Last updated September 25, 2026
When swimming pool remodel contractors step into a Los Angeles County backyard, the first question on the homeowner’s mind is almost always the same: can this pool be repaired, or is it time to remodel?
Maybe the plaster feels like sandpaper under your feet.
Maybe a crack showed up near the steps, or the water level drops faster than it should.
You want a safe, good-looking pool again without paying for work you don’t need.
The right answer usually comes down to one thing: whether the damage is cosmetic wear or a structural crack.
Stains, rough plaster, and faded tile are cosmetic wear, and they can often be fixed with a targeted repair or new plaster.
A structural crack, repeated plumbing leaks, or a layout your family has outgrown usually points to a full pool remodel.
SPEAR is a family-owned pool company based in Winnetka that has served Los Angeles County for more than 30 years.
As swimming pool remodel contractors working across the San Fernando Valley, the team covers Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Burbank, and Glendale, reaching west to Thousand Oaks and Oak Park and east to Pasadena and Altadena.
The easiest first step is to book a free on-site estimate and get a clear repair-or-remodel recommendation with transparent pricing.
Why Locals Trust These Swimming Pool Remodel Contractors
Trust starts with credentials you can check yourself.
SPEAR operates as Spear Pools, Inc. under CSLB License #1041272, with the C-53 Swimming Pool classification from the California Contractors State License Board.
The company is fully insured, carrying full liability insurance with $3 million in coverage, so your home and property are protected while crews work.
That experience adds up to more than 30 years of pool-only work and hundreds of satisfied homeowners and commercial properties across Los Angeles County.
Owner Mike Howitt, a Southern California native and CPO-certified pool professional, leads the team.
What Sets Our Swimming Pools And Renovation Work Apart
Good remodeling work shows up in the details you notice years later.
The project gallery includes a spa added to an existing pool in Castaic, a new pool deck in West Hills, and fresh plaster finishes in Granada Hills and South Pasadena.
Adding a spa like the one in Castaic takes plumbing and electrical work done right, so the new hot tub blends into the existing pool instead of looking bolted on.
Permits are handled in-house, because the team pulls every required permit itself.
That means you skip the trip to the permit counter, and the schedule doesn’t stall while paperwork sits on your kitchen table.
Support also continues after the final result is complete.
As an authorized Pentair warranty partner, SPEAR helps you register qualifying pool equipment and handles warranty claims for you.
The same team offers weekly pool service and equipment repair, so the people who remodeled your pool can keep it running.
Services: Pool Remodel, New Pool, And Pool Maintenance
Every pool project fits into one of three service lines.
| Service | What it covers | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Pool remodel and renovation | Resurfacing, tile, coping, decking, re-piping, spas, Baja shelves | Owners of an older pool with a sound shell and worn surfaces |
| New pool construction | Design, permits, excavation, shell, equipment, finishes | Homeowners with no pool, or a pool that is beyond saving |
| Pool maintenance and equipment upgrades | Weekly pool service, pumps, heaters, filters, automation | Owners protecting a recent remodel or cutting energy bills |
Pool Construction
A new pool build covers the full job, from the first site visit to the day the water is balanced and ready.
The scope includes a consultation and site evaluation, design and layout, permit approvals, excavation, steel and gunite structural work, plumbing and electrical, finishes, and startup.
Homeowners typically compare these material options during design:
- Pool type: concrete pools for fully custom shapes, fiberglass pools for a faster install, or vinyl liner pools for a lower upfront cost
- Interior finish: standard plaster, quartz, pebble, polished aggregate, or tile
- Coping: pavers, natural stone, or concrete
- Decking: concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, stone, or travertine decking, which stays cooler underfoot
Most new pool construction projects take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on size and complexity.
New Pool Construction
Custom pools let you design the backyard around how your family actually lives and create a place to host friends.
Popular design choices include Baja shelves for lounging, built-in spas, waterfalls and fountains, LED lighting, infinity edges, and heating systems for year-round swimming.
Many homeowners also plan the space around the pool for entertaining, including patios, landscaping, and room for outdoor kitchens.
Based on SPEAR’s published cost guide, a basic pool runs about $30,000 to $50,000, a mid-range custom pool about $50,000 to $80,000, and a high-end pool with features $80,000 or more.
You can see finished pools, spas, and features in the SPEAR project gallery.
Pool Remodel And Renovation
A pool remodel makes the most sense when the shell is sound, but the surfaces, features, or equipment have worn out.
