Local companies in the business to demolish pools are seeing an uptick in requests, as an increasing number of homeowners are ditching them in the name of conservation.
Across California there are more than one million swimming pools. Considering all that water, is it worth getting rid of the backyard pool to conserve during the drought?
Bobcat Billy with James Construction Cleanup, who was demolishing a Lakeside pool this week, said that for years people got rid of their pools because of maintenance costs or wanting more backyard space. Now, the drought may be pushing more homeowners over the edge.
“People are like, ‘Hey, there we go. We’re going to get rid of this thing now,’” Billy said.
He used to see an older clientele requesting his services, but now his clients are much younger.
Scripps Ranch resident Kathy Woodworth told NBC 7 she was removing her pool because of California’s drought.
“This is really not a good use of my money or water,” she said. “We just don’t have any water.”
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A demolition like hers can run from $7,000 to $12,000, not including landscaping costs. But Woodworth said replacing the pool where her daughters once swam is worth it.
“It was more an emotional thing,” she said. “Once it was gone, I was surprised at how happy I was.”
Soon the space in her backyard will be replaced with a new barbeque, fireplace and chairs, but no grass.
