When you decide it’s time to get rid of your pool, the first question is almost always about money: "What is the cost to get rid of pool?" It’s a practical question, but one that often leads homeowners down a path of false economy. The cheapest upfront option—a permanent fill-in—is almost never the cheapest in the long run. The true cost of removing a pool isn’t just the contractor's invoice; it’s measured in property value, future problems, and lost opportunities.
Understanding the difference between the price of a service and its long-term cost is critical. A partial fill-in might save you a few thousand dollars today, but it can cost you tens of thousands when you sell your home. In contrast, a modern, reversible deck conversion might have a similar upfront investment, but it protects your property value and provides a superior outcome. Let's break down the real numbers and hidden expenses to determine how much does it cost to close a pool permanently versus strategically retiring it.
Whether you choose a fill-in or a deck conversion, several factors influence the price. However, the nature of those costs reveals the fundamental difference between the two approaches.
A fill-in is a demolition project, and the costs reflect that. It’s a messy, labor-intensive process involving heavy machinery and significant risks.
A deck conversion is a construction project, not a demolition one. The costs are associated with precision engineering and high-quality materials, not brute force.
At first glance, the price ranges for a fill-in and a deck conversion can overlap. But when you factor in the long-term financial impact, the picture becomes much clearer.
Note: Financial data is based on industry averages and typical project scopes in the Southwest US. Actual costs will vary based on project size, material choices, and location.
Fictional case study based on common homeowner experiences: The Smith family in Phoenix chose a $15,000 partial fill-in for their pool. Two years later, a noticeable depression formed in their lawn, requiring $3,000 in soil delivery and landscaping to fix. When they sold their home, they had to disclose the fill-in. After three months on the market with low offers, they accepted an offer $20,000 below their target price, with the buyer explicitly citing the filled-in pool as a major concern. Their total cost for "getting rid of the pool" was effectively $38,000.
Before you even spend a dime, that unused, ugly pool is already costing you. It's a financial drain through "phantom costs" you may not be tracking.
When you invest in a deck conversion, these costs disappear overnight. The savings alone can equate to thousands of dollars per year, meaning the deck begins paying for itself immediately. If you want to retire my pool, a deck conversion is the only option that stops the financial bleeding without causing a new wound to your property value.
The most crucial takeaway is this: a permanent fill-in is a short-term expense that creates a long-term liability. A reversible deck conversion is a long-term investment that creates a functional, valuable asset. The question is not just how much does it cost to close a pool permanently, but what is the true cost of that permanence?
By choosing a reversible solution, you are protecting your home’s marketability, preserving a valuable feature for future buyers, and gaining a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor living space. You avoid the dirt, the damage, and the disclosure nightmares of a fill-in. When you look at the complete financial picture, a deck conversion isn't just one of the alternatives to filling in an inground pool—it's the only one that makes sound financial sense.
While the upfront cost of a partial pool fill-in can sometimes be lower than a high-quality deck conversion, the fill-in almost always costs more in the long run. Factoring in the negative impact on your home's resale value and the potential costs of fixing settled ground, a deck conversion that preserves value is the more financially sound investment.
Yes, permanently removing a pool via demolition or a fill-in can decrease home value, particularly in hot climates where pools are desirable. Buyers view filled-in pools as a liability. A reversible deck conversion is the best way to solve your immediate need for more space while protecting the pool as a valuable asset for future resale.
Yes, many specialized contractors like Freedom Decks partner with financing companies to offer flexible payment plans. This allows you to proceed with the project and immediately begin saving on pool maintenance costs, often offsetting the monthly payment.