We often say that life has seasons. Our pools do, too. We may have a season where we love our pools as a great place to exercise, entertain kids and hang out with guests. However, there may come a time when we no longer use the pool, and it becomes an expensive and time-consuming chore to maintain.
Let’s first examine the costs and care of a backyard pool.
The cost of keeping your pool
Homeowners who have had a pool for a long time often lose track of the ongoing costs associated with maintaining it. Generally, the average annual cost of maintaining your pool is approximately $ 4,620.
Upkeep expenses include electricity, weekly cleaning service, motor repair, filter replacement, water and replastering.
So, the question is, ‘Is it worth the cost to maintain a pool that is not in use?’
There are two popular options to retire a pool
One way to retire a pool is to cover it with a deck, the second option is to demolish and fill in the pool. Let’s examine the process and associated costs for each. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Option #1 pool deck cover
Adding a deck over the pool is a practical and attractive option. We talked to Jeff Getz, owner of Rosie-Certified Freedom Decks.
The advantages of adding a deck are no demolition, an attractive deck for entertaining and low maintenance. Decks by Freedom Decks are structurally engineered and can be constructed with multiple levels.
Building below the upper rim of the pool creates a more intimate space for gathering and relaxation. You could even put in a fire pit.
Construction
The construction process begins with creating several holes in the bottom of the pool to allow rainwater or irrigation to drain and seep into the ground.
Next, a framing system is constructed to conform to the undulating walls of the pool. Getz tells us this frame is critical to the deck’s longevity. He has had frames and decks last for the 20 years he’s been in business.
Understanding proper construction techniques is crucial to a successful and long-lasting deck. Attention to detail is required in the construction process, as pool shapes, sizes and slopes are unique.
Composite decking is used for the surface as it looks great, requires minimal upkeep and lasts a long time.
Deck costs
Initial perceptions might lead you to think that the cost of a deck over a pool is too high.
Getz said that if you do a Google search, you are likely to get a wide range in the cost of a deck, whether it is free-standing or connected to your house. He has seen figures that put the price of a deck at $250 per square foot. That is way too high.
Getz explained the decks they build are about half that. When pricing a recent deck project, the cost for a 400-square-foot deck was approximately $21,000. That’s right around $50 per square foot.
The cost will vary based on the complexity of the existing pool and the structural requirements of the frame.
Fill-in Options
Partial demolition
This option includes demolishing the top two or so feet of the pool wall, breaking a hole in the pool bottom for drainage and using the debris as partial infill. The remainder of the infill is typically dirt.
While filling in the pool is the most common method utilized for retiring a pool, it does have its problems.
- The debris leaves voids in the infill, which can lead to settlement issues in the ground.
- Building near the pool will be restricted. A rule of thumb is to take the depth of the pool, usually 3′ to 8′, and consider that distance to be the outer perimeter of the ‘no build zone’. This limitation impacts the use of the backyard.
- Property values can drop. A buried pool must be disclosed in a sale. Property values tend to drop unless your backyard is restored very well.
- Poor plant growth over the buried area.
- According to Rosie-Certified Partner, Michael Sandoval of Above and Beyond Pools, this method can cost between $15,000 and $20,000.
Complete demolition and removal
As implied, this method requires the complete removal of all concrete, shotcrete, electrical and plumbing materials.
- This process is the most expensive option by far. Sandoval tells us the costs can range from $20,000 to $30,000 plus.
- It is also the safest demolition option, offering the best opportunity for the usability of your yard.
Other considerations pertain to the resale of your property.
Regardless of the method you choose to retire your pool, it must be disclosed on the state required Sellers Property Disclosure form. According to Realtor Vikki Gorman, you will need to disclose.
- Why did you demolish the pool?
- Who demolished the pool?
- When was the pool demolished?
*It is against code to empty the pool and fill it with dirt.
When you do the math, it is obvious that building a deck over the pool is a realistic option for retiring a pool. It is less invasive to the yard and provides a usable deck for outside sitting and entertainment. The pool can be restored should the homeowner change their mind or a new homeowner want a pool.
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