Do you have a pool that you never seem to use and is thinking of clearing it for more lawn space? There are two types of pool- inground and above ground. An inground is the one that is basically on level with the ground, while an above ground pool is one that has the water level elevated from ground level. It would cost around $6,500.00 to demolish an inground pool and $2,200.00 for above ground pool, both on average. There are certain benefits in removing your pool, here are some of them.
- Avoid expenses on swimming pool maintenance.
- You have time for other things other than swimming pool maintenance.
- Your home may have a wider market if you intend to sell it. Most buyers do not require a pool.
- You avoid the hazards that come with owning a pool, especially if you have children.
- You get to have more yard space for other activities.
- You can have better and wider landscaping schemes
Different Methods to Remove an Inground Pool
Pool Fill- in Method (Partial Removal)
This is the most common method of pool removal. This method is often the least expensive and can be accomplished around 2-5 days depending on the size of the pool. This method can be performed without any supervision from an engineer technician, unless it is required by your city regulations.
Steps for Fill- in Method
- Drain the pool of water
- Punch holes into the bottom and remove walkway around the pool, if any
- Demolish 18" - 36" of the top layer of the pool
- Fill the bottom of the pool with rubble
- Fill the pool with dirt and then top soil on the top layer
- Compact the soil
Disadvantages for Fill- in Method:
- Most cities consider the filled in area of the pool to be not suitable for building structures on top of it except for sheds. It can also be topped with concrete, landscaping, or even trees.
- If not done properly, this method poses risks sinking, swelling, or lack of proper seepage.
- This may lower the value of your home when you put it up for sale.
Pool Fill-in with Engineered Backfill (Partial Removal with Engineered Backfill)
This is basically the same procedure with the pool fill- in method. It can be accomplished quickly and is affordable. The exception is on how the empty pool will be filled. While it is most commonly used under the circumstance that your city will require it, it gives you the benefit of being sure your pool area has been compacted properly.
Steps for Fill- in Method with Engineered Backfill
- Drain the pool of water
- Punch holes into the bottom and remove walkway around the pool, if any
- Demolish 18" - 36" of the top layer of the pool
- Fill the bottom of the pool with rubble
- Fill the pool with dirt and then top soil on the top layer
- Compact the soil
steps 4-6 however, should be done under the supervision of an engineer technician.
Disadvantages for Fill- in Method with Engineered Backfill:
- Most cities consider the filled in area of the pool to be not suitable for building structures on top of it except for sheds. It can also be topped with concrete, landscaping, or even trees.
- If not done properly, this method poses risks sinking, swelling, or lack of proper seepage.
- This may lower the value of your home when you put it up for sale.
Full Removal with Non-Engineered Backfill
This method is more expensive and tedious than the first two mentioned. On the bright side, this method will have minimal to no impact to your home’s value out in the market. The risk of sinking and poor seepage is also significantly decreased since there is no concrete left on the area. You can also perform this without an engineer’s supervision.
Steps for Full Removal with Non- Engineered Backfill
- Drain the pool of water
- Demolish all materials of the pool (e.g. concrete/granite, tiles, fiberglass, liner, re-bar, etc.)
- Haul away and properly dispose all demolished material
- Fill the pool with dirt and then top soil on the top layer
- Compact the soil
Disadvantages for Full Removal with Non- Engineered Backfill
- Most cities consider the filled in area of the pool to be not suitable for building structures on top of it except for sheds. It can also be topped with concrete, landscaping, or even trees.
- Costs more to execute than partial removal.
Full Removal with Engineered Backfill
The difference of this method from full removal with non- engineered backfill is having an engineer’s presence for supervision for this method. One advantage of this is that the area can be declared as buildable after the procedure. Meaning, that you can build any structure on the area. Your home’s market value will also remain untouched.
Steps for Full Removal with Non- Engineered Backfill
- Drain the pool of water
- Demolish all materials of the pool (e.g. concrete/granite, tiles, fiberglass, liner, re-bar, etc.)
- Haul away and properly dispose all demolished material
- Fill the pool with dirt and then top soil on the top layer
- Compact the soil
- Engineer conducts soil density testing – to formally determine and declare that the new area is suitable for constructing structures
Disadvantages for Full Removal with Engineered Backfill
- This is the most expensive pool removal method.
Removing Above Ground Pools
Removing above ground pools are a lot easier to do than removing inground pools. There are number of types of above ground pool but the removal process for each is basically the same.
- Drain the pool from water – the best way to do this is by using a pump.
- Break it down – since the pool is just mounted on the ground, it will be easy to remove it. Unscrew all bolts and hammer all walls.
- Haul all debris – you can recycle some scraps if you see anything of use. Otherwise, dispose all debris properly. There are hauling services you can contact to do it for you.
- Repair the area – once the pool has been removed the area underneath it will be bare (sand, stone, dead grass). Repair the area to nicely incorporate with your overall landscape.
FAQs on Pool Demolition & Removal
How much would it cost me?
There are several factors that will come into play to determine the cost. Here are some of the following to consider in the budget.
- Know whether the pool is inground or above ground
- Size of the pool
- Accessibility of the work area
- Method of removal
- Your contractor’s scope of work
- Procedure of draining water
Inground pools
For medium sized pools the cost can range from $3,500.00 to $7,000.00, considering the access to the work area is easy. While large pools can cost up to over $10,000.00 on average.
Based on our encounters, inground poolremoval can range from $7,000.00 to $15,000.00.
Above ground pools
The cost for removal will vary on the extent of work and equipment you will use, as well as if you will hire contractors to do it. However, it is much less than the cost it will take to remove an inground pool.
How many estimates should I gather for the pool removal project?
It is ideal to get at least three estimates for the same project. Never get just one estimate, doing this will eliminate your option of checking with other services if the price is reasonable. Pool removals, especially for inground pools, can be costly. Be sure you won’t overspend as reasonably needed. Inground pool removals are costly, so it's best to get more than one estimate and more than one opinion on the best way to go about the pool demolition project.
A good estimate will include in detail the following:
- project timeline
- schedule of fees (states all the necessary permits needed and who will process and pay for the said permits)
- payment schedule
Do I need to get a permit to demolish my pool?
It will depend on your locality’s requirements, but most will require a permit. In some cases, permits are issued without any charges, just ask your local municipality for fees, if any. If you will get a contractor, they will procure the permit for you. If they refuse to, be skeptical of their services.
Also keep in mind that municipalities have different regulations when it comes to pool removal, be sure to ask.
Can my landscape or underground utilities (i.e. septic tank) be damaged by the heavy equipment used in removing my pool?
If the people to do the removal is not knowledgeable enough, yes, the equipment they will use can damage your property and utilities. Be sure to know the entire process and risks yourself as well. That is why it’s better if you work with a team that has lots of experience with pool removals.