Renovating a concrete swimming pool in Mallorca involves draining it, assessing the pool structure, repairing cracks and leaks, waterproofing, and installing a new liner. A surface renovation takes between 5 and 10 days; a complete renovation, 2 to 4 weeks. In 2026, the cost of a new liner starts at €20-40/m², but if cracks need to be repaired or the pool re-waterproofed, it can exceed €80/m². Many pools on the island built before 1995 were constructed without a waterproof membrane, and this is the source of almost all leaks.
Summer arrives, you fill the pool, and within days the level has dropped a foot. Or you see a fine crack running across the pool basin. Or the tiles are starting to come loose at the corners. These are the three classic signs that it's time to take action. The good news: renovating a concrete pool is almost always more cost-effective than demolishing it and building a new one, provided the structure can withstand it. We see it every day as construction company in Mallorca.
When should a concrete swimming pool be renovated?
A concrete swimming pool needs to be repaired when cracks appear in the pool shell, when it leaks abnormally, or when the lining peels off. Any of these three signs indicates that the waterproofing has failed and that the problem will worsen if left untreated.
The most common clues we find in Mallorca:
- Fine or open cracks in the glass, walls or bottom
- Need to refill the pool more frequently than normal
- Loose, bulging, or missing mosaic tiles
- Rust stains or white efflorescence on the coating
- Water that becomes cloudy despite proper maintenance
A crack isn't just an aesthetic problem. Water seeps through it into the ground, and over time it can compromise the structure of the pool itself. The sooner it's addressed, the cheaper the repair will be.
Why do concrete swimming pools crack in Mallorca?
Many concrete swimming pools in Mallorca crack because they were built before 1995 without a separate waterproof membrane; the builders relied on the inherent strength of the concrete itself. Over the years, ground movement and temperature fluctuations create micro-cracks through which water eventually seeps.
Added to this is a very Mallorcan factor: the proximity to the sea. In coastal areas, salty humidity attacks the concrete and reinforcing steel, accelerating deterioration. A swimming pool in a villa in Andratx or on a property near the coast suffers more than one inland. That's why, when we renovate, we don't just patch the crack: we treat the cause.
What is the step-by-step process for rehabilitating a swimming pool?
- We emptied the pool and thoroughly cleaned the basin to see the actual condition of the concrete.
- We diagnose: we locate cracks, leaks and areas with exposed steel.
- We clean and repair cracks with specific mortars and, if necessary, reinforcement.
- We apply waterproofing to the pool using a liquid membrane or cementitious coating.
- We installed the new cladding: mosaic tiles, microcement, or reinforced membrane.
- We fill it, adjust the filtration, and check for leaks.
Each phase has its own drying time, and you can't rush it: a poorly cured waterproofing will fail again within a season. Doing it right the first time is what differentiates a renovation that lasts fifteen years from a patch that only lasts one.
What options are there for repairing cracks and leaks in a swimming pool?
The repair depends on the severity. A surface crack is opened, cleaned, and filled with mortars that withstand constant contact with water. In more serious cases, the area is reinforced with fiberglass mesh or resins before waterproofing.
When the pool is badly cracked, the only solution with a lasting guarantee is re-gunite the entire glass with its corresponding iron reinforcement. And let's be honest: that's practically building a new pool, at a similar cost. Stitching the crack with staples and sealing it over is usually a short-term fix that leads to long-term problems: the crack reopens with the next movement cycle.
For localized leaks, there's repair without draining, a technique increasingly in demand on the island that avoids losing the entire season. It's not suitable for every situation, but when it works, it saves time and money. Waterproofing must comply with the health and safety criteria of the Technical Building Code.
How much does it cost to renovate a concrete swimming pool in Mallorca?
In 2026, renovating a concrete swimming pool in Mallorca costs from €20-40/m² if only the lining is replaced, and can exceed €80/m² when the old tiles need to be removed, cracks repaired, and the pool re-waterproofed. The initial condition of the pool shell can double or triple the cost of the same project.
Mosaic tiles start at around €30-40/m² installed; a liner, at €20-35/m². If the solution involves re-tilering the entire pool basin, the cost approaches that of a new pool, so it's worth carefully considering both options. We break it down in our guide on How much does it cost to build a concrete swimming pool in Mallorca?, which also serves as a reference for comparing rehabilitation versus construction.
How long does it take to renovate a swimming pool?
A superficial renovation, such as replacing the lining, takes between 5 and 10 days. A complete renovation, including structural repairs and waterproofing, usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks, depending on drying times and weather conditions. In Mallorca, it's best to plan for autumn or winter to have the pool ready before the swimming season.
When is it NOT worthwhile to renovate an existing pool and when is it better to build a new one?
- When the pool shell is so cracked that the only guarantee is to completely rebuild it: the cost is equal to that of a new pool, so it's better to design it to your liking.
- When the structure has given way due to serious ground movements, reinforcing it does not guarantee long-term stability.
- When you want to change shape, depth, or location: rehabilitating maintains the existing vessel; if you're looking for something else, build a new swimming pool makes more sense.
Frequently asked questions about the rehabilitation of concrete swimming pools
Is it possible to repair a concrete swimming pool without draining it?
In some cases, yes. For localized leaks, there are repair techniques that don't require draining the pool, preventing the loss of the swimming season. These techniques aren't effective when the entire pool needs re-waterproofing or the lining needs replacing, but for a localized leak, they are the quickest and most economical option. Each pool must be assessed before making a decision.
How long does a well-done pool renovation take?
A well-executed concrete pool renovation, with proper waterproofing and a quality lining, typically lasts between 12 and 20 years before requiring major repairs. The key is to address the cause of leaks and allow for proper drying times, not just patch up the visible crack.
Why is my concrete pool leaking water if I don't see any cracks?
A concrete swimming pool can leak water without visible cracks due to micro-fissures in the pool shell, deteriorated joints, or faults in the pipes and skimmers. Many Mallorcan pools built before 1995 lack a waterproof liner, so the leak occurs through the porous concrete itself. A leak test pinpoints the exact location of the leak.
Are there any regulations that must be followed when renovating a private swimming pool?
A private swimming pool for personal use is not subject to the health controls of Royal Decree 742/2013, which regulates public swimming pools. Even so, it is advisable that the renovation comply with good waterproofing and safety practices, especially if the property is intended for holiday rentals, where additional requirements may apply.
We renovate your concrete swimming pool in Mallorca
If your pool is leaking, has cracks, or the liner is damaged, the first step is a thorough inspection of the pool structure. Call us at +34 625 16 47 18 or email us at info@armalutx.com for a free, no-obligation assessment. We'll tell you honestly whether it's worth renovating or building a new pool, and how much each option would cost.
