Having a pool is, at first, an exciting venture that is well worth the hassle of expensive pool maintenance, often being the centerpiece of summer vacations and what sets your home apart from your family and friends properties. Over time, though, the pool’s shine might wear off, and you may want to consider removing it. Whether you are ready to take the plunge or still unsure about diving in, here is what you should know about filling in a pool with dirt.
10 Reasons to Fill in Your Pool With Dirt
Filling in a pool with dirt is a commitment, but it is one that can lead to major improvements in your backyard, your finances, and more. It also costs less to fill in your pool with dirt to complete a partial removal than it does to have your pool fully removed. Here are some of the most popular reasons homeowners have for filling in their pools:
1. Add Living Space In Your Backyard
Filling in your pool gives you more space in your backyard. You can use the area for hosting parties, playing games, and relaxing, whereas keeping the pool significantly limits your options for new activities.
2. Eliminate Safety Risks And Concerns
The lack of a pool is safer for children and pets. Small kids who are unaware of proper pool safety and pets who are not strong swimmers are constantly at risk, meaning that you will need to secure your pool area and supervise vigilantly. Without a pool, you can take this stress away instantly.
3. Reduce Homeowner Liability
You can also protect neighbors by removing your pool. Insurers often consider pools “attractive nuisances,” meaning that homeowners are responsible for injuries sustained by anyone who enters the pool, whether they are invited or not.
4. Save Time Invested Into Summer Maintenance
Removing a pool can save you time. A pool requires constant cleaning, chemical balancing, and other maintenance, and without one, you will regain valuable hours of time for other pursuits. You will also be able to stop hiring professionals or paying the neighbors to complete these sometimes daily tasks when you are out of town.
5. Save Time Invested Into Off-Season Upkeep
Many homeowners do not realize that their pools require maintenance even in the off season. The pool must be covered, cleaned, and sometimes refilled over the fall and winter to keep it clean and ready to use the next summer. Removing a pool eliminates these extra chores, which can easily be forgotten when you are more preoccupied with bundling up than with going for a swim.
6. Save Money In The Long Run
Pool removals also help you save money almost immediately. Pools can cost thousands of dollars in upkeep per year, and by investing a pool removal, you will be able to start saving your money for other purchases or investments instead.
7. Prevent The Risk Of Floods Or Repairs
The offseason also brings unique concerns, including freezing pipes and cracking liners. These can cause flooding and other pool malfunctions, requiring serious repairs. By removing your pool, you can avoid the potential for damage and protect your backyard.
8. Sell Your Home Faster
Families and first-time homebuyers may appreciate the lack of a pool in your yard when it comes time to sell. Because pools require so much extra maintenance and care, your home may be more attractive without one, helping you sell it more quickly.
9. Install New Features In Your Backyard
By removing a pool, you gain space for new outdoor features. Most pools are not particularly eye catching, so you may consider adding a garden, patio, or gazebo, among other options, to beautify your space without taking up too much of it.
10. Save Money On Insurance Costs
Finally, removing your pool helps you save on insurance costs. Due to the extra liability a pool presents, homeowners typically have to pay more on their insurance. The amount you save may be small, but when you are saving for retirement or college, every little bit counts.
3 Disadvantages to Filling In A Pool With Dirt
With so many benefits of removing a pool, it is easy to overlook the few drawbacks. While there may not be as many disadvantages, they are certainly worth discussing. Here are some of the most popular reasons why homeowners may choose not to fill in their pool with dirt:
1. Pools Can Serve As A Family Staple
First, a pool is a fun backyard feature that can make summer events truly special. There is no need to visit the beach for a picnic or get too far out of town for some relaxation when you can simply head to the backyard and rest by the pool.
2. A Partial Removal Must Be Disclosed To Buyers
If you choose to fill in the pool, you will also need to disclose that information to future buyers. Those who are uncertain of what a pool removal entails might be concerned about the structural integrity of the fill, creating an unnecessary hurdle to clear when selling the property.
3. Well-Maintained Pools Can Increase Home Value
Finally, if your pool is in good condition and many of the neighbors have pools, keeping it in could actually increase the value of your home. When pools are a common occurrence in your neighborhood, itis likely that a buyer will be happy to find one in your yard. Be sure to do your research and consult a real estate agent about similar properties if you are planning to sell soon.
Completing The Removal After Filling In The Pool With Dirt
Many homeowners, after deciding to fill in their pool, choose to complete the process themselves. This can save them a significant amount of money if they are comfortable operating heavy machinery. A DIY pool removal can also be completed relatively quickly, making it a reasonable project to complete on a short vacation or long weekend.
DIY pool removals do not come without drawbacks, however. Inexperienced homeowners could find themselves paying more to continue renting equipment after making mistakes on the project. They may also hit power lines, gas lines, and other vital but dangerous elements that can cause serious damage. If you find that the hassle of doing it yourself is not worth the risks involved, it may be best to hire a professional instead. A professional pool removal contractor will know the best ways to handle a pool filling on your property and take the necessary precautions to complete the project safely and in a structurally sound way.
Working with a Contractor
If you have assessed the pros against the cons and finally decided that it is time to fill in your pool with dirt, leave the process to the professionals. Dirt Connections has years of experience in helping homeowners create the perfect backyard. The firm can complete a pool filling and clean up the worksite within one week, leaving you with a brand new backyard just in time for summer activities. The Fairfax pool removal contractors at Dirt Connections provide free consultations and estimates, allowing you to ask all the questions you need before beginning the process.
