How to Remove a Concrete Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide

That pool you once bragged about? It’s now just 30,000 litres of regret surrounded by cracked concrete and broken dreams.

The leaks are constant, the cleaning is endless, and the chemical bills? Let’s just say your pool is drinking better than you are. And don’t even mention the insurance premiums. It’s not a backyard paradise anymore, it’s a glorified mosquito breeding ground that no one’s dipped a toe in since 2017.

The truth is, your pool peaked on Instagram the day it was built. Now it’s just sitting there, sucking up money, time, and the only flat spot in your yard where a deck, a garden, or literally anything else could live.

You’re not alone. Thousands of Sydney homeowners are breaking up with their pools, because paying to maintain a swamp no one uses is nobody’s idea of smart investing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to remove your concrete pool, step by step, including permits, tools, demolition tips, and when to drop the shovel and call Jampool Removals. Whether you’re craving more space, less stress, or the sweet silence of a pool-free backyard, your concrete detox starts now.

Tools, Equipment, and Permits: What You’ll Need?

Before you begin your concrete pool removal project, proper preparation is necessary. The last thing you want is to start breaking concrete only to discover you need a permit or lack essential equipment.

Permits and Regulations

Check with your local council or building department about permit requirements for swimming pool removal. Many areas require permits for major excavation work, and some have specific regulations about how pools must be demolished and filled. This step might seem tedious, but it can save you from costly fines and legal headaches down the road.

You’ll also want to call utility companies to mark underground lines before any digging begins. This free service prevents dangerous and expensive accidents with gas, water, or electrical lines.

Essential Tools and Equipment

For a successful DIY pool demolition, you’ll need:

• Heavy machinery: Excavator or mini-excavator (rental), jackhammer or pneumatic breaker
• Hand tools: Sledgehammers, pry bars, bolt cutters for rebar, shovels
• Safety equipment: Hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, work gloves, dust masks
• Disposal: Large dumpster or multiple smaller ones, depending on pool size
• Filling materials: Clean fill dirt, gravel for drainage layer
• Compaction equipment: Plate compactor or jumping jack tamper

Most homeowners will need to rent the heavy equipment, which can significantly impact their project timeline and budget. Plan accordingly and reserve equipment well in advance, especially during busy construction seasons.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Concrete Pool?

Now, let’s understand the process for removing a swimming pool. Each step requires careful attention to safety and proper technique to ensure a successful outcome.

Step 1: Drain the Pool

Concrete pool removal involves draining the pool water out. You can use a submersible pump to speed up this process. Check local regulations about where you can discharge pool water, as some areas have restrictions due to chemical content. Make sure to review this guide on what to know before and after removing your swimming pool for a smooth experience.

Safety tip: Never enter an empty pool alone, and be aware that pool surfaces can be extremely slippery when wet.

Step 2: Cut and Break the Concrete

This is where the real work begins. Using your jackhammer or pneumatic breaker, start breaking the concrete into manageable pieces. Work systematically, starting from one end and moving across the pool. Focus on creating pieces small enough to handle safely but large enough to minimise the total number of pieces you need to move.

Before moving to backfilling, it’s important to punch drainage holes into the bottom of the pool if the shell remains. This allows water to pass through and prevents future water accumulation that can cause soil movement or structural instability.

Tip: Always wear proper protective equipment, take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, and work during daylight hours for better visibility.

Step 3: Remove Rebar and Debris

As you break up the concrete, you’ll encounter rebar (reinforcing steel bars) that need to be cut and removed. Use bolt cutters or an angle grinder to cut through the rebar. Sort materials as you go, concrete debris in one pile, metal rebar in another, as many recycling centers will accept these materials separately.

Safety tip: Cutting rebar creates sharp edges and hot metal. Handle with care and allow cut pieces to cool before handling.

Step 4: Backfill the Hole

Once all concrete and debris are removed and hauled away, it’s time to fill the hole. Start with a layer of rubble or gravel at the bottom for drainage, then add clean fill dirt in layers. Avoid using construction debris or organic materials that could decompose and cause settling.

Safety tip: Never backfill with the old concrete pieces, as this can create drainage issues and unstable ground.

Step 5: Compact and Level the Soil

This step is important for preventing future settling and sinkholes. Use a plate compactor to compress each layer of fill dirt as you add it. Add dirt in 6-8 inch layers, compacting thoroughly between each layer of the pool. This process takes time but ensures a stable foundation for whatever comes next.

Safety tip: Proper compaction prevents dangerous settling that could damage structures or create hazardous holes in your yard.

Step 6: Optional – Re-landscape or Repurpose the Space

With your pool area properly filled and compacted, you now have a blank canvas for your backyard dreams. Whether you want to plant grass, create a garden, build a deck, or install a playground, proper preparation in the previous steps will give you a solid foundation to work with. Before laying new turf or planting, consider adding a layer of topsoil to promote healthy root growth and improve soil quality. See our complete pool removal guide for more insights into the process.

Not sure if your old pool needs a full tear-out or just a partial removal? Jampool removals offers honest, on-site assessments to help you choose the most cost-effective, regulation-compliant option that protects your property value and long-term landscaping plans. Contact us!

Professional vs. DIY: Weighing Your Options

Deciding between DIY inground swimming pool demolition and hiring professionals involves several important considerations. If you’re looking for a cost-effective approach to demolish or fill your pool, this article compares your options. It’s worth noting that fibreglass pool removal typically requires professional expertise due to the specialised techniques needed to extract the shell intact.

When to Consider Partial Removal

Some homeowners opt for partial removal, where only the top layer of the pool structure is removed and the rest of the pool is filled in. While this approach costs less initially, it can lead to long-term issues with sinkage and may not be suitable if you plan major landscaping or construction in the area.

When to Hire Professionals?

Consider professional inground pool removal services if:

• Your pool is exceptionally large or has complex features
• You lack experience with heavy machinery
• Local regulations are complex or require licensed contractors
• You have limited time or physical capability
• Your property has difficult access, which complicates equipment rental
• You’re concerned about potential utility line conflicts

Professional services bring expertise, proper insurance, and often faster completion times. They also handle permit applications and disposal logistics, removing significant stress from the project.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Concrete Pool in Sydney?

Concrete pool removal costs in Sydney vary depending on the size, location, access, and whether you’re opting for partial or full removal.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the average cost to remove a pool:

Factors Affecting Cost

Several variables can significantly impact your pool demolition cost:

• Pool size: Larger pools require more time, equipment, and disposal capacity
• Access: Difficult equipment access increases labour time and complexity
• Disposal fees: Landfill costs vary significantly by location
• Soil conditions: Rocky or clay soils require more time and potentially different equipment
• Utilities: Relocating utilities around the pool area adds cost
• Permits: Complex permitting processes can add time and fees

Conclusion