11 Pros and Cons of Various Retrofitting Methods That Experts Never Share

September 7, 2025

The result is a campus icon that blends authenticity with innovation, avoiding the cost and aesthetic limitations of replicating historic craftsmanship from scratch. In doing so the Holcim Foundation Awards prize-winning John H Daniels building demonstrates how adaptive reuse can unlock the unique value embedded in traditional buildings. These material legacies—cornices, vaulted ceilings, worn stone steps—carry meaning that cannot be easily replicated and contribute to the sense of place that defines great architecture. By preserving and adapting these features, the project sets a benchmark for sustainable heritage integration in contemporary institutional design.

Enhanced Sustainability

Another option includes using warning signs to alert visitors of the filled pool area. Periodically inspect the area for erosion or changes in stability to maintain safety over time. Adopting these solutions leads to long-term savings and a more environmentally friendly swim experience. Let’s dive in, with a showcase of exemplary buildings, including some previous winners of Holcim Foundation Awards. When it comes to fire safety retrofitting, there are many benefits that businesses receive. From compliance with changing regulations to keeping employees safe, here are a few of the advantages businesses can expect from a thorough fire safety retrofit.

With our patented modular design, Ecopools can be connected together for unlimited sizes and shapes.
Incorporating safety measures such as installing a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of the heater and ensuring proper ventilation is essential.
Embracing saltwater pool conversion allows homeowners to integrate cutting-edge pool technology.
While it's true that new builds can achieve impressive energy performance thanks to the latest materials and technologies, retrofitted buildings aren't as far behind as you might think.
Given that 87% of today's buildings will still be occupied in 2050, transform-and-reuse will become central to how we decarbonise the built environment.

Incorporating Energy-Efficient Solutions

With new options to improve homes and reduce bills, retrofitting has become a common method of enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and homes. Thames Freeport is part of a massive project to retrofit more than 5 million homes, improving the sustainability, affordability and quality of life in the local community. When hydrotherapy and rehab pools comes to upgrading, updating and modifying a building, there are multiple options on the table.

Modular Pools

Though sometimes we might feel helpless, there are ways the design and construction industry can better address each of these weighty issues. Longing to rebuild a united city, the modus operandi of the Berliners was to remove as much evidence as possible of the division of Berlin, but the parish decided to reuse the rubble. Red brick rubble from the old church was used as an aggregate for the earth construction. In this way, the parish was able to deliberately use the tectonics of the new building to take back the ownership of history and narrate the complex story of a societal trauma. On the outskirts of Aarhus, a port city on the east coast of the Danish peninsula, lies a small single-family house from the 1960’s. Its architectural features draw on a local functional tradition, defined by yellow brick walls, large areas of glazing and a gable roof with eaves.

Salt Water Swimming Pools

The Grand Parc is a mass housing complex characteristic of 20th century architecture, a concrete construction erected at scale and vilified as the symbol of social challenges. adjustable depth pool floors were originally built to address housing shortages after the Second World War. Unfortunately, the construction techniques of the time had multiple negative consequences for the indoor climate and viability of the constructions, resulting in social pressure and stigma in many of these housing areas. Romtec Utilities provides an advisor onsite to provide the installing contractor with installation advice based on the retrofit plan. The advisor is onsite simply to assist the process and to make sure the plan and documentation are fully understood throughout the installation process. After the retrofit package has been installed, a Romtec Utilities technician starts-up the pump station and conducts testing and training.

The Pool Refurbishment Process

Retrofitting existing buildings for automation is crucial as it allows for optimized energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and increased overall productivity.
When it comes to upgrading, updating and modifying a building, there are multiple options on the table.
Refurbishment focuses on restoring or repairing an existing structure to improve its condition, often through cosmetic updates and minor functional upgrades.
The industrialisation of the renovation process in the building sector is also a relevant step towards overall sustainability.
You should also consider the aesthetic appeal of the materials and equipment, selecting options that complement your pool’s design and surroundings.
Excluding listed buildings or other heritage assets, refurbishing the interior of a property whose facade and overall structure contribute significantly to the area's character is generally a simpler discussion with planners.

While we’ve listed the many perks retrofitting offers, there are also hurdles developers face when bringing old buildings into the 21st century. With clever design and modern innovations, many retrofitted buildings can match or come close to new build standards. This was seen in Westminster this year, as the council announced plans that require developers to first explore retrofitting before demolition and rebuild. Developers will have to fork out carbon off-setting payments that are up to nine times as they were previously.

Can Ecopools be heated?

With this in mind, the forthcoming Holcim Foundation Fellowship with ETH Zurich, hosted in Brussels, will create a space for participants to focus on adaptive reuse—transforming existing buildings rather than demolishing them. This approach underscores the importance of preserving embodied carbon and reducing construction waste, aligning with sustainable development goals. By involving students and emerging professionals in real-world projects, the program fosters a new generation of practitioners who prioritize sustainability and retrofit solutions[3].

How much does it cost to replace an old pool?

The geographical location plays a significant role as accessibility and transportation of heating equipment can impact the overall expenses. The installation of a gas or propane pool heater necessitates meticulous attention to detail, especially concerning the setup of gas lines, burner assembly, and ventilation requirements. Engaging professional installation services can ensure the safe and efficient integration of gas or propane heaters with existing pool infrastructure. Larger pools may require more powerful heaters to ensure efficient heating, whereas smaller pools can be adequately served by smaller units. Concrete, vinyl, and fiberglass pools each have distinct heating considerations due to their material composition and insulation properties. Another benefit is that installing brand-new energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs over time compared to older models or even some retrofitted ones. Newer models often have better insulation properties than their predecessors due to advancements in technology. Another disadvantage of retrofit windows is that they may not provide as much energy efficiency as new construction options.

Sustainable Disposal Practices

When considering the initial installation costs, it’s crucial to account for the type and size of the heater, labor expenses, and any necessary modifications to the existing pool system. Additionally, energy efficiency should be a central focus in determining long-term operational costs. High-efficiency heaters may have a higher upfront cost but can significantly reduce monthly expenses. A solar pool heater harnesses the power of the sun to gradually heat the pool water, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly heating solution. The installation of solar panels for pool heating can significantly reduce energy costs and contribute to sustainable pool operation. Smart systems in modern pools can regulate water temperature, monitor chemical levels, and manage filtration processes, optimizing energy usage and ensuring a healthier swimming environment.

Cost-Effectiveness

The further you go with an initial survey, the lower the risk of surprises during the construction phase. Identifying the condition of your pool shell structure is the first thing should be done before renovating a pool to determine the level of construction work (if any) required and also the best renovation method. Retrofitting or upgrading your pool can enhance its appearance, improve functionality and increase its value. The prefabricated components allow for easy assembly and customization, fitting your style and space perfectly. With various shapes and features, including energy-efficient technology, these pools are designed for convenience and sustainability. There’s so much more to discover about how modular pools can transform your outdoor space. The first part of this process is the survey and measurement phase to get as much data as possible about the existing building.