When homeowners decide to install a pool, it’s usually for personal enjoyment rather than as an investment that will increase property value. While an inground pool might seem like an attractive selling point, many homeowners are surprised to learn that a pool can actually hurt their home’s resale value.
The impact of a pool on home value depends on several factors, including location, property size, pool condition, buyer preferences, and financial considerations. In many cases, a home with a pool appeals to a smaller pool of buyers, making it harder to sell. If your pool is outdated, damaged, or expensive to maintain, it could deter potential buyers or even prevent you from closing a sale.
This article discusses the effects of a pool on property resale value, why it could be preventing you from selling your home, and why hiring a professional pool removal contractor might be the best solution.
How Does an Inground Pool Affect Your Home’s Resale Value?
A swimming pool may seem like a luxury feature, but when it comes time to sell your home, it could pose more challenges than benefits. Here are some key factors that influence whether a pool helps or hurts your resale value:
Location Matters
In warm-weather states like Florida, Arizona, or California, pools can add some value because they’re useful year-round and seen as desirable. However, in other parts of the country with shorter swimming seasons like Northern Virginia, a pool might be considered an unnecessary expense rather than a selling point.
Pool Condition and Age
A well-maintained, modern pool might appeal to some buyers, but an older or neglected pool can be a major turnoff. Buyers are often reluctant to take on a home with a pool that requires expensive repairs or updates.
Maintenance and Upkeep Costs
Potential home buyers consider not only the purchase price of a home but also ongoing costs. Pools require regular cleaning, chemicals, repairs, and increased electricity and water usage. These expenses can deter buyers who aren’t prepared for the additional costs.
Safety and Liability Concerns
For families with young children or pets, a backyard pool can be viewed as a safety concern. Some buyers may opt to purchase a home without a pool to avoid potential accidents, liability issues, and higher homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Buyer Preferences
Not all buyers see a yard with a pool as a bonus. Some prefer more outdoor space for gardening, entertaining, or pets. If the market consists of more buyers who favor a large lawn over a pool, your home could stay on the market longer or be harder to sell.
Why Your Pool Might Be Preventing You from Selling
Selling a home with a pool can be particularly challenging, especially in a buyer’s market where buyers have multiple options. Here are the main reasons buyers hesitate to purchase homes with pools:
High Costs of Ownership
Many buyers—especially those in the average income range—are already stretching their budget to afford a house. Adding pool maintenance, repairs, and increased insurance costs can be overwhelming. Buyers who would otherwise consider a home might walk away from ones with pools due to financial concerns.
If your pool needs extensive repairs, you might consider upgrading or fixing it before listing your home for sale. However, there’s no guarantee that spending thousands of dollars on repairs will make your home more appealing to buyers.
Safety Risks and Legal Liability
Even if a pool is well-maintained, it poses a significant safety hazard. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children aged 1-4. Some home buyers intentionally avoid homes with pools because of this safety risk.
Additionally, older pools that do not meet modern safety regulations (such as having proper fencing or alarms) may increase the liability for new homeowners, making them less likely to consider purchasing the property.
Insurance and Homeowners Association (HOA) Restrictions
Because pools present a higher risk of accidents, insurance companies charge higher premiums for homes with pools. Some insurance companies refuse to cover homes with older pools, making it an added headache for buyers.
In some neighborhoods, certain HOA restrictions may limit pool maintenance, repairs, or use of community resources, making the home’s pool more of a hassle than a benefit.
Considering Inground Pool Removal? Here’s What You Need to Know
If your pool is making it difficult to sell your home or if you no longer want to deal with the maintenance costs and risks, inground pool removal may be the best option.
Types of Pool Removal
Homeowners have two primary options when it comes to removing an inground pool:
Partial Pool Removal (Fill-In Option)
Partial removal, also known as pool fill-in, is the more affordable option. This method includes:
- Draining the pool of all water
- Drilling holes in the pool base to allow for proper drainage
- Removing the top 18 inches of the pool’s structure
- Filling the remaining shell with dirt and gravel and compacting the surface
Pros of Partial Pool Removal
- Less expensive than full removal
- Faster completion time
- Leaves usable space for a yard, garden, or patio
Cons of Partial Pool Removal
- Leftover buried debris may cause minor soil settling over time
- Some laws require disclosure during resale that a filled-in pool exists on the property
- Building future structures may not be allowed on the site due to local codes
Full Pool Removal (Complete Demolition)
A full removal involves:
- Draining the pool completely
- Demolishing the entire pool structure, including walls and floor
- Removing all debris from the site
- Filling the entire cavity with gravel and dirt, compacting the ground for stability
Pros of Full Pool Removal
- No restrictions on new construction (e.g., patios, lawns, new structures)
- Eliminates any long-term settling or instability
- No disclosure requirements about a buried pool when selling
Cons of Full Pool Removal
- More expensive than partial removal
- Takes longer to complete
Hiring a Professional Pool Removal Contractor
If you decide to remove your pool, hiring an experienced pool removal contractor is crucial. A reputable contractor will:
- Assess your specific demolition and removal needs
- Ensure compliance with local regulations and permits
- Offer expert advice on whether partial or full removal is best for your situation
- Properly compact the yard to prevent long-term settling issues
Get In Touch With Our Inground Pool Removal Professionals
While a pool may have provided years of enjoyment, it could be a burden when selling your home. Prospective buyers often view pools as expensive liabilities, and for many, the added costs and maintenance make a home with a pool less desirable.
If your pool is preventing you from attracting buyers or selling at a competitive price, pool removal may be a smart financial decision. Depending on your needs and budget, a partial or full pool removal could make your home more marketable, increase usable yard space, and improve resale value.
Considering pool removal? Contact our professional pool removal contractors today and take the next step toward reclaiming your yard and making your home easier to sell.
