Covering Up Or Removing The Pool?

[istyle1129]

Hi,

I recently bought (in escrow) a house that has a 300 sqft in-ground pool. But because I have 2 kids (3 year old and 1 year old), I would prefer to not have a pool. I had looked very hard at different houses that does not have a pool, but ended up buying one with it. But that's not the main topic here.

I've called a couple of contractor to try to get an idea of how much would it take to remove (fill it up) the pool, and everything is around $20k. I am no expert in this area, so may I get some other inputs as to how I can deal with my dilemma?

- Fence - that seems to be the most cost effective method, but there isn't enough room to put a fence around the pool, not to mention aesthetic. And I would very much rather not having to pay maintenance fee, additional electricity and water bill for something we rarely use.

- Complete removal - very costly.

Is it possible to drain the pool, install supports within the pool to make user it doesn't cave in and put planks on top to cover it up?

Thanks in advance for any advices you can provide.

Weller

[ps558]

Hi,

I recently bought (in escrow) a house that has a 300 sqft in-ground pool. But because I have 2 kids (3 year old and 1 year old), I would prefer to not have a pool. I had looked very hard at different houses that does not have a pool, but ended up buying one with it. But that's not the main topic here.

I've called a couple of contractor to try to get an idea of how much would it take to remove (fill it up) the pool, and everything is around $20k. I am no expert in this area, so may I get some other inputs as to how I can deal with my dilemma?

- Fence - that seems to be the most cost effective method, but there isn't enough room to put a fence around the pool, not to mention aesthetic. And I would very much rather not having to pay maintenance fee, additional electricity and water bill for something we rarely use.

- Complete removal - very costly.

Is it possible to drain the pool, install supports within the pool to make user it doesn't cave in and put planks on top to cover it up?

Thanks in advance for any advices you can provide.

Weller

My mom's neighbor did just that Put supports across the pool and built a large deck. It was a liner pool and I wouldn't want to know is under that deck ( skunk water etc) My dad on the other hand had is neighbor fill his pool in with dirt. If you really are dead set against not having the pool fill it in. then there is no chance of somebody or something falling in and breaking the decking. It doesn't have to be clean fill just dirt. Try calling local pool companies that build pools and ask what they do with the fill they remove

[jkusmier]

I can't believe that it would cost $20K to fill the pool w/ fill dirt. Call local builders and (as ps558 suggested) local pool builders. If the pool is surrounded by a concrete deck that you'd also like to remove, rent a jackhammer and concrete saw and do that yourself, dumping the remains in the pool.

/no offense, but having young kids was a big part of my decision to install a pool. They love it!

// A double-barrel deadbolt on the walk-out door and a premium aluminum security fence surrounding the pool lets me sleep at night.

[istyle1129]

I would advise you to contact your municipal or state authoritys to find out how you can properly fill in the pool without the potential of the folks you sell the property to coming back to haunt you later. Several states have limitations on how to do this in their real estate code. Some states also require that the pool deck and structure be completely removed. Then the hole must be filled with clean sand or dirt. Further, you are required to disclose exactly what you did to the pool.

Most importantly, you should request in writing from your mortgage holder permission to remove the pool. Their response to you should also be in writing. Likely you are going to be shocked when they will not grant you the permission. The pool will be considered to be an asset that was financed in the purchase of the property. Likely your bank is not going to allow you to depreciate the property value by the removal of the pool.

Guess you better start looking for a Plan C.

I don't know what to say, each one of your [CSI-poolspa; jkusmier; ps558] advices is invaluable!! I truly do appreciate it! I will look into every one of them.

[istyle1129]

I can't believe that it would cost $20K to fill the pool w/ fill dirt. Call local builders and (as ps558 suggested) local pool builders. If the pool is surrounded by a concrete deck that you'd also like to remove, rent a jackhammer and concrete saw and do that yourself, dumping the remains in the pool.

