While swimming pools may seem like a luxury, they can become costly for homeowners. There are many benefits of pool removal, including reclaiming yard space, saving on maintenance costs, and increasing the resale value of your home.
Removing a pool requires excavation and heavy machinery, so your property must be prepared beforehand. This could involve digging up driveways or walkways, septic tanks, sewer connections, and other structures.
Safety Concerns
The safety concerns that come with a pool are very real. Drowning is one of the leading causes of home accidents, and even a small amount of water can pose a risk to pets or young children who wander into the area. In addition, owners of pools often have to take out a larger homeowners insurance policy due to the increased liability associated with having a swimming pool on their property.
Pools can also lower the value of your home if they are in poor condition or require frequent repairs. This is particularly true in areas that don’t enjoy a long season of warm weather or where the pool takes up significant space. Removing a pool can be difficult, especially when it is your yard’s focal point or design element.
Unpleasant Smells
If your pool hasn’t been used for quite some time, the bottom of it can give off a nasty odor. This is because of the build-up of decomposing organic material, such as leaves and grass.
Depending on how this smell is handled, it may require chemicals or other expensive means to neutralize it. It’s simply easier to have it removed altogether.
A full swimming pool removal can increase your property value if done correctly. It can give you back space that can be used for a garden, patio, or other landscaping features. This also opens your home to buyers who want something other than a pool or have young children. This can make the process of selling your house much smoother.
Landscaping Concerns
Many homeowners install pools to enjoy summer swimming and outdoor activities with friends and family. Over time, however, the excitement may fade, especially if children age and families relocate.
A pool is a major investment that can add to energy costs and maintenance expenses. Some homeowners have found that removing their pool is more affordable than spending the money to keep it.
Once the pool is removed, the space can be repurposed for gardening or other landscaping features, such as an arbor or pergola. The soil can also support small structures such as sheds, gazebos, and other backyard retreats if full removal is chosen. The concrete and sand from the pool can be reused in landscaping projects or disposed of according to local guidelines.
Maintenance Concerns
The cost of keeping a pool, especially if it is not frequently used, can add up over time. Not to mention the additional expenses like water bills and chemicals.
In addition, having a swimming pool in the backyard can affect the value of your property, especially if you plan on selling it in the future. Renting a home with a pool in the yard can also be difficult.
The best way to avoid these issues is to eliminate your pool by performing a complete removal like building demolition. This process begins by draining the old pool and punching holes to drain any chlorine. Then, it is demolished and filled in with dirt or gravel, making it non-buildable for new living areas (although sheds and different landscaping are still possible). This option can reduce the likelihood of seepage and sinkage, too.
Aesthetic Concerns
Many homeowners install swimming pools to have a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Over time, however, they can lose interest in the pool and decide to have it removed from their property.
If a pool is older, requires repairs, and takes up most of the yard, it can detract from the home’s value. This is especially true in markets where buyers seek homes with lots of usable outdoor space.
The backyard can be transformed into a lush garden with trees and bushes if a pool is removed. It can also be used as a play area for children or a place to entertain friends and family. The backyard can also be an outdoor living space with a deck, fire pit, and patio furniture.