How Can Removing a Pool Save Money Over Time?

Owning a backyard pool may seem like a luxury at first, but it often comes with hidden costs that add up faster than expected.

From ongoing maintenance expenses to higher insurance premiums, many homeowners start to question the long-term value of keeping a pool. In areas like Metro Detroit, where pool use is limited by the seasons, the cost of ownership can feel even harder to justify. That’s where Pool Busters of Michigan offers a better solution—pool removal to help eliminate these expenses and give you greater financial flexibility and peace of mind.

We help you understand how pool removal can save you money by breaking down the true financial impact of pool ownership. From reducing maintenance and insurance costs to increasing usable yard space, our insights are based on real experience serving homeowners across the region.

Continue reading to discover the benefits of removing your pool for your budget. When you’re ready to explore your options, Pool Busters of Michigan is here to help.

Annual Pool Operating and Maintenance Costs Add Up Quickly

Maintaining an in-ground pool involves a wide range of recurring expenses that can significantly impact a homeowner’s budget.

These include chemical treatments, water refills, electricity for running pumps and heaters, routine cleaning, and seasonal opening and closing services. On average, homeowners in the Midwest spend between $2,500 and $4,500 annually on pool upkeep. This figure climbs higher for older pools that require structural maintenance, liner replacements, or filter repairs. These costs persist annually, regardless of how frequently the pool is used.

Additional hidden costs include time and labor, whether from the homeowner or paid professionals, and wear on the surrounding property from water splashing or chemical runoff. Regular maintenance also extends to surrounding features such as decking or fencing.

Over time, these secondary costs compound, contributing to a significant cumulative expense that can exceed tens of thousands of dollars over a decade. Pool owners often find that the savings gained from eliminating these expenses can be redirected toward more practical home improvements.

For homeowners considering pool removal, eliminating these annual costs is often the first and most compelling reason to take action. These savings can quickly justify the decision financially and practically.

Timeline for Recouping Pool Removal Costs

The cost of removing an in-ground pool typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on factors such as the pool's size, location, and the chosen method of removal.

However, this upfront investment is often recovered within three to seven years through a combination of eliminated maintenance costs, reduced utilities, and lower insurance premiums. For many homeowners, this timeline is shorter if the pool was previously in need of repairs or replacement components, such as liners or pumps, which can individually cost thousands of dollars.

Homeowners in climates with short swimming seasons, like Michigan, may only use their pool for 3–4 months each year. This limited use amplifies the relative burden of yearly costs, making removal a financially attractive decision. Once the pool is removed, homeowners often report significantly lower utility bills, as they no longer need to power pool equipment or refill water levels throughout the season.

Because the benefits are measurable and ongoing, pool removal becomes a return-on-investment strategy that appeals to budget-conscious homeowners.

Over a period of several years, savings begin to exceed the original removal cost, making it a sustainable financial decision for many.

Reduced Homeowners Insurance Premiums After Pool Removal

Swimming pools are often categorized as "attractive nuisances" by insurance providers, which means they significantly increase liability risk.

This added risk translates into higher homeowners insurance premiums, with typical annual increases ranging from $75 to $200. Some insurance policies also require additional liability coverage—particularly umbrella policies—if a home features a pool, which further increases annual costs.

Once the pool is removed, homeowners often qualify for lower premiums due to the elimination of drowning, slip-and-fall, and equipment-related injuries. Insurers assess the entire property’s risk profile, so the removal of a major hazard, such as a pool, can lead to reclassification and cost reductions. In some cases, policyholders may even be eligible for discounts previously unavailable with a pool in place.

Removing a pool doesn't just lower operational expenses—it also provides long-term protection against liability exposure and corresponding financial risk. This makes insurance savings an important part of the overall economic benefit of pool removal.

Understanding Pool Liability Coverage Costs in Metro Detroit

In Metro Detroit, pool liability coverage costs vary by insurer, but additional coverage typically ranges between $100 and $300 per year.

Many underwriters require a minimum of $100,000 to $500,000 in liability protection for homes with pools, particularly if diving boards, slides, or deep ends are present. If the property is located in a densely populated neighborhood, these premiums tend to be higher due to the increased risk of incidents involving guests, neighbors, or unattended children.

Insurance requirements are often tied to municipal codes or homeowner association regulations, which may also affect the total insurance burden. These obligations can complicate policy renewals and trigger audits that result in increased rates if safety guidelines are not met. Homeowners without adequate fencing, covers, or locked access gates may face further premium increases or be denied coverage altogether.

While liability coverage is an essential safeguard, its recurring cost can become a long-term financial strain when tied to an underutilized asset. Removing the pool eliminates the liability, reduces the required coverage, and in many cases, opens up access to a broader range of insurance providers.

Comparing Landscaping and HOA Costs Before and After Pool Removal

Before pool removal, homeowners often face substantial landscaping costs to maintain areas surrounding the pool.

This includes regular mowing, trimming, irrigation, and pest control for vegetation affected by pool splash or chemical runoff. These services can range from $1,200 to $3,000 annually, depending on lot size, plant variety, and maintenance frequency. HOA fees may also increase if the presence of a pool necessitates special safety inspections or community insurance considerations.

After removal, many homeowners reconfigure their outdoor spaces into low-maintenance landscapes, such as patios, green lawns, or xeriscaping options, which reduce water use and require less upkeep. The transformation often results in simpler lawn care routines and smaller service contracts.

HOA obligations can be simplified, particularly in communities where pools require reporting or adherence to safety regulations, which are no longer applicable once the pool is removed.

While some landscaping upgrades following removal may require an initial investment, the ongoing maintenance burden is significantly lighter. Homeowners often find that they spend less time and money overall while enjoying a more versatile and manageable outdoor space.

How Pool Busters of Michigan Can Help You Save Long-Term

At Pool Busters of Michigan, we specialize in comprehensive in-ground pool removal throughout Metro Detroit, delivering efficient and professional service that helps you eliminate costly maintenance and liability concerns. By removing your pool, you can lower insurance premiums, save thousands in annual upkeep, and create a yard that fits your lifestyle and budget. With years of experience and a focus solely on pool removal, we understand the cost-saving benefits this decision brings.

We provide expert-level service with a strong reputation for transparency, reliability, and tailored solutions. Whether you’re planning a full landscape transformation or simply want to eliminate the stress of seasonal maintenance, our team ensures you receive the right service for your property.

If you’re ready to eliminate the financial burden of pool ownership, call us at 248-830-9356 or 855-POOL-OUT, or contact us to request an estimate. Let Pool Busters of Michigan help you reclaim your outdoor space.