Inground swimming pools can be surprisingly divisive. They can be a major selling point for a home, or they can be seen as a nuisance taking up extra space. They can be excellent sources of entertainment, or they can bring nothing but expensive, time-consuming work. For many homeowners, pools often fall into the latter categories and become more of a problem than they are worth, prompting them to contact a pool removal contractor to discuss the possibility of inground pool removal. While there are many benefits to taking this step, pool removal may not be right for everyone, and careful consideration should be taken before making a decision.
Benefits Of Inground Pool Removal
Taking care of a pool can be a time-consuming and expensive process, especially if it is not being used as frequently as in the past. Removing a pool like this can sometimes be the right choice for homeowners. Doing so can open up your yard, your finances, and your peace of mind, allowing you to sell the home or enjoy it for years to come.
Increase Backyard & Lawn Space
One of the most immediate benefits of removing a pool is the amount of space that will be gained in the backyard. Unused pools can take up a considerable amount of space, and many homeowners can begin to feel frustrated by their lack of a real backyard. By removing the pool, a homeowner can gain more space that they can use for landscaping, installing a shed or gazebo, or even building an extension to the home’s living spaces if a full inground pool removal was completed. The yard becomes more beautiful, practical, and useful right away.
Spend Time & Money Elsewhere
Removing a pool can also save money and time. Water pH levels must be constantly monitored, and broken pumps and filters should be replaced as soon as possible in order to ensure clean, safe water for swimming. The pool area should also be cleaned constantly to prevent plant debris from clogging filters and dirtying the water, as well as to discourage mosquitos from nesting near the water during the hot summer months. Due to the increased liability a pool can bring, particularly when it comes to small children and pets, people with pools can often expect to see increased homeowners’ insurance premiums. These expenses may add up over the years, and the constant maintenance and supervision required to have a safe pool area can take up considerable time and energy. Removing the pool can therefore be a smart decision both financially and mentally.
Increase Home Value
These benefits can make it easier to quickly sell the home someday, depending on the market conditions in your area. Buyers may be attracted by the larger yard, lower insurance costs, and knowledge that they will not have to constantly test pH levels in the pool or hire cleaners. The cost and time savings alone can make the home look like a great deal to all buyers and especially good to families with small children or pets who may see a pool as a potential drowning hazard.
Disadvantages Of Inground Pool Removal
Despite the many advantages of inground pool removal, it may not be the best choice for everyone, and homeowners should speak with a pool removal contractor before making a final decision. A home in which a pool has been removed could sometimes be more difficult to sell, and removal can be expensive.
Potential Decrease In Resale Value
Certain buyers may consider a pool a perk, as they would not have to go to the beach or a public pool in order to go swimming on a hot day. Depending on the market in your area and how common it is to have a pool, not having one may decrease the amount of money for which you can eventually sell your home. In addition, partial pool removals — in which only the first 18 inches of the pool walls are removed before the cavity is filled — must be disclosed to potential buyers because dwelling areas cannot be built on top of land created through a partial pool removal. While this may not bother some buyers, others may think twice before purchasing a home like this.
Potential Disclosure Requirement
A full pool removal does not have to be disclosed, but it can be costly and time consuming. Full removals cost more than a partial removal and can take up to seven days instead of two to five, as with a partial removal. While full pool removals often result in fewer errors than partial removals and can make it look as though the pool never existed, many homeowners decide that continued maintenance and repair of their pool is not so financially burdensome and not worth the week-long disruptions. In either case, pool removal is a large project that some homeowners may choose not to undertake.
Making A Decision On Pool Removal
Speaking with a pool removal contractor can help you decide whether an inground pool removal is right for you. They can also discuss whether it would be best to complete a partial or full removal and provide more information about the pros and cons of each type of service.
Partial removals are the faster and cheaper option. The top 18 inches of the pool are demolished, and the rest of the pool is filled. While new living areas cannot be placed on the area, landscaping and small structures such as sheds are generally safe. Full removals are more expensive but can give added peace of mind, as the land can be used for any type of building. In addition, there is typically less backfill error when completing a full pool removal, giving homeowners more confidence that their pool removal was done in an effective and safe manner.
Speak With Dirt Connections For More Information
Dirt Connections completes free estimates for all services. The company, which serves homes in Maryland and Virginia, also secures all permits and provides all equipment and materials necessary for each project. Call a pool removal contractor to talk about whether inground pool removal is a good idea for you and to discuss which removal option makes sense for your budget and other needs.
