Affordable Alternatives to Pool Fill-Ins and Demolition
Many homeowners are reconsidering their swimming pools. If your pool is cracked, unused, or too costly to maintain, you may be thinking about filling it in. But traditional fill-ins come with high costs, long timelines, and irreversible effects. Before making a permanent decision, consider a smarter, safer, and more flexible option that can save money and preserve your property’s value.
What You’re Really Paying for With a Pool Fill-In
Filling in a pool sounds straightforward, but in reality it involves several unexpected steps and fees:
- Permit fees and inspections, which can start in the hundreds of dollars
- Draining and treating thousands of gallons of chemically treated water
- Demolition of the pool shell, often requiring heavy equipment and several days of labor
- Backfilling in layers and compacting to prevent settling issues
- Landscaping afterward to restore the area for safe use
Estimated total cost: $7,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on pool size, condition, location, and permit costs. These are estimates only and can vary significantly based on individual circumstances.
Why a Filled-In Pool Can Lower Your Property’s Appeal
A pool fill-in is a permanent decision. Future buyers may view it as a sign of trouble, and restoring the pool later would require a full rebuild—costly and time-consuming. This can limit marketability and curb your home’s resale potential.
Introducing Freedom Decks: The Smarter Alternative
Instead of demolishing your pool, Freedom Decks installs a custom, walkable surface directly inside the existing pool shell. The result is a clean, attractive, safe patio—without demolition or permanent damage to the original structure.
- Installed in just a few days with minimal disruption
- Creates a safe, even surface for children, pets, and older adults
- Fully reversible—you retain the option to restore the pool later
- Custom finishes match your home’s style and landscape
- No heavy equipment or debris to remove
Estimated cost: $12,000 to $25,000+, depending on size, materials, and site conditions. These are estimates only and actual costs may vary based on pool configuration, permits, or custom finishes.
Feature Comparison: Fill-In vs. Freedom Deck
* Pricing reflects standard Arizona projects. Actual costs vary based on pool size, layout, material choices, and local factors. Request a free quote to get accurate pricing for your project.
| Feature | Pool Fill-In | Freedom Deck Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Cost* | $7K–$30K or more | $12K–$25K or more* |
| Timeline | 3–6 weeks | 2–5 days |
| Reversible? | No | Yes |
| Adds Usable Space | Limited until landscaped | Yes, immediate patio use |
| Protects Property Value | Often lowers value | Maintains value and flexibility |
Real Experiences from Real Customers
These verified comments from Arizona homeowners are pulled directly from GuildQuality. You can read more on our Freedom Decks customer reviews page.
“The service provided by Freedom Decks was excellent from the first meeting ... throughout the building process and the follow up to ensure the deck was completed to my satisfaction. I do recommend Freedom Decks to anyone wishing to retire their pool.”
– Jenny C., Phoenix
“Freedom deck people were honest and completely reliable.”
– Phil S., El Mirage
“Work done quickly and beautifully!! Really appreciated their flexibility to adapt the design to my suggestion!”
– Sue Z., Glendale
Is a Freedom Deck Right for You?
- Your pool is unused, broken, or costly to maintain
- You want a safe, flat outdoor space for family gatherings or everyday use
- You're concerned about safety for children or pets
- You may want to restore the pool someday
- You prefer minimal disruption and fast installation
With Freedom Decks, you get a quick, clean solution that transforms underused pools into valuable outdoor living spaces—without demolition or compromise.
Reclaim Your Outdoor Space—Smart, Safe, Flexible
Freedom Decks offers a practical way to repurpose your pool into a beautiful, functional patio—without the mess, permanent changes, or extreme costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does installation take?
Most conversions take 2–5 days. This can vary based on deck size, material choice, and access to the pool site.
Can I restore the pool later?
Yes. Freedom Decks are reversible. You can remove the deck and return to traditional pool use at any time.
Do these cost estimates apply to my project?
All costs listed are general estimates. Your final price depends on pool size, condition, permit needs, finishes, and local factors. A consultation is required for a detailed quote.
Is a Freedom Deck environmentally friendly?
Yes. Our solution avoids demolition, waste hauling, and soil disruption. It’s a low-impact option that reduces landfill use and water waste.
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Pool Fill-In