Freedom Decks Blog | Smarter Alternatives to Pool Removal

Affordable Pool Fill-In Alternatives That Preserve Your Home’s Value

Written by Freedom Decks | Jun 28, 2025 6:46:13 PM

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.

Why Choose a Freedom Deck?
  • 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.

Request a Free Consultation

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.