Swimming Pond Refurbishment & Upgrades
Natural Swimming Pond Refurbishment & Upgrades in Devon & Cornwall
Restore, Improve & Modernise Your Swimming Pond
Over time even the best swimming ponds evolve. Planting matures, equipment ages and requirements change.
Whether your swimming pond is suffering from poor water quality, outdated filtration, excessive maintenance requirements or simply no longer meets your expectations, SAS Wildlife & Pond Services can help.
We specialise in the refurbishment, improvement and upgrading of natural swimming ponds throughout Devon and Cornwall.
Is Your Swimming Pond Underperforming?
Common issues we encounter include:
- Persistent green water
- Excessive algae growth
- Poor circulation
- Ageing pumps and filtration systems
- Blocked or undersized wetlands
- Overgrown planting zones
- Structural deterioration
- Water level problems
- Difficult maintenance access
- Declining swimming experience
Many of these issues can be resolved without completely rebuilding the pond.
Swimming Pond Improvements
Filtration Upgrades
Many older systems were designed before modern swimming pond filtration became widely available.
We can install:
- Drum filters
- Biological filtration systems
- UV clarification
- Improved pump systems
- Enhanced circulation systems
- Surface skimmers
Regeneration Zone Improvements
The planted regeneration area is the heart of any natural swimming pond.
We can:
- Reconfigure planting areas
- Increase filtration capacity
- Improve water movement
- Replace inappropriate species
- Increase biodiversity value
Aquatic Planting Enhancements
Professional planting can significantly improve both appearance and water quality.
We can supply and install:
- Marginal plants
- Oxygenating plants
- Water lilies
- Wetland planting
- Native aquatic species
Waterfall & Stream Additions
Adding waterfalls and streams can:
- Improve circulation
- Increase oxygenation
- Create movement and sound
- Enhance visual impact
Plant Room Optimisation
Many hybrid swimming ponds contain pumps, filtration equipment and controls hidden within a plant room.
We can:
- Upgrade equipment
- Improve accessibility
- Reduce running costs
- Simplify maintenance
- Improve reliability
Full Swimming Pond Refurbishment
In some cases a complete refurbishment offers the best long-term value.
This may include:
- Draining and cleaning
- Regrading pond profiles
- New liners
- New filtration systems
- Complete replanting
- New circulation infrastructure
- Access improvements
- Feature construction
Typical Project Values
Every project is different, however most refurbishment works fall within the following ranges:
| Project Type | Typical Investment |
|---|---|
| Planting Improvements | £2,500 – £10,000 |
| Filtration Upgrades | £5,000 – £25,000 |
| Major Enhancements | £15,000 – £50,000+ |
| Full Refurbishment | £25,000 – £150,000+ |
Why Choose SAS?
- Specialists in ponds and wetlands
- Experience with natural and hybrid swimming ponds
- Practical construction expertise
- Ecological understanding
- Independent advice
- Devon and Cornwall based
- Design, construction and refurbishment services
Discuss Your Swimming Pond
Whether you’re dealing with persistent water quality issues or planning a major upgrade, we’d be happy to discuss your project.

Devon & Cornwall
Discuss Your Project
Planning a wildlife pond, natural swimming pond, wetland or habitat project? Send us your photos, videos and ideas and we’ll be happy to help.
Why is my swimming pond water green?
Green water is usually caused by excessive nutrients, insufficient filtration, poor circulation or an imbalance between planting and nutrient levels. The underlying cause can vary significantly between ponds, which is why a professional assessment is often the best starting point.
Can an older swimming pond be upgraded?
Yes. Many swimming ponds can be significantly improved without rebuilding the entire system. Common upgrades include improved filtration, additional circulation, planting enhancements and regeneration zone improvements.
Do I need to replace the liner during a refurbishment?
Not always. If the existing liner remains watertight and in good condition, refurbishment work can often be completed without replacing it. Where leaks or deterioration are present, liner replacement may be recommended.
Can you improve water clarity in a natural swimming pond?
In most cases, yes. Water clarity can often be improved through better circulation, filtration upgrades, planting adjustments and nutrient management.
My swimming pond has lots of blanketweed. Can it be fixed?
Blanketweed is a common issue and is usually a symptom of excessive nutrients or biological imbalance. Long-term improvement typically requires addressing the underlying cause rather than simply removing the algae.
Can you upgrade the filtration system in an existing swimming pond?
Yes. We regularly retrofit modern filtration equipment into existing swimming ponds, including drum filters, biological filtration systems, UV clarification and circulation improvements.
Do swimming ponds become more difficult to maintain as they age?
They can. Mature planting, accumulated sediment and ageing equipment can all contribute to increased maintenance requirements. Refurbishment and optimisation can often restore performance and reduce maintenance demands.
Can you convert a fully natural swimming pond into a hybrid system?
Yes. Many owners choose to introduce discreet filtration and circulation systems to improve water clarity, extend the swimming season and reduce maintenance requirements while retaining a natural appearance.
Can you add waterfalls or streams to an existing swimming pond?
Yes. Waterfalls, streams and additional circulation features can often be incorporated into existing swimming ponds and may improve both appearance and water quality.
How much does a swimming pond refurbishment cost?
Costs vary depending on the size of the pond and the scope of works required. Minor improvements may start from around £2,500 + VAT, while major refurbishment projects can exceed £50,000 + VAT.
Do you work on swimming ponds built by other contractors?
Absolutely. Many of our refurbishment projects involve swimming ponds originally constructed by other companies, sometimes many years ago.
Can you help with leaking swimming ponds?
Yes. We can investigate suspected leaks and advise on the most appropriate repair or refurbishment options. The best solution depends on the original construction method and the condition of the pond.
Is refurbishment cheaper than building a new swimming pond?
In many cases, yes. Upgrading and improving an existing swimming pond can often deliver excellent results for a fraction of the cost of a complete rebuild.
Do you provide swimming pond inspections?
Yes. We offer paid site visits and inspections throughout Devon and Cornwall to assess existing swimming ponds and provide recommendations for improvement.
What areas do you cover?
We provide swimming pond refurbishment and upgrade services throughout Devon and Cornwall, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, the South Hams, East Devon, West Devon and North Devon.




