Cherry Hills Pool Removal and Real Estate Value Boost
In Cherry Hills Village, even luxury homes must juggle yard space. Many estates include pools on multi-acre lots but affluent buyers actually prize space and serenity on those lots Removing an underused or outdated pool reclaims valuable yard area – contractors note it opens up opportunities to create a garden, build a patio or install a play area. In short, an empty, landscaped yard can be more attractive than a deteriorating pool, expanding your home’s curb appeal.
Pool Removal and Home Value in Colorado
It may surprise homeowners, but experts say pools often don’t add as much value as you think – and can even detract from it. Fort Collins appraiser Bob Ripp warns there are “instances where pools detract from the home,” especially in a cooler climate like Colorado’s. He explains you “likely won’t get the price of the pool back when you sell your home” whatsupmag.com. National data support this: HouseLogic found a pool only boosts home value by about 7% under ideal conditions, and usually much less if the pool is old, oversized, or rarely used. In one analysis, removing a pool from an otherwise desirable home raised its resale value by nearly $10,000. Conversely, a Colorado real estate blog bluntly notes that adding a pool can “dampen” a home’s value – many buyers simply see it as a “high-maintenance money pit” or liability thestorckteam.com.
- Reclaimable Space: Taking out a pool frees up a large portion of the backyard. You can install a new patio, lawn, or other feature on that real estate.
- Lower Costs: No more pool bills. You save on water, heating, chemicals, cleaning, and repairs. (HomeAdvisor reports owners spend $1,200–$5,000/year on upkeep.) Many families find it more rewarding to spend those savings on vacations or home improvements with better returns.
- Safety and Liability: Removing the pool eliminates drowning risks and often lowers insurance premiums. This peace of mind can be appealing to family buyers.
- Broader Buyer Appeal: While a pool might attract one buyer, it turns off others. Without the pool, your home appeals to those who want more open yard for entertaining, gardening, or kids’ play. As one note puts it, many buyers “aren’t interested in a pool…you’re not adding value; you’re limiting your pool of potential buyers.
- Potential Value Boost: In many markets (including upscale Colorado suburbs), an uncluttered yard can raise offers. In one example, removing a dated pool in the right neighborhood increased the home’s value by about $10K.
In practice, local pros see the difference. A Colorado pool contractor explains that a clean, landscaped yard often looks better to buyers than an old pool. And as Ripp notes, a pool is usually a lifestyle add-on, not a guaranteed investment return. In Cherry Hills – where buyers expect sprawling lawns and outdoor living – a newly-open yard can be a strong selling point.
Professional crews break up the pool shell during demolition. A full removal typically demolishes and hauls away the entire pool structure, then backfills the hole with compacted dirt. Experienced contractors often complete a full inground pool removal in under a week, leaving a smooth, buildable yard for your next project.
Transforming Your Yard: Alternative Uses
Once the pool is out, the possibilities for your Cherry Hills backyard are endless. You can customize the reclaimed space to fit your lifestyle and add value:
- Outdoor Kitchen and Dining: Move your culinary life outside. Colorado design experts note that the hottest trend is creating full outdoor kitchens and bars in the backyard. Imagine a gourmet grill, sink, and seating on the new patio – a big draw for luxury buyers.
- Covered Living Spaces: Add a pergola, screened porch, or four-season sunroom. Shaded, weather-protected lounges with fire features allow backyard use even in rain or snow. Think of an elegant outdoor living room or dining area – the kind Cherry Hills homes were built to host.
- Gardens and Greenery: Install lush landscaping or edible gardens. A pool-sized patch of turf or flower beds can create a private oasis. Low-maintenance native plants and smart irrigation (important in Colorado’s water-conscious regions) can make the yard eco-friendly. Buyers love seeing a versatile, beautiful lawn or garden instead of an empty pool pit.
- Play or Sports Area: Level ground is perfect for kids’ play equipment, a backyard putting green, or a half-court. An old pool site can become a recreation hub that families will enjoy daily, rather than a seasonal plunge pool.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): On Cherry Hills’ large lots, you might build a small guest house or in-law suite. Colorado’s new law (HB 24?1152, effective June 2025) will make ADU permits easier to get. Planning pool removal now means you could have space ready for a future “casita” — and earn rental income or add resale value.
These upgrades can pay off at sale. Zillow reports that homes with features like an outdoor TV or kitchen sold for ~2–3% more than similar homes without. Even adding a deck can recoup about 89% of its cost when selling. In short, turning a defunct pool into coveted yard amenities can boost both enjoyment and market price.
Why Now Is the Right Time
Spring and summer are prime seasons for outdoor projects in Colorado. According to WeatherSpark data, Denver’s climate is most favorable for construction from April through June. This means removing a pool in spring lets you avoid winter freezes and have your yard ready by summer. Contractors are generally less booked in early spring than mid-summer, so you can get a faster start on demolition. In fact, starting now (early 2025) aligns perfectly: pools can be torn out before the summer real estate season, and new patios or gardens can be in place for showings.
Market trends also favor planning ahead. After the pandemic buying spree, the extraordinary “pool premium” has cooled (from a 61% price boost in 2022 to around 54% by spring 2025 realtor.com), meaning a lingering pool may not draw as much buyer interest as a beautifully updated yard. Meanwhile, Colorado’s new ADU law takes effect on June 30, 2025, so initiating removal now means you can position your lot for any future granny-flat construction. In short, taking out a pool this spring lets you capitalize on seasonal construction advantages and evolving buyer preferences.
Ready to explore your options? Pool removal is a specialized job – it involves structural work and permits. Cherry Hills homeowners should consult qualified local contractors, landscapers, or architects who understand our climate and zoning. Talk to a pool demolition specialist or a real estate agent familiar with high-end Denver markets to see how removing your pool could pay dividends. With the right plan, your Cherry Hills property can swap an expensive water feature for a more valuable, low-maintenance outdoor asset.
