Owning a swimming pool might seem like a dream, but it often becomes a nightmare for some people. If nothing else, trying to sell a home with a pool can be a complete crapshoot. Sometimes, a pool is a great selling point. Other times, it’s a huge deterrent to an attractive and valuable property. Regardless of the reasons, if you’re considering swimming pool removal, you should think about the pros and cons. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Pro: Lower Maintenance Costs
The average pool can cost $500 or more per month to operate and maintain. If you’re only using the pool a few months out of the year, it becomes a much more expensive maintenance issue compared to the benefits of owning it overall. Plus, if the pool is more than 10 years old and hasn’t been properly maintained, it could become a very costly maintenance project when simply removing or filling in the pool would provide a cheaper alternative.
Con: May Affect Resale Value
Depending on the market you live in, having a swimming pool can be a value-added feature on a home. However, you may also live in a small, middle-class town where not many people can afford a house with a pool or the operating and maintenance costs associated with owning one. Before you remove or fill in your pool, make sure that you know your market and how getting rid of the pool will affect the value of your home.
Pro: Fewer Liabilities and Insurance Requirements
The insurance industry refers to pools as an “attractive nuisance” — that is, they are appealing to children (especially if you have pool toys like a floating party island or colorful pool noodles) but also very dangerous if children are unsupervised. Anyone with a pool will be required to have proper fencing and security gates in place to prevent anyone from entering without permission. Home insurance rates are also going to be higher when you have a pool.
Pro: More Yard Space
A pool seems nice, but think about how much usable space it’s taking up. You could use that space for other activities, install some new landscaping, or have a yard that you don’t have to mess with instead of a pool that takes a lot of time and money. Removing a pool can create so many more opportunities in your yard, and it’s something to consider.
Con: You’ll Have to Find a New Pool
Perhaps the most obvious disadvantage is that you won’t have a pool to swim in if you remove yours. You will have to visit friends or family, or head to the local public pool when the weather gets hot, and you want to cool off. Of course, this isn’t the worst thing in the world, and it’s an excellent chance to socialize. Overtime, your pool will wear out and you’ll need pool restoration to keep it in good working order.
Wrapping Up
There is a lot to think about when it comes to swimming pool removal. However, as you can see, it tends to be the better choice in most cases. If your pool is in good shape and you can afford (and justify) the maintenance expenses, you might want to keep it. If, however, it’s not working for you, removal might be your best bet.