How Much Does It Cost to Make a Pool Smaller?

Imagine transforming your backyard by shrinking an oversized pool—creating a more usable space while saving money on maintenance. But how much does it cost to make a pool smaller? This is the million-dollar question for many homeowners with large, underutilized pools that are costly to maintain and perhaps no longer serve the purpose they once did.

Surprisingly, resizing a pool is not as daunting as it seems, though it is a substantial project. Understanding the costs involved can help make the decision easier, and it ultimately depends on several factors like the type of pool, the materials used, and the extent of the reduction. In this article, we’ll break down every aspect you need to know about reducing the size of your pool, from contractor fees and material costs to long-term savings and potential aesthetic enhancements.

Why Resize a Pool?

Before we delve into the costs, let’s tackle the big question: Why do homeowners want to make their pools smaller? Often, people inherit or purchase homes with pools that are larger than necessary. A huge pool might have seemed like a good idea years ago, but today’s homeowners are looking for ways to conserve water, energy, and maintenance costs. Additionally, a smaller pool offers more yard space for other activities like gardening or outdoor entertaining.

Downsizing your pool can reduce your monthly energy bill, lower water consumption, and make the pool area more manageable overall. For some, a smaller pool simply fits better with a minimalist, modern landscape design.

Key Cost Factors in Making a Pool Smaller

Now that you’re set on resizing your pool, what should you expect in terms of costs? Several key factors will determine the overall price:

1. Type of Pool (Concrete, Vinyl, or Fiberglass)

The material of your pool is a crucial factor in how much it will cost to resize. Concrete pools are the most expensive to alter because they require extensive excavation, resurfacing, and retiling. Vinyl pools are slightly easier to modify, but you’ll need to replace the liner. Fiberglass pools are the most difficult to modify due to their rigid, pre-formed shapes.

• Concrete pools: $10,000 to $20,000
• Vinyl liner pools: $5,000 to $10,000
• Fiberglass pools: $15,000 to $30,000 (depending on complexity)

2. Size Reduction (How Much Smaller Do You Want?)

The amount of space you’re reclaiming will directly affect the cost. If you’re just shaving off a few feet to expand your patio area, you may be looking at a lower-end cost. However, if you want to significantly alter the shape or size, this will involve more labor and materials, thus increasing the expense.

• Minor adjustments (1-3 feet): $3,000 to $7,000
• Moderate reductions (4-6 feet): $7,000 to $15,000
• Major changes (complete reshaping): $15,000 and up

3. Excavation and Demolition

To make a pool smaller, portions of the pool structure need to be demolished, followed by excavation of the area. Excavation costs vary depending on the size of the pool, the surrounding landscape, and the difficulty of access for machinery.

• Demolition and excavation: $1,000 to $5,000

4. Resurfacing and Retiling

After resizing, the pool will need new surfaces, especially in the case of concrete pools. Retiling and resurfacing can be costly, but it’s also an opportunity to update the look of your pool.

• Retiling: $1,500 to $5,000
• Resurfacing: $4,000 to $10,000

5. Permits and Contractor Fees

Don’t forget about permits and local regulations. Resizing a pool typically requires permits from your municipality, which can cost between $100 and $500 depending on where you live. Additionally, contractor fees can vary significantly based on experience and region.

• Permit costs: $100 to $500
• Contractor fees: 10% to 20% of the total project cost

The Hidden Savings: Why Smaller Pools Save You Money Long-Term

While the initial cost of resizing your pool might seem high, the long-term savings can be significant. Smaller pools use less water, which is not only good for the environment but can also reduce your water bill. Heating and maintaining a smaller pool is less expensive, and you’ll spend less on chemicals, cleaning, and electricity to keep the pool running smoothly. Let’s break down the potential savings:

Water and Chemical Savings

• A smaller pool requires less frequent refilling and fewer chemicals for maintenance. On average, a smaller pool can save up to 20%-30% on water usage annually, which translates to hundreds of dollars in savings, particularly in areas with high water costs.

Energy Efficiency

• If you heat your pool, reducing its size means less water to warm. This directly cuts down on your energy consumption. Over time, this can significantly reduce your utility bills, particularly if you’re using an electric or gas heater.

Maintenance Costs

• Fewer surfaces to clean, fewer leaves to skim, and a smaller area to filter—downsizing your pool means that pool maintenance becomes less labor-intensive and less costly. On average, pool owners spend between $1,200 and $1,800 annually on maintenance, but these costs could drop by 20%-40% with a smaller pool.

Creative Enhancements to Consider When Downsizing

Resizing a pool is also a great opportunity to incorporate creative elements into your outdoor space. Here are some popular enhancements that could add to your overall cost but increase the enjoyment and value of your backyard:

1. Adding a Hot Tub or Spa

Since you're already undertaking a major renovation, you might want to consider adding a hot tub or spa area. The cost of incorporating a hot tub can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the size and design.

2. Water Features

Waterfalls, fountains, and other water features can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your newly resized pool. Water features can add anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to your project, depending on complexity.

3. Decking and Landscaping

With the extra yard space created by making your pool smaller, you might want to enhance your outdoor living area with new decking, a patio, or additional landscaping. These additions can easily range from $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the materials and design.

Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?

Resizing your pool can be an expensive upfront investment, but the long-term benefits—both in terms of cost savings and lifestyle enhancement—are undeniable. A smaller pool not only reduces your monthly bills and maintenance responsibilities but also opens up possibilities for reimagining your outdoor space. Depending on the materials and extent of the resizing, expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more. However, the aesthetic, environmental, and financial gains may outweigh the initial costs, making this a smart move for many homeowners.

If you’ve been dreaming about a more functional, sustainable backyard, downsizing your pool might just be the perfect solution.