Most first-time homeowners would jump at the idea of buying a home with a swimming pool if it’s in their price range. It’s the ultimate luxury, right? It also ups your property value by 5-8 percent if you plan on selling down the line. Not to mention, a pool might be at the heart of all your best spring and summer memories.

But the reality is that sometimes the relationship between the homeowner and the swimming pool just doesn’t quite work out. This space could be used for something else and it may be a better idea to eliminate your swimming pool entirely.

Whether you’re a new or well-seasoned homeowner, learn more about how to get rid of a swimming pool in this article.

When Is It Time To Get Rid of Your Swimming Pool?

If you find yourself staring out the window at its turquoise blue (or murky) waters, wondering ”should I fill in my pool?”, then you probably already know the answer. But how do you know when filling in a swimming pool is the best idea, and better yet, whether it’s worth the cost?

Here are some of the most relevant reasons to fill in your pool:

• It’s plain and simple — you just don’t use it as much as you used to
• The cost of swimming pool maintenance far outweighs how much you use it, i.e. it’s not worth maintaining any longer
• You’ve been spending far too much on repetitive repairs and it’s becoming a financial liability
• You want to retrofit or remodel your pool to keep up with compliance, but it’s just too costly to do so

Filling in a pool is also a good idea if it’s no longer considered an asset when selling your home. Most of the time, a well-maintained swimming pool would be considered a major selling point. But if it’s in poor condition and in need of major repair or remodeling work, this can work against you in the sale of your home.

How To Get Rid of a Swimming Pool: Your Best Options

So, you’ve made the decision to ax your swimming pool, but you may be wondering, do I fill my pool with dirt? Do I completely demo the pool? How much is it to fill an inground pool, anyway?

Check out these feasible and affordable ways to repurpose an inground swimming pool:

1. Remove Your Pool and Fill It In

This may sound like a drastic option, but it’s possible to remove your swimming pool in its entirety, without it costing a small fortune. However, the cost does depend on the size of your pool in the first place.

Another important consideration is whether you can get an earthmover into your yard, without having to make any drastic changes to your property, plants, or fencing.

For this task, it’s best to hire the expertise of a demolition or concrete landscaping company, such as JM Concrete Pros. The process is fairly simple. First, they will drain your pool. Second, they dig a hole in the bottom of your pool which is then filled with crushed rock.

After this, they remove the first two-three feet of the pool, plus the decking. This debris is usually placed inside the hole. Once this is complete, they cover the demolished pool area with topsoil. It’s then graded so you can use this extra landscape as you want.

2. Deck Over It

Another smart solution for removing an old swimming pool is to build a deck over the empty space once it’s been drained.

The process is also fairly simple. After draining your pool and disconnecting all pool utilities, a wooden beam structure is erected inside the empty pool space. After that, contractors lay the deck structure over the top of this supporting structure.

They also install a pump to catch and remove rainwater from the area and install ventilation areas to prevent wood rot.

3. Create a Cement Pond

If you still love the idea of keeping an element of water in your yard, then a cement pond that houses Koi fish or other wildlife is another option.

However, this option does not completely cut out the maintenance costs of this area. It may also be a little more expensive to install, taking new equipment costs and the pool-filling process into account.

Contractors partially fill your pool with gravel, install a new liner, and then transform the rest of the empty space into your preferred size-pond. If you’re looking to add a key feature to your yard for a little interest or diversity, this is a brilliant idea.

4. Convert Your Pool Into a Garden Plot

The good news is that you don’t have to completely remove the pool in order to convert it into a garden space.

However, keep in mind that it’s also not as simple as filling in the pool with dirt, and that’s it. It’s important to drain your pool and drill holes in the bottom for adequate drainage. It’s also crucial that you purchase the right type of garden soil and it is compacted well so that your garden plot does not sink over time.

If your pool was surrounded by decking, this must be removed or buried beforehand, too. When filling in a swimming pool with dirt, remember that you still have to disclose its existence when selling your home.

5. Transform the Area Into a Sunken Greenhouse

If you’re an avid green thumb and have always longed for your own greenhouse, this is the perfect opportunity to create one. By partially filling in an in-ground pool, the area can be leveled and transformed into a pit greenhouse.

The sunken earth provides ideal temperatures for plant growth, but keep in mind that not all swimming pools are appropriate for this type of conversion.

Your pool must have a well-maintained and strong base foundation so that it does not collapse due to pressure from the surrounding earth and water table. Make sure to have your swimming pool foundation inspected before you make this decision.

6. Cover up Your Swimming Pool Temporarily

This is a good solution if you’re looking for something less permanent. Covering your pool on a temporary basis is a brilliant way to reduce maintenance costs and put it into hibernation until you use it again.

With the right solar cover, you can also ensure your pool is safely covered and secure. This reduces the risk of young children or pets falling into it when it’s not in use. You want to go for a pool cover that is robust and secures well to your decking for extra safety.

You also don’t have to drain your pool. If it’s balanced correctly with the right chemistry before you place the cover on it, your pool water can hibernate for as long as one full season.

Does removing a pool decrease home value?

Removing a pool from your home may or may not decrease its value, depending on various factors such as location, market demand, and the condition of the pool. Here are a few things to consider:

• Location: If you live in an area where pools are in high demand, removing one could potentially decrease the value of your home. However, if you live in an area where pools are not as common or in demand, removing it may not have much of an impact on the value of your home.
• Condition of the pool: If the pool is in poor condition, removing it could actually increase the value of your home. A damaged or poorly maintained pool can be a liability for a homeowner, as it can be expensive to repair and maintain.
• Property size: If your property is small and the pool takes up a significant portion of the yard, removing it could increase the value of your home by creating more usable outdoor space.
• Potential buyers: Some potential buyers may be looking for homes with pools, while others may prefer not to have one. It ultimately depends on the preferences of the buyer and the current market demand.

In summary, removing a pool from your home may or may not decrease its value. It’s important to consider the location, condition of the pool, property size, and potential buyers when making this decision.

Thinking about Getting Rid of an Inground Pool?

If you’re looking to get rid of your swimming pool for the best possible cost, JM Concrete Pros are your go-to for affordable and professional pool removal. With years of experience in concrete demolition, fill-ins, resurfacing, and repair, get in touch with our team for highly recommended service you can rely on!

Request your free estimate today, and our experienced team will schedule a meeting to discuss your ideas.