Pool Removal vs Pool Renovation: Which Is Better for Your Sydney Property?
If you’ve got an old swimming pool sitting in the backyard that you barely use, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question a lot of Sydney homeowners do: should I renovate it or just get rid of it?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to the condition of the pool, how you use your backyard, your budget and what you actually want from the space.
A renovated pool can look fantastic and give the backyard a new lease on life. But if the pool is rarely used, taking it out altogether can open up a whole lot more possibilities.
Here’s a look at pool removal vs pool renovation and what might make more sense for your Sydney property.
When Does Pool Renovation Make Sense?
Renovating can be a good option if you still enjoy having a pool and the existing structure is in decent condition.
Depending on the pool, a renovation could involve:
Resurfacing the pool
Replacing tiles or coping
Updating the pool surrounds
Installing a new filtration system
Upgrading pumps and equipment
Improving pool fencing
Updating lighting
Redesigning the surrounding landscaping
If the pool is structurally sound and you use it regularly, renovating could be well worth considering.
You’ll end up with a much nicer-looking pool without completely changing the purpose of your backyard.
But Renovating an Old Pool Can Add Up
This is where things can get a bit tricky.
A pool renovation might start with one job and quickly turn into several.
You might plan to replace the surface, only to discover that other parts of the pool or surrounding area also need attention. Old equipment may need replacing, landscaping might need updating and fencing may need to be brought up to current requirements.
Before you know it, you're spending a fair bit of money on a pool that you might still only use a handful of times a year.
That's when it's worth stepping back and asking whether the pool is actually earning its keep.
When Does Pool Removal Make More Sense?
If the pool is rarely used, taking it out can be a much better option.
Maybe the kids have grown up. Maybe you're not a big swimmer. Maybe you've bought a property with an old pool that you never wanted in the first place.
Or perhaps you've simply realised that you'd rather have a bigger lawn, entertaining area, garden or usable backyard.
Removing the pool allows you to completely rethink the space.
Instead of maintaining a pool, you could create:
A larger lawn area
An entertaining space
A new patio or deck
Garden beds
A kids' play area
A space for the dog to run around
A combination of landscaping and entertaining areas
For plenty of Sydney homeowners, getting rid of an unused pool can make the backyard feel completely different.
What About the Cost?
Cost is obviously a big consideration.
The price of renovating a pool can vary significantly depending on its size, condition and the work required.
Pool removal costs also vary depending on the type of pool, access to the backyard, how much material needs to be removed and what you want done with the area afterwards.
The important thing is to compare the overall value, rather than simply looking at the cheapest upfront option.
If you're going to spend a significant amount renovating a pool you don't really use, it may be worth getting a pool removal quote as well.
You can then compare both options properly before making a decision.
Pool Removal Can Give You More Usable Backyard Space
One of the biggest advantages of removing an unwanted pool is simple: you get your backyard back.
A swimming pool can take up a huge chunk of outdoor space, particularly on smaller Sydney blocks.
Once it's gone, the area can be redesigned around how you actually live.
Instead of having a pool sitting in the middle of the backyard, you could have a clean, open space that's used every day rather than just during the warmer months.
And let's be honest – an extra area for the kids, entertaining or kicking a footy around can sometimes be more useful than a pool that's sitting there gathering leaves.
What Happens to the Backyard After Pool Removal?
Pool removal isn't just about filling in a hole and walking away.
The area needs to be properly prepared and restored depending on what you want to do with the space.
At Sydney Pool Removal, we can take care of the pool removal and then restore the area ready for its next purpose.
Depending on the project, this can include backfilling and compaction, levelling the area, topsoil, turf and landscaping.
The end result is a backyard that looks and feels like it was always meant to be that way.
Think About How You'll Use the Property
Before deciding between renovation and removal, have a think about the next five or ten years.
Ask yourself:
Do we actually use the pool?
If you’re using it every summer and the family loves it, renovation could be the obvious choice.
Is the pool becoming a maintenance headache?
If you're constantly dealing with cleaning, equipment, repairs and upkeep, removal may be worth considering.
Would you use the backyard more without the pool?
This is a big one. If removing the pool would give you space for an entertaining area, lawn or landscaping that you'd use every week, it could be a much better investment in how you use your home.
Are you planning to sell?
The right choice can depend on the property and the local market. Some buyers will love having a pool, while others may prefer a larger, low-maintenance backyard.
So, Pool Removal or Renovation?
At the end of the day, there's no right answer for every Sydney home.
If your pool is in good condition, you enjoy using it and you're happy to invest in maintaining it, renovation could be the way to go.
But if the pool is old, rarely used, expensive to maintain or simply taking up valuable backyard space, pool removal could make a lot more sense.
The best place to start is by looking at both options.
Get an idea of what a renovation would cost. Then get a quote for removing the pool and restoring the backyard.
Once you've got the numbers in front of you, the decision becomes a whole lot easier.
Thinking About Removing Your Pool?
If you're looking at an old or unused pool and wondering what you could do with the space instead, Sydney Pool Removal can help.
We specialise in pool removal and backyard restoration across Greater Sydney, from removing the pool through to getting the area ready for its next chapter.
Got a pool you're ready to say goodbye to? Get in touch with Sydney Pool Removal for a free quote.