Summary
Thinking about saying goodbye to your backyard swimming pool? Whether it’s an above ground or in-ground setup, the decision comes down to more than just water and fun.
From lifestyle changes to rising maintenance costs and better ways to use your outdoor area, removing a pool could be a strategic move that boosts your home’s functionality and future value.
Here’s what to consider before you take the plunge.
Do You Still Use Your Pool Enough to Keep It?
If your pool days are behind you, it may be time to rethink your yard.
Many homeowners realize their pool is no longer serving its original purpose.
Maybe the kids have outgrown it, or your free time has shifted elsewhere.
If your pool has become more of a chore than a weekend escape, evaluating your usage pattern is step one.
Usage Scenarios and What to Do
| Pool Usage | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Less than 5 times a year | Consider full or partial removal. Reclaim space for a garden, patio, or new feature. |
| Occasionally for exercise | Maintain the pool seasonally with minimal upkeep. |
| Regular use by family or guests | Keep it and enhance the area with lounge seating, better lighting, or landscaping. |
Signs It’s Time for a Change
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Closing and opening the pool feels like a burden.
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Ongoing maintenance eats up your time and budget.
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Safety is a concern, especially with small kids or pets around.
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Your lifestyle or family dynamics have shifted.
Tip: Cover your pool for a full season and see how it feels to live without it before committing to full removal.
Pool Maintenance vs. Removal: Which Costs More?
Spoiler: Keeping a pool can get expensive fast.
While above ground pools are cheaper to install than in-ground ones, both carry recurring costs that can add up quickly—often exceeding the cost of removing them within just a few years.
Average Annual Maintenance Costs
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Chemicals & Testing | $200 – $500 |
| Water & Utilities | $300 – $500 |
| Cleaning Equipment | $150 – $300 |
| Repairs & Replacements | $100 – $1,500 |
| Total Annual Range | $1,600 – $5,600 |
Pool Removal Costs
| Removal Option | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| DIY (tools, permits, disposal) | $850 – $1,500 |
| Professional (above ground) | $650 – $3,000 |
| Professional (in-ground) | $2,500 – $10,800+ |
Within 2–3 years, maintaining a pool could cost more than having it removed entirely. It’s a long-term trade-off worth thinking about.
Transform Your Pool Space into a Backyard Oasis
What would you do with all that open space?
Removing your pool opens up countless possibilities for reimagining your outdoor area.
Whether your goal is low maintenance, sustainability, or added beauty, this is your chance to turn dead space into a backyard highlight.
Smart Alternatives to Replace a Pool
| New Feature | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Vegetable or Flower Garden | Grow your own food or enjoy seasonal blooms. Great for eco-conscious homeowners. |
| Outdoor Kitchen or Patio | Ideal for entertaining, dining, or simply relaxing under the stars. |
| Artificial Turf or Open Lawn | Perfect for pets, kids, or casual hangouts with zero mowing required. |
| Zen Garden or Koi Pond | Brings peace and visual interest to your landscape. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Pool Removal
Skipping key steps can lead to future problems.
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Soil Compaction: Not properly compacting the soil can cause uneven settling.
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Ignoring Drainage Needs: Water pooling or soggy spots can result from improper grading.
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Choosing High-Maintenance Plants: Not every plant is yard-friendly—check irrigation and sunlight needs.
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Poor Backfill: Make sure the cavity left behind is filled with clean, layered soil and gravel.
Pro Tip: Always test soil quality before planting or building on the reclaimed area.
How Removing a Pool Affects Property Value
Will saying goodbye to your pool hurt resale potential?
Not necessarily. A swimming pool can add value in certain climates or upscale neighborhoods, but it can just as easily turn off potential buyers—especially if it’s old, expensive to maintain, or takes up too much yard space.
When a Pool Adds Value
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You live in a warm climate with a long swim season.
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You’re in a neighborhood where pools are the norm.
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Your pool is new, updated, or professionally landscaped.
When a Pool Reduces Value
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It’s outdated or in disrepair.
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It dominates a small yard, leaving no usable space.
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The upkeep is too costly or time-consuming for average buyers.
Before deciding, consult a local real estate agent. They’ll have insight into how buyers in your area view pools—and whether removing one might actually help your home sell faster.
What to Expect from the Pool Removal Process
There are two main options for taking out a pool:
Partial Pool Removal
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Demolish and remove the upper part of the pool.
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Fill the hole with soil and compact it.
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Lower cost, but may limit future construction.
Full Pool Removal
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Entire pool structure is removed.
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Soil is backfilled and compacted in layers.
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Ideal if you plan to build a deck, patio, or structure later.
Full Removal: Step-by-Step
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Drain and disconnect systems (plumbing, electricity).
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Break apart the structure using jackhammers or machinery.
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Remove debris and haul to a disposal site.
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Backfill with soil and gravel, compacting in layers.
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Grade and level the area for safe, stable use.
Full removal is the safest option if you plan to build anything on the spot in the future.
Is Pool Removal Right for You?
Removing your backyard pool isn’t just about the money—it’s about lifestyle, maintenance tolerance, safety, and how you envision your yard evolving.
If your pool no longer fits your life, reclaiming that space can open the door to a more functional, beautiful outdoor area.
Whether it becomes a garden, a patio, or simply open green space, the benefits can be well worth the transition.