Having an in-ground pool removed is a big project, and whether you have already scheduled your pool removal or you are planning to schedule it in the near future, there are things you need to know about how to prepare for a pool removal.
7 Steps To Preparing For A Pool Removal
The proper preparation on your part for the pool removal can speed up the process of removing a pool and make it easier overall. Since most people have never had a pool removed before, it is common for customers to have a lot of questions about what they should be doing to get their house and yard ready for a pool removal. In this article we will explain everything that should be doing, and why.
1. Ensure Access For Trucks And Machinery
An in-ground pool is, essentially, an enormous concrete bowl. That concrete is thick, too. Hand tools simply will not suffice to break it up and remove it.
In addition to the concrete, there are other things that must be demolished or removed. That all amounts to a lot of work, and it takes some heavy machinery to get the job done. That machinery is needed first to break up the concrete into manageable pieces, then different machinery is needed to move the concrete. There is no way that all of the concrete could be moved by hand in a reasonable amount of time, and trying to do so would cause the labor costs of a pool removal to skyrocket.
Even with heavy machinery handling the work, we need to get trucks into your backyard right next to the pool. Those trucks are how we move much of the machinery into your yard, but they are also how we remove the concrete from your pool. The only way to do this efficiently is to bring the trucks into the yard and park them right next to the pool we are removing.
This means you will need to take a look at the fencing around your yard. If you do not have a gate in the fence wide enough for a truck to drive though, you may need to remove a section of the fence while we work. Typically this can be done relatively easily, and the section can be moved back into place when the work is finished.
It also means that your yard might get torn up a little. If the ground is especially firm, that might not be a problem. In most yards, though, the truck driving through it will cause some damage.
All of this depends on the layout of your yard relative to the street. If the only way to get to the backyard from the street is by driving through the front yard, you will have a more difficult time guaranteeing truck and machinery access. If your backyard is adjacent to a street or alley, you will have fewer problems. Either way, be aware of how we will have to get to your pool and what you need to do to be sure that we can access it.
2. Keep Children And Pets Inside
Heavy machinery, big trucks and chunks of broken concrete all create a dangerous environment. They also create a loud environment; it is entirely possible that we would never notice a child or a pet in danger until it was too late.
When we are working on a pool removal, we have to be focused on our own safety, as well. Heavy machinery is dangerous, and moving piles of broken concrete around adds to the danger. The best way to keep your children and pets safe while we are working on your pool removal is to keep them inside the house. This is especially true for aggressive pets.
3. Clear Overhanging Branches
This is one that often surprises people, but tree branches can impede on our work. They get in the way of our machinery and obscure vision. Trim any overhanging tree branches in the area of the pool can be a big help to our work crew.
4. Remove Anything From Your Backyard That Could Be Damaged
Backyard furniture, fire pits, grills, smokers, and playscapes could all suffer damage in the process of a pool removal. We will always strive to prevent the sort of accident that might cause damage, but we can never guarantee that it will not happen. To be sure that your possessions will not be damaged, remove them from the backyard before we begin working.
5. Be Sure The Ground Is Stable And Dry
We will be using large trucks and heavy machinery, and that requires dry, solid ground. If you have been experiencing heavy rains and you see a lot of mud or even just softer ground than usual in your yard, you should consider rescheduling your pool removal. It is far better to wait until the ground dries out and firms up than to end up with one of our trucks stuck in your yard.
If the ground is not stable and dry, there really is no way for you to change that. All of the things you could do to create firmer ground without waiting for it to dry on its own are much too expensive and time-consuming to be an option.
6. Turn Off The Pool Pump
You probably did this when you drained the pool, but it is worth double checking before we try to remove it.
7. Inform Your Neighbors
A pool removal is noisy, and takes several days. It is a good idea to warn your neighbors beforehand so they are not taken by surprise. Tell them when to expect the noise to begin and end and thank them in advance for their patience. This can go a long way toward preventing a conflict with the people who live around you.
Reach Out To Dirt Connections If You Have Any Questions
If you still have questions about pool removal or would like some more guidance on the best ways to prepare for one, please do not hesitate to contact Dirt Connections. Our pool removal experts will be happy to help you and offer any guidance they can. Additionally, they can assist you with preparing for your pool removal and determining which method of pool removal you should receive.
