often in the pipes. Ask for written results with photos that separate confirmed from possible findings. See engineering inspection first.
Station four: choose the renovation type
| Condition after inspection | Usually suitable |
|---|---|
| Contained problem, generally sound waterproofing | Partial renovation |
| Widespread leaks, exhausted waterproofing or structural cracks | Full renovation |
| Sound shell, old equipment | Systems upgrade |
| Sound shell, wish for a new look | Finish renewal with a waterproofing check |
If the case is borderline, ask the contractor to explain both options, what each gains you and what each leaves untreated.
Station five: set priorities
- Safety first: broken drain covers, unsafe electrics, sharp tiles.
- Stop the leak: it harms concrete and soil every day.
- Structural repair and waterproofing: the base everything rests on.
- Plumbing and systems: before finishes, since changing them later means breaking.
- Finishes and appearance: tiles, decorative lighting and coping.
Station six: choose the right team
Older villas need a team specialised in renovation, not only new construction. Choose a company that starts with inspection, gives an itemised written quotation with materials, explains how it will handle surprises after demolition, provides a written warranty on workmanship and waterproofing, and supervises stages technically. Compare offers line by line, not just by the final figure.
Station seven: understand time and cost factors
There is no fixed duration or cost for renovating an old villa pool. Understanding the factors helps you read quotations correctly: pool size and depth, renovation type and scope, the condition of concrete and waterproofing after removal (the main source of changes), materials chosen, plumbing condition, site access, and curing times and the fill test, which should never be cut short. After the seven stations you are ready to sign a clear contract with every item understood. YAM Pools accompanies you from the first visit with a report and detailed written quotation, engineering supervision and a written warranty on workmanship and waterproofing, in Riyadh and all Saudi cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I actually start renovating my old villa pool?
Define your goal and gather what you know, then request an engineering inspection to find the cause. The renovation type is decided after inspection, not before.
Can an old villa pool be renovated without fully draining it?
If the work is partial and near the surface, lowering the level may be enough. Full renovation or floor and waterproofing work needs a complete drain.
How long does renovating an old villa pool take?
It depends on the type of work, pool size, the condition of concrete and waterproofing after removal and curing times. The contractor gives an approximate schedule after inspection and updates it after removal.
Should I start with tiles or waterproofing?
Waterproofing and leak repair first. New tiles over weak waterproofing get damaged quickly and have to be removed later.
