Is your backyard pool more of a money pit than a paradise? That beautiful pool you once dreamed of has turned into a messy, unused space. The endless cycle of cleaning, repairs, and sky-high energy bills is enough to make any homeowner want to throw in the towel. Many homeowners are asking themselves: “Should I keep my pool, or is it time to say goodbye to the watery wasteland?” Do you find yourself asking the same question?
But what if you could turn it into a dreamy outdoor space without spending a lot? Good news: you can.
Whether you’re thinking about filling in your pool or going for a complete demolition, this guide will disclose cost-effective options to turn your neglected pool area into the outdoor space of your dreams. In this guide, we’ll explore how to remove your pool and turn it into the backyard of your dreams without breaking the bank. So, it’s time to dive in and find out how to bid farewell to your pool without draining your savings!
Why Consider Filling or Demolishing a Swimming Pool?
A pool can be an asset, but it may also become a burden. Here are some common reasons homeowners choose to fill or demolish their pools:
- Maintenance Costs: Pools require regular cleaning, chemical treatments, and repairs, which can cost thousands each year.
- Increased Liability: Pools pose safety risks, particularly for households with young children or pets, and may increase home insurance premiums.
- Repurposing Space: The space used for a pool can be repurposed for gardens, patios, or other landscaping options.
- Decreased Property Value: Not all buyers want the responsibility of a pool, which can sometimes decrease a property’s marketability.
Different Cost-Effective Pool Removal Options
1. Filling In
Filling in a pool is a less expensive option than complete demolition and can be suitable if you don’t plan to build on the land later. This process involves draining the pool, puncturing the pool’s surface for drainage, and filling it with dirt or gravel.
Partial Fill
Partial filling is the most cost-effective way to fill in the pool. The top portion of the pool’s structure is demolished, and debris is used to fill the pool before dirt or gravel is added. Partially filling a swimming pool with debris and rubble costs $25 to $85 per cubic yard. However, fees are based on labour, pool fill material, and the backfill mix used.
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Pros: More cost-effective than full demolition and less time-consuming, usually taking 3-5 days.
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The cons: The area remains unsuitable for new construction. You must inform potential homebuyers about the partial demolition.
Full Fill
A full fill involves completely filling the pool cavity after removing its upper structure, creating a stable surface that can be landscaped.
Pool Filling Process
- Break up the pool bottom: Use a jackhammer or concrete saw to create holes in the bottom of the pool for drainage.
- Remove top layers: For partial fill, remove the top 18-36 inches of the pool structure.
- Add drainage material: Place a layer of gravel or other aggregate at the bottom for improved drainage.
- Fill the pool: Use clean fill dirt, adding it in layers and compacting every 12 inches to prevent future settling.
- Top with soil: Add a final layer of topsoil suitable for your intended use of the space.
2. Demolition of Pool
If you want to remove the pool completely and restore the area to its original state, you’ll need to consider full or partial demolition. This is more expensive than filling in, but it leaves the land suitable for future construction.
Partial Demolition
A partial demolition involves breaking down the top of the pool structure and filling it with rubble and dirt, similar to a partial fill, but with more extensive removal of concrete.
Partial removal starts by draining the pool. Holes are drilled for drainage, and the top portion of the pool structure (typically 18-36 inches) is broken down. The debris from the demolition is then used to fill the pool partially, followed by dirt or gravel to complete the fill.
- Pros: Affordable, faster (usually completed within 1-3 days), and doesn’t require the complete demolition of the pool.
- The cons: The area becomes non-buildable (except for landscaping), and settling or sinkage is a risk if it is not compacted properly. You will need to disclose this modification if you decide to sell the home.
Still unsure which pool removal method will be cost-effective and best for you? Assess all the options and choose the most adaptable method for filling in a swimming pool. Contact us for guidance.
Complete Demolition
A complete demolition involves removing all traces of the pool, including the walls and floor. After the debris is hauled away, the hole is filled with compacted dirt, making the area suitable for any future use, including building. A full removal that removes all traces of the swimming pool runs $33 to $138 per cubic foot on average.
- Pros: The land becomes buildable, requires no disclosure to buyers, and is stable for new construction.
- Cons: Higher cost and time-intensive, typically taking 3-7 days to complete.
Pool Demolition Process
- Break up the entire structure: Use heavy machinery to break up the pool shell and deck.
- Remove debris: Haul away all concrete, metal, and other materials. Much of this can often be recycled.
- Fill the hole: Use clean fill dirt, compacting in layers as you go.
- Grade the area: Ensure proper drainage by grading the filled area to match the surrounding landscape.
