We have an above-ground pool with a wrap-around deck that has seen better days. It needs a new liner and the deck needs significant repairs. We are selling this summer and are not sure if families will see it as a fun bonus or a huge liability. Would it be smarter to just tear it down and plant grass?
Asked by Ibrahim | Farmington, CT| 04-22-2026| 16 views|Remodeling|Updated 1 week ago
Ibrahim, given the severe disrepair of the pool, I would highly suggest getting rid of the pool as it will be seen as an eye sore. Let me know if you have any other questions and best of luck with your sale.
Keith Jean-Pierre
Managing Principal
The Dapper Agents
Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA
If it looks worn, take it out.
A tired above-ground pool with a rough deck reads as a project, not a bonus. Most buyers see cost, safety concerns, and maintenance.
A clean yard with grass is easier. It appeals to more people and photographs better.
Pools can help when they’re in great shape. When they’re not, they usually hurt.
If you don’t want to remove it, at least fix it enough so it feels safe and clean. But if the deck needs major work, I’d lean toward removing it and keeping things simple.
You’re asking the right question, because an above‑ground pool can be either a fun bonus or a deal‑killer, depending on its condition. And when it’s older, needs a new liner, and the deck is in rough shape, buyers tend to see it differently than you might hope.
Let’s break it down so you can choose the option that actually helps your sale.
1. A worn‑out pool is almost always seen as a liability
Buyers look at an aging above‑ground pool and think:
- “That’s going to cost money.”
- “That’s a weekend project I don’t want.”
- “Is it safe?”
- “Will I have to remove it myself?”
Even families who love pools get nervous when they see repairs, rot, or a liner that needs replacing.
If the pool looks tired, it doesn’t add value — it adds questions.
2. Fixing it is usually more expensive than the value it adds
A new liner + deck repairs can easily run into the thousands.
And here’s the key: you rarely get that money back at closing.
Buyers don’t pay extra for an above‑ground pool, even when it’s in great shape.
They simply see it as a bonus.
So spending big to repair it right before selling usually isn’t worth it.
3. Removing it often makes the home more appealing
A clean, open yard is universally appealing.
Removing the pool can:
- Make the yard look bigger
- Remove a safety concern
- Eliminate buyer objections
- Simplify inspections
- Make your listing photos stronger
Most buyers prefer a blank slate over a project.
4. The only time keeping it makes sense
If ALL of these are true, keeping it might be worth it:
- The pool is in good condition
- The deck is safe and solid
- Your neighborhood is full of families who love pools
- You’re in a hot market where buyers overlook small issues
But based on what you described — worn liner, deck repairs — you’re not in that category.
5. The smartest move for most sellers
In your situation, the best return on investment is usually:
Remove the pool + remove the deck + seed the yard.
It’s cleaner.
It’s safer.
It photographs better.
It removes objections.
It appeals to the widest pool of buyers.
And it’s almost always cheaper than repairing everything.
Bottom Line
A tired above‑ground pool doesn’t help your sale — it hurts it.
Removing it and restoring the yard is typically the smarter, more profitable choice.
If you want, I can help you:
Ibrahim you may want to reach out to a top real estate professional in your local market to get some advice on what buyers in your area may be looking for.