Summer often brings visions of relaxing by the pool and going for refreshing swims. For many homeowners, though, it might bring up less soothing imagery and remind them of all the time and money they are about to spend to maintain the feature. For these homeowners, spring may be the perfect time to remove their pool. They can then enjoy their summer in a new, open backyard that requires far less maintenance, money, and worry. While removing a pool can be an expensive process, you will begin seeing the return on your investment on your pool removal almost immediately. Here is why you might want to consider a pool removal before summer begins.
Financial Costs
Owning a pool is an expensive decision. It requires you to purchase chemicals, cleaning and maintenance equipment, and safety gear to secure the pool area. Owners will also need to regularly repair or replace their pool supplies to ensure that the area remains clean and useable. While most homeowners choose to clean their own pools, those short on time can incur extra expenses if they are required to hire professional cleaners. For most homeowners, the water, electricity, and repairs necessary for a pool can cost up to $3,200 per year, a figure that can reach up to $5,000 per year if normal maintenance costs are included. Depending on the type of pool removal you select, the resulting savings can help pay for the removal process within just a few years, after which you will be able to save up for investments in other areas of your life.
Liabilities and Worries
Your pool may also be costing you in terms of liabilities and other concerns. Small children and pets are particularly vulnerable, and they may face serious injury if they enter the pool without supervision. Homeowners must therefore spend more money to properly secure their pool and ensure that children are always monitored in the pool area. Your family is not the only group at risk, however. Pools are termed “attractive nuisances” in the insurance industry, and homeowners are therefore responsible for injuries to anyone who enters the pool — including uninvited guests that might sneak into your backyard to enjoy the pool when you are not home. Because of these liabilities, your homeowners insurance policy is likely $50 higher per year than others’ policies and includes a higher amount of liability coverage. While the financial cost is not prohibitive, the worry a pool can cause and security measures it requires may be difficult to manage.
Why to Schedule a Pool Removal
There are several other reasons to consider removing your pool before summer begins. Opening your pool after a long winter is a long, time consuming process that may carry little reward if your pool is not being used as often as it was before. The process involves cleaning your pool cover, storing it, reinstalling and removing various pieces of equipment, refilling the pool if it is lost some water during the off season, and re-balancing the chemicals within it. The entire process, including time spent waiting for the chemicals to reach their ideal state, can take up to 24 hours. While that may seem like a short amount of time, there is little reward for the time spent preparing the pool for the new season for many homeowners.
For those who choose to open their pools, they will need to maintain the pool throughout the summer and close it properly at the end of the season. The pool’s water, interior liner, and filtration system must all be monitored, and the surface of the pool should be cleaned daily to prevent bacteria and debris from causing problems in the water and the equipment. After spending so much time checking water circulation, cleaning the water, and maintaining the proper chemical balance, it is natural to wonder whether the hassle is all worth the time and money spent on the pool. By removing it before summer begins, you will never have to worry about cleaning schedules or clogged drains again.
Some homeowners may choose to remove their pool simply because it takes up too much space. If your pool has been underused for several seasons, removing the pool and replacing it with a different landscaping feature may be an attractive option. You can easily install a patio, outdoor kitchen, garden, or shed over the area, allowing you to enjoy your spacious new yard right away. These options are all safe, practical, and relaxing uses of the space, and families with children or pets may particularly enjoy having more space to play together without worrying about falling into the pool. Removing your pool can open up new opportunities for entertaining, making your home a more inviting place to be during the summer.
Finally, a pool removal may be a wise decision if you’re considering selling your home. If few homes in your neighborhood have a pool, the feature may be seen as a source of extra work rather than an exciting bonus. Buyers may be attracted to the larger yard, lower insurance costs, and peace of mind that comes from knowing they won’t have to spend more money than necessary to maintain their new home. As a result, your home can appeal to a wider range of buyers, from first-time shoppers to empty-nesters looking for an easy, comfortable home that they can enjoy without any extra work.
Working With a Pool Removal Contractor
Contact Dirt Connections for more information about the pool removal process and to discuss the best type of pool removal for your needs. Dirt Connections has years of experience in helping homeowners achieve the backyards of their dreams by providing fast, clean, and professional pool removal services. Its knowledgeable contractors can help you plan for the pool removal process depending on the type of pool you have and the end result you have in mind. The firm can also provide remodeling blueprints, commercial and home construction services, and free fill dirt delivery for a range of landscaping and home improvement projects.
