Melbourne homeowners are removing pools in record numbers

Greater Melbourne homeowners are increasingly tearing out swimming pools as maintenance costs, safety concerns and lifestyle changes reshape backyard priorities. Reverse Pools, a Cheltenham specialist with more than 30 years in the market, says enquiries are at record levels as families look to reclaim usable outdoor space.

Why it matters: - Pool removal is becoming a practical choice for Melbourne homeowners facing rising maintenance, energy and compliance costs. - The trend reflects a broader shift toward backyards that are easier to maintain and use year-round. - For some families, especially those with young children or older residents, safety is now a bigger factor than the appeal of owning a pool.

What happened: - Reverse Pools says enquiries for pool removal across Greater Melbourne are stronger than ever. - The Cheltenham-based company has spent more than 30 years removing unwanted pools and restoring outdoor areas. - The business was founded in the 1990s and grew from a landscaping operation into a pool demolition and excavation specialist. - Reverse Pools removes fibreglass, concrete, inground, above-ground and vinyl pools. - The company also removes spas and hot tubs, handles drainage and land clearing, and completes full backyard landscaping after demolition.

The details: - Homeowners are weighing ongoing maintenance, chemicals, heating, filtration, insurance and labour against the limited use many pools now get. - Victorian pool fencing compliance requirements are adding another layer of cost and effort. - Burns said many homeowners now make a proactive decision after calculating the long-term expense of keeping a pool. - The company provides specialist tight-access excavation for properties where standard machinery cannot reach. - Reverse Pools offers obligation-free quotes and guidance on the removal process, council requirements and what to expect on the day.

Between the lines: - The change is not just about cost cutting. It also reflects changing expectations for how outdoor space should function. - Many former pool areas are being converted into low-maintenance gardens, alfresco entertaining zones or open lawn. - Burns said concerns about property value are more nuanced than many owners assume, and outcomes depend on the property and buyer market. - He said real estate agents often see a landscaped backyard as as attractive as, or more attractive than, a pool that needs work.

What's next: - Reverse Pools expects demand to remain strong as more homeowners compare pool ownership costs with the value of reclaiming backyard space. - More properties are likely to be converted into flexible outdoor living areas rather than maintained as pool sites. - The company is positioning itself to keep handling full-service removals, excavation and landscaping across Greater Melbourne.

The bottom line: - In Melbourne, the pool is increasingly shifting from status symbol to expense, and more homeowners are choosing to take it out.