/no offense, but having young kids was a big part of my decision to install a pool. They love it!

// A double-barrel deadbolt on the walk-out door and a premium aluminum security fence surrounding the pool lets me sleep at night.

Sorry, I didn't write it clearly. I meant to say remove, as in demolition. At this point, I going to contact the city first to see what the regulations are with pool removal [demolition] or fill. At the same time, contact the loan agent to see what their policy is on removing or filling up the pool, as it does affect the value of the house. Hopefully can find a contractor that are familiar with what I am trying to achieve.

Overall, I believe filling the pool with dirt (or other elements) may be the best case scenario. Considering a filled pool can always be "unfilled" (am I right?), thus if I was to sell the house in the future, the value of the pool is still within the house and future owner (or I) will only need to pay for the cost of removing the filled dirt (or other elements) to put the pool back in action.

Not sure if my assumption is correct. I don't hear back from you guys, that's fine. You guys have been more than helpful already.

Tks again.

[istyle1129]

My opinions on your latest questions are as follows.

!. Filling the pool with anything other than clean fill material may be a problem where you live. In some states you may be creating a landfill by using unclean fill material. Try explaining that to a potential purchaser sometime in the future.

2.When I am hired to inspect a filled in pool, or to evaluate a pool that has been 'dug out', I can only believe the pool was filled in due to severe structural/plumbing issues. This would mean that the cost of repairs were too much for the previous owner to bear. My recommendation to the people paying me for my opinion would be to strongly consider another property.

3. Your rug rats will not always be young, someday you will like having the pool around to keep them occupied with good, clean fun.

Why don't you install a saltwater chlorination system, an auto pool cleaner, and a child safety fence. These items should cost you less than your fill in or removal options. G' luck!!

Hi CSI-poolspa,

Wow, I know you mean well. But I am getting the exact same response from everyone around me that I've talked to about filling up the pool. I've asked a contractor to visit the pool site and evaluate different types of safety fences.

You actually brought up a second concern that I had, but didn't really bring up before, which is the cost of maintenance such as monthly fee of $100 to clean and add "chemicals" to the pool, electricity to run the motor to circulate water, and of course the water (I know there is a big difference between Summer and Winter, btw I live in Souther California). I haven't looked up the saltwater chlorination system, so I am not sure if that is to eliminate the need for a monthly professional visit?

Thank you.

[GoodGirl]

Make sure the pool pump and the cleaner[depends on the type you buy] run on a time clock. With the salt system you should be able to run pool equipment from 8-12 hrs. per day. If you play with it a little, you will find out how much time you need per day to keep the pool clean, clear, and chlorinated. My best guess is it will cost you between $65-$80 a month in electricity and chemicals. Cooler monthes much less, hot monthes a little more.

Frankly, I don't think you need a pool service for such a small pool. The salt system and the auto cleaner should take care of 75% of the pool's maintenance. Perhaps you will spend a hr. a week doing everything else.

I hope you take the recommendations above, and NOT fill in the pool. When my children were that age, our pool was a huge concern. I too was worried about the fencing options, and how they "look" - well - after installing a Life Saver Safety fence - my mind was at ease - it took a little adjustment to looking at it - but it is by far the best choice we made. I love the fact the we can remove it easily for an "adult only" party!

My girls are now 8 and 6 and LOVE the pool! They come down before breakfast with their suits on, and are ready to go! Plus, no packing up to go to the pool!

On a maintenace note, I have a 35,000 gallon pool - in Pennsylvania. I do it myself, it is quite easy. I use an automatic chlorinator, chlorine pucks in the skimmers, and shock once a week. takes me 15-20 minutes a week to maintain my pool. Plus I have an automatic pool cleaner which makes life SUPER easy!

I think you will learn to love your pool! good luck!

Kristen

[mart242]

3 and 1? Don't fill it! Kids grow so fast that they'll be spending their days in the pool soon. Look up the protect-a-child fence system and put that around the pool.