The renovation details
The work in 2020 started with ripping out the pool deck (except for the new deck at the deep end) to allow for all new piping to be installed. Next, the coping stones were removed as they were deteriorating and needed replacement. This was followed by cutting out all the existing skimmers on the remaining three walls and replacing them with new ones. Additional skimmers were also added to meet current codes, while all the return fittings were cored out and replaced with new ones. Additional returns were also installed. All the new skimmers and returns were connected to new schedule-40 rigid PVC supply and return lines, and pressure tested to ensure they would stand the test of time.
Years ago, when the pool was first built, it had large incandescent underwater pool lights. Over time, they all eventually stopped working and were too expensive to repair. As part of the renovation, the owners decided they wanted to replace the old lights with new light emitting diode (LED) underwater pool lights. To accommodate this request, Acapulco Pools installed four new pool lights providing the equivalent of 300 watts of underwater illumination.
The owner of Olympia Village, Paul Galvin, says lighting is the best security feature one can invest in as people are very hesitant to break a rule when they feel they are exposed or visible to potential authority figures. Therefore, having a well-lit pool would not only make it look beautiful in the evening hours, but would also deter visitors from using the pool during the hours it is closed.
The existing mechanical system and equipment room was completely emptied, and the room is being repurposed. The owner built a new pool mechanical room beside the old one, much bigger to allow for the new larger filters along with the other upgraded equipment the pool would use. The filters consist of two 1219-mm (48-in.) vertical sand filters that are each capable of 1.1 m2 (12.2 sf) of filtration. Together, they offer a total of 2.2 m2 (24.4 sf) of filtration area. This, combined with the new skimmers and returns, brings the pool up to code with respect to turnover rates.
