We recently completed a comprehensive restoration of a 10x4m concrete pool in Castor Bay, Auckland. The project involved a complete modernization of the pool’s hydraulics, lighting, and surface aesthetics.
We upgraded the tired interior with Hydrazzo Mediterranean Blue polished marble plaster and installed premium Ezarri glass mosaics for a stunning waterline finish. With a total project value of approximately $47,000 + GST, this renovation brought a standard backyard pool up to luxury resort standards, increasing both the property value and the swim quality for the client.
Castor Bay, Auckland
Concrete Resurfacing & Stone Pool Coping
May 23, 2023
Full Pool Renovation
Overview
Every successful pool renovation begins with a forensic assessment of the existing shell. For this property in Castor Bay, the 10-meter concrete shell was structurally sound but aesthetically tired. The original interior finish had become rough and pitted—a common issue with older plaster pools on the North Shore where salt water and UV exposure degrade the cement matrix over 15+ years.
The scope wasn’t just cosmetic. The client wanted to address the “invisible” infrastructure as well. We identified that the existing plumbing and sanitation systems were outdated, leading to poor circulation and higher chemical maintenance costs. The goal was a “turn-key” restoration: stripping the pool back to its bones and rebuilding it with premium materials that would last another 20 years.
Elevating Outdoor Living with Expertise
The most critical visual update was the edge. We removed the dated brick header course and prepared the bond beam for premium porcelain drop-face copings.
Why Porcelain? For this project, we selected a high-grade exterior porcelain. Unlike natural stone which can sometimes contain iron pyrite (leading to rust spots) or require frequent sealing, porcelain is vitrified. This means it is virtually non-porous (less than 0.5% water absorption).
Looking for more options? Read our full guide on Pool Coping Stones & Installation.
Before & After
To create a stunning visual contrast against the coping, we upgraded the waterline tiles to Ezarri Dolerite glass mosaics.
Ezarri is the gold standard for swimming pool tiling in New Zealand. Unlike cheaper ceramic tiles that are glued onto a mesh backing (which can rot and cause tiles to fall off), Ezarri uses a “JointPoint” dot system. This leaves 92% of the tile back free for the adhesive to grab onto, ensuring maximum bond strength.
The client chose the “Dolerite” range for its deep, moody tones. When paired with the blue water, these dark tiles create a sense of depth and luxury often seen in high-end hotels. We installed these using a specialized epoxy grout. Epoxy is chemically resistant and does not stain or erode like cement grout, making it the only responsible choice for a waterline that sits at the volatile air-water interface.
Learn more about our specific processes for Swimming Pool Tiling.
The centerpiece of this Castor Bay pool renovation is the interior finish. We moved away from standard pebble finishes and applied Hydrazzo Mediterranean Blue.
Hydrazzo is a “polished marble” pool plaster. It combines coarse graded marble aggregate, white portland cement, and color-fast pigments. Once applied, our team hand-polishes the entire surface of the pool with diamond pads.
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Smoothness: The polishing process removes the rough “snag” feel of traditional aggregate, making it smooth on feet and swimsuits.
Durability: The marble aggregate is naturally harder and more resistant to chemical etching than standard limestone aggregate.
Visual Depth: The “Mediterranean Blue” pigment is designed to replicate the deep, vibrant blue of the Greek Isles. It reflects sunlight differently than paint or tile, giving the water a shimmering, organic quality that changes throughout the day.
A cosmetic pool renovation is wasted if the water quality is poor. For this project, we allocated a significant portion of the $47k budget to the plant room.
Sanitation: We upgraded the filtration system to ensure crystal-clear water. Proper flow dynamics prevent “dead spots” in the pool where algae loves to grow.
Lighting: We removed the old halogen lights and retrofitted modern, energy-efficient LED systems. These new lights are synchronized to change colors, allowing the client to transform the mood of the pool area at night—turning the Ezarri glass tiles into a glittering feature wall.
We believe in transparency. This project was delivered for $47,000 + GST. Here is where that investment goes in a high-end Auckland pool renovation:
Labor (The Craftsmen): 60% of the cost. Grinding concrete, hand-polishing Hydrazzo, and laying mosaics tile-by-tile is skilled, labor-intensive artisan work.
Materials (The Longevity): Imported Italian porcelain, Spanish glass mosaics (Ezarri), and US-imported Hydrazzo plaster are premium materials that carry a higher upfront cost but last 20+ years.
Technical Upgrades: The pumps, filters, and LED lighting units.
For a deeper dive into costs for different pool types, visit our Pool Renovations Auckland pillar page.
Let us transform your outdoor space with precision and expertise. Specializing in pool renovations that enhance your lifestyle.