Common remodeling services include:
- Pool resurfacing with new plaster, quartz, or pebble finishes
- Waterline and step tile replacement
- New coping and pool deck work with pavers or stone
- Plumbing repair and full re-piping
- Adding a spa or a Baja shelf
- Water features, LED lighting, and automation
SPEAR’s published pricing puts most pool renovation costs between $10,000 and $50,000 or more, while resurfacing alone typically runs $4,000 to $10,000.
For size-by-size numbers on new plaster, see this breakdown of what pool plastering costs in Los Angeles.
Upgraded finishes enhance both the beauty and the lifespan of a pool, and they come in colors that match your home’s style.
Standard plaster generally lasts about 7 to 10 years, quartz about 10 to 15 years, and pebble about 15 to 20 years, according to SPEAR’s plaster guide.
Those ranges vary depending on water chemistry, sun exposure, and how often the pool is used, which is why different sources publish slightly different numbers.
So when does a remodel beat a full replacement?
In most cases, a remodel wins whenever the concrete shell is structurally sound, because you keep the most expensive part of your investment and spend your budget on what you see and use.
Replacement only makes sense when the shell itself has failed or the pool can’t be reshaped to fit your plans.
This quick guide shows how pool professionals sort repair jobs from remodel jobs:
| What you notice | Usually a repair | Usually a remodel |
|---|---|---|
| Light stains or rough patches in one area | Spot repair and water balancing | Not needed yet |
| Rough, etched, or stained plaster across most of the pool | Not practical | Pool resurfacing |
| A few loose waterline tiles | Reset or replace those tiles | Not needed yet |
| Tile failing around the whole waterline | Short-term patch only | New tile and coping |
| A hairline crack in the plaster surface | Patch and monitor | Not needed yet |
| A structural crack with water loss | Structural repair first | Resurface after the repair |
| One leaking plumbing line | Line repair | Not needed yet |
| Repeated leaks on old pipes | Short-term patch only | Re-piping |
| A layout that no longer fits your family | Not possible | Add a spa, Baja shelf, or new features |
A structural crack always gets repaired before any new surface goes on, because a crack left underneath will return through fresh plaster.
If you can’t decide which column your pool falls into, these 9 warning signs a pool needs a new surface are a helpful checklist.
Pool Maintenance And Equipment Upgrades
Regular pool maintenance helps maintain a remodel long after the crew leaves.
SPEAR offers weekly pool service that helps keep water chemistry balanced and surfaces in good condition, along with repair calls when something breaks.
Energy-efficient equipment is the other half of lower operating costs.
Popular equipment upgrades include:
- Variable speed pumps that adjust to your pool’s needs
- High-efficiency heaters
- LED pool and spa lighting
- Smart automation and remote monitoring
Since July 19, 2021, federal Department of Energy efficiency standards for pool pumps have pushed most replacement filter pumps toward variable-speed designs, according to the Federal Register.
Many of these upgrades also qualify for utility rebates.
Pools in the San Fernando Valley rarely need a full winter closing.
Seasonal service here usually means a pre-summer equipment and filter check before the heavy swim months, and a heater check before cooler evenings arrive in the fall.
How We Run Every Pool Project
Clear expectations come first, before any work begins.
You get an upfront estimate and a timeline for your project before the job is scheduled, with no hidden fees and no pressure to upsell.
The SPEAR office is your single point of contact, and the team follows up with appointment reminders and estimate confirmations, so you always know who to call.
Pool Project Timeline
- Schedule a free consultation. Tell the team what’s wrong with your pool and what you want it to become.
- On-site inspection and measurements. A technician checks the shell, surfaces, plumbing, and equipment, and measures the pool.
- Detailed estimate with transparent pricing. You see the scope, your finish options, and the full cost upfront, with no hidden fees, before you commit.
- Permits and schedule confirmed. Required permits are pulled, and the start date is locked in before any demolition.
- Construction with steady follow-up. Crews complete the work, and the team follows up on every part of the job until it is finished.
- Final walkthrough and handover. Once the work is completed, the team walks you through the finished pool, the equipment, and the care instructions for your new surface.
Fully Insured, Licensed, And Warranty-Backed Work
Hiring a fully insured contractor protects you from liability if something goes wrong on your property.
SPEAR carries full liability insurance with $3 million in coverage, and every job is built to meet or exceed state and local codes.
Warranty support covers the equipment side of your pool.
Qualifying Pentair equipment is registered under the manufacturer’s warranty, and if a covered part fails, the team diagnoses the problem and handles the claim for you.
California adds another layer of protection through licensing.