Cost to Fill or Demolish Swimming Pool
Demolition of your swimming pool will provide dependable, all-inclusive service at a reasonable rate. Removing your swimming pool can decrease liability and danger, increase the number of possible homebuyers, eliminate costly upkeep, and give you more backyard areas for lawn activities.
Before removing your pool, you should also be aware of the cost of removing or filling it so that you can prepare it readily.
Read Also: Swimming Pool Removals Process
Swimming Pool Fill-in Cost
To eliminate a swimming pool, you can expect to pay around $3,000 to $12,000. Homeowners may opt to remove their pool for various reasons, such as safety concerns, no longer wanting maintenance costs, replacing an outdated pool, or for landscaping purposes. This is a significant undertaking requiring heavy-duty equipment, safety gear, permits, and dirt removal. It’s important to choose a professional who can meet your expectations.
Cost to fill in a pool by the method
| Fill tyspanes |
Times |
Cost spaner cubic yard |
Average cost |
| spanartial Removal [small] |
1-3 |
$25- $110 |
$2,000- $7,000 |
| spanartial Removal[big] |
2-5 |
$15- $80 |
$2,500- $10,000 |
| Full Removal &amspan; Backfill |
3-7 |
$25- $160 |
$4,000- $16,000 |
The labour cost of pool removal is also impacted by the pool’s materials and the needed equipment.
- Gunite and concrete pools need larger, heavier machinery and can be expensive for pool removal. To remove the gunite pool, experts will break them into pieces and pull them out. For a cheaper fill-in, they drill two to six holes in the butt of the pool and fill them with pea gravel to drain pool water.
- Fibreglass and Vinyl pools are normally inexpensive to demolish. The fibreglass shell should be broken into pieces and dragged away.
Hire an experienced professional to accomplish your pool removal project. This will reduce or prevent issues like sinking or swelling from poor drainage. The pool’s filled dirt needs to be compacted heavily.
Swimming Pool Demolishing Cost
$3,500 to $15,000 is the usual cost to eliminate an inground pool. Filling in(partially) an inground swimming pool costs around $2,200 to $10,000 and includes removing the concrete and relocating using rubble as backfills.
An above-ground pool can be removed for $300 to $2500. Pool demolition with an embellishment is around $1,000 to $5,000. The cost of the above-ground pool elimination is based on backfill, landscaping, or excavating a sand base.
Most countries, states, or territories only accept the work of professional or legal engineers to accomplish backfill projects. To decrease the danger of swelling and sinkage, engineers need density-checking reports before the project begins.
Also read: Swimming pool removal costs
New Pool Installation Cost
When demolishing a pool to restore a new one, you can save the excavation fee by not having to shovel a hole. The fee to build a pool is $1,800 to $5,000 for above-ground and around $25,000 to $50,000 for inground.
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The Big Decision: DIY vs. Hiring Professionals
When considering pool removal, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional. While DIY may seem tempting as a cost-saving measure, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and challenges.
Pool removal is a labour-intensive project that requires specialised equipment and knowledge to ensure the ground is properly stabilised after removal. Mistakes such as improper drainage, poor compaction, or unsafe demolition can lead to costly future repairs or hazards like sinkholes. While the upfront cost may be higher, hiring professionals can save you time, stress, and the risk of expensive errors in the long run.
How to Choose a Contractor
When selecting a contractor for your project, it’s crucial to make an informed decision. Here are some important factors to consider when finding Swimming Pool Removal Contractors:
- Always verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage during the removal process.
- Don’t settle for the first estimate. Request quotes from at least three contractors to compare pricing and services. This also helps you gauge the market rate for your project.
- A reputable contractor will handle obtaining the necessary permits for the removal. Make sure to confirm this during your discussions.
- Ensure everything is in writing, including the scope of work, cost breakdowns, timelines, and debris removal. This helps prevent misunderstandings later on.
- Research reviews online and ask for references from previous clients to ensure the contractor has a good track record with pool removal projects.
Conclusion
Deciding to fill or demolish a pool is a significant choice, but it can be both financially rewarding and aesthetically transformative. Whether you want to eliminate maintenance headaches, improve backyard safety, or free up space for new outdoor possibilities, choosing the right approach to pool removal can help you achieve your goals while maintaining a budget. Each option—partial or full fill, partial demolition, or complete removal—has its own set of costs and benefits tailored to different property needs and future plans.
As you weigh these choices, consider consulting with a professional pool removal service to discuss your project’s specifics. An experienced contractor can offer valuable insights, ensuring your pool removal is not only cost-effective but also structurally sound and environmentally responsible. With the right help, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your backyard transformation will enhance both your property’s value and usability.
Ready to reclaim your backyard? Contact Jam Pool Removals for an affordable, hassle-free consultation and take the first step towards turning it into the inviting, usable space you’ve envisioned!
