swimming pool removal..ideas (Houston: how much, buying a house, buying)

[mandh]

Hi,

We are tired of seeing houses with very large swimming pools. How much would it cost on average to fill a medium to large swimming pool. I hope property value only goes up without a pool in the backyard.

Can anyone suggest pool removing companies that you may have used for this?

Are there any restrictions on doing this in zip codes 77025, 77096 or 77035? In bellaire, meyerland, willowmeadows area.

[testmo]

pools are a lot of work and can become really expensive, but generally they only add onto the value.

[Cabot]

I take care of our pool and it isn't hard at all. The only thing my other half does is the backwashing when needed. It's just maintenance and as long as you keep up with it, it just takes a few minutes each week. So far, no big expenses either but we have only been in this house 2 years. The pool is about 15 years old and has been well maintained and I think that is the key.

[testmo]

Wait until you go on vacation and your skimmer and pump break down or a crack develops (can't spot that for awhile). the drought and dry soil conditions are something to really watch for. if it can break up a house it can break up a pool

[Cabot]

But you can say that about anything, suppose a tree falls on my house in a storm while I am away (or while I am here for that matter). That is something that happens fairly frequently here in Houston. I can't live worrying about the what ifs. A pool is a bit of enjoyment in a hot climate. But, that wasn't what the OP was asking so I don't want to take it off topic more than I already have.

[HoustonRonnie]

Fill it and plant an oasis garden.

[mandh]

Thanks all.

Again, Do you know any company that does this - removing the pool? I would like to estimate that into the cost when making offers on houses with pool.

We do like swimming just worried about the time it takes to maintain. Cabot, Good to know that you really enjoy it. Many people say it takes about a hour or more a week.

[cheryjohns]

Originally Posted by mandh

Thanks all.

Again, Do you know any company that does this - removing the pool? I would like to estimate that into the cost when making offers on houses with pool.

We do like swimming just worried about the time it takes to maintain. Cabot, Good to know that you really enjoy it. Many people say it takes about a hour or more a week.

This won't work. Houses with pools are appraised for more than house without pools. Because you do not want one, you want to deduct the cost of removing the pool. It's going to be a difficult undertaking.

[texsn95]

Originally Posted by testmo

Wait until you go on vacation and your skimmer and pump break down or a crack develops (can't spot that for awhile). the drought and dry soil conditions are something to really watch for. if it can break up a house it can break up a pool

Skimmer break? All it is is a weir door and a basket. Do tell...

[texsn95]

Originally Posted by mandh

Thanks all.

Again, Do you know any company that does this - removing the pool? I would like to estimate that into the cost when making offers on houses with pool.

We do like swimming just worried about the time it takes to maintain. Cabot, Good to know that you really enjoy it. Many people say it takes about a hour or more a week.

So you don't have an hour a week to maintain a pool? If your time is that scarce, then you don't need to be buying a house in the first place. What a waste, to fill in a good pool.