The state requires an active contractor license to have a contractor’s bond on file, and anyone can look up a contractor’s license status, bond, and workers’ compensation record on the CSLB license check tool.
Before signing with any pool company, get multiple written estimates, ask for certificates of insurance, and walk away from anyone who demands a massive deposit before work begins.
For a full checklist, read these questions to ask before you hire a renovation company.
Proof: Results, Photos, And Project Summaries
Photos show the quality of past work better than any sales pitch.
The SPEAR gallery organizes projects by service and location:
- Spa additions: Castaic, Los Angeles, and Tarzana
- Plaster and resurfacing: North Hills, Walnut, South Pasadena, and Granada Hills
- Coping: Burbank, Silver Lake, and La Verne
- Tile: Woodland Hills, North Hills, and Burbank
- Pool decks: West Hills
- Baja shelves: Burbank, Altadena, and Silver Lake
The numbers behind those photos matter too.
SPEAR reports a 98% customer satisfaction rate, more than 30 years in business, and most calls answered within 24 hours.
When you compare contractors, ask each one for references from past remodel clients who have agreed to share their experience.
What Customers Say About Our Swimming Pools
Real reviews tell you how a team treats people, not just pools.
These comments come from verified Google reviews:
“Just honest hard working excellent service.” Raffi C. Donoyan
“He explained and showed me exactly what needed to be done and why.” Alisa Shniderman
“Pricing is very fair.” Stephen Altmayer
“Thank you Spear Pools for over 25 years of reliable service.” Bret Ivison
You can read more homeowner stories on the SPEAR testimonials page.
Areas Served For Pool Construction And Remodels
SPEAR is based in Winnetka and serves Los Angeles County and nearby communities.
Cities and suburbs in the service area include:
- Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park, and Winnetka
- Tarzana, Encino, Reseda, and Lake Balboa
- Northridge, Granada Hills, and Chatsworth
- Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Van Nuys, and Valley Village
- Burbank, Glendale, and La Crescenta
- Pasadena and Altadena
- Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Oak Park
Neighborhoods within that radius include Toluca Lake, Silver Lake, and Beverly Hills.
Office hours run Monday through Friday, so if your home sits outside the areas listed above, contact the team to confirm coverage before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Remodeling And New Pools
These quick answers cover what most homeowners ask before they book.
How Much Does A Typical Pool Remodel Cost?
A typical pool remodel costs about $10,000 to $50,000 or more in Los Angeles County, based on SPEAR’s published pricing.
Resurfacing alone usually runs $4,000 to $10,000, and a new pool deck runs $5,000 to $20,000.
HomeGuide’s 2026 national data puts in-ground pool remodels at $6,000 to $50,000.
The biggest cost factors are pool size, the finish you choose, tile and coping, equipment upgrades, permits, and whether a structural crack needs repair first.
How Long Will My Pool Renovation Take?
A pool renovation usually takes 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish.
Resurfacing projects often wrap up in 5 to 7 days, while a complete remodel with plumbing, tile, coping, and decking takes longer.
New pool construction runs about 6 to 12 weeks.
Common delays include weather, permit review, material availability, and hidden damage that only shows up once the pool is drained.
Do You Handle Permits And HOA Approvals?
Yes, SPEAR handles the permits for your pool remodel or new pool, pulling every required permit so the work meets local building codes.
Permits are often needed for structural changes, electrical work, and plumbing.
HOA approval is a separate step that stays with the homeowner, and many associations require an architectural review before exterior work begins.
If you live in an HOA community, start that request early so board approval is in hand before the permit is filed.
Are You Fully Insured And Licensed?
Yes, SPEAR is fully insured and licensed, carrying full liability insurance with $3 million in coverage.
The company operates as Spear Pools, Inc. under CSLB License #1041272 with the C-53 Swimming Pool classification.
You can confirm the license status, bond, and workers’ compensation details anytime on the California Contractors State License Board website.
Every job is built to meet or exceed state and local codes.
Contact To Start Your Pool Remodel Or New Pool Project
Whether your pool needs a simple repair, a full remodel, or a brand-new build, the next step is the same.
Schedule a free on-site consultation, and the team will inspect your pool, answer your questions, and give you a clear recommendation with transparent pricing.
Call during office hours, or fill out the quote form and get a response within 24 hours.
SPEAR (Swimming Pool Equipment And Repair)
Spear Pools, Inc. | CSLB License #1041272
8335 Winnetka Ave #410, Winnetka, CA 91306
Phone: (818) 719-9059
Email: ran@spearpoolrepair.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Free estimate: book your free on-site pool estimate