In this article
One of the first questions villa owners ask is how long the pool will be out of use. It is a fair question, since the pool is part of family life, especially in summer. The honest answer is that duration is not a fixed figure. It depends on the type of renovation, the pool condition, the materials and even the weather during the work.
Rather than guessing at numbers, this article explains what lengthens and shortens the job, compares partial and full renovation, points out the stages you should never rush, and shows how to plan for less downtime.
What decides the duration
- Renovation type. A local repair is very different from restoring the whole pool.
- Size and shape. Large pools, or those with corners, steps and benches, take longer to strip, waterproof and tile.
- Concrete condition. If the concrete needs treatment once tiles come off, a new stage is added.
- Materials. Each product has drying and curing times set by the maker, and these cannot be shortened.
- Weather. Strong heat, dust and humidity affect working hours and drying.
- Supply. Special or imported tiles may need ordering time.
- Site access. Easy entry for equipment and removal of debris speeds the work.
Partial renovation timing
Partial work is usually much shorter than full renovation, but it still varies. Repairs done with water in the pool, such as some fitting repairs or a pump change, are usually the shortest. Waterline repairs need the level lowered, then repair, drying and refill. Floor repairs need a full drain, so even a small area can take close to some stages of a full job. The location of the problem drives the time, not only its size.
Full renovation and its stages
| Stage | Nature of the time | Can it be rushed? |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection, planning, material approval | Short if decisions are ready | Yes, by deciding quickly |
| Draining and cleaning | Relatively short | Partly, depending on site |
| Removing old tiles and finish | Depends on area and tile type | Yes, with more crew |
| Concrete and crack repair | Depends on damage found | No, repair materials need to set |
| Waterproofing and fill test | The stage that needs most patience | Never |
| Tiling and grouting | Depends on area and design | Partly |
| Equipment and start-up | Short to medium | Yes, if parts are ready |
Stages where rushing costs you more
Waterproofing cure and the fill test. Waterproofing must cure fully as the product requires, then the pool is filled and watched long enough to confirm there is no leak. If tiles go on before this test and a leak appears later, new tiles must be broken to reach the membrane.
Grout curing. Joints need time to harden before they meet water and chlorine. Filling too early weakens them.
For the reasoning behind the order, see waterproofing or tiles first.
Reducing downtime the right way
- Approve materials and design before starting, so work never stops while you decide.
- Order special items early, such as imported tiles or fittings.
- Choose the timing. Milder months in Riyadh and most cities suit crews and drying better, and pool use is lower.
- Prepare the site with clear access, power and water nearby.
- Bundle the work. Upgrade lighting or filtration during the renovation instead of draining again later.
- Agree a written schedule with stages and handover points.
Common causes of delay
- Surprises under the tiles, reduced by a thorough inspection beforehand.
- Changing decisions mid-job, such as a new tile choice after tiling starts.
- Dust storms that pause waterproofing and tiling.
- Late delivery of equipment or lighting parts.
Summary
- Duration depends on type, condition, materials and weather.
- Partial work is usually shorter, but location decides the time.
- Full renovation is a chain of stages, and waterproofing with the fill test must not be rushed.
- You save time by preparing decisions and materials, not by cutting curing times.
After the site visit, YAM Pools provides a written schedule organised by stage, with engineering supervision on larger jobs, in Riyadh and across the Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
Why can you not give a fixed duration before the visit?
Because it depends on the actual pool condition, the renovation type and the materials. After the visit we can give a schedule organised by stage for your pool.
Can I use the pool during partial renovation?
For some repairs done with water in the pool, use can return soon after. Repairs that need a lowered level or a drain require waiting until materials dry and the system restarts.
When is the best time to renovate in Riyadh?
Milder months are usually better, because strong heat affects work and the drying of some materials, and pool use is lower.
Does a bigger crew shorten the job?
It shortens stages like stripping and tiling, but not curing times or the fill test.
