A swimming pool can be a fun place for families to spend time together during the summer, but for many homeowners, the expenses and risks associated with pool ownership can be overwhelming. Many homeowners choose to have their pool removed when the disadvantages start to outweigh the benefits of having one.
Once you have decided to remove your swimming pool, you need to choose a pool removal method that will work for your home and your future goals for the area where your pool once stood. Outlined below are the main options for pool removal and their advantages and drawbacks.
Partial Swimming Pool Removal
If you are looking to have your pool removed quickly and affordably, you might consider a partial swimming pool removal. Also known as a pool fill-in, this process entails drilling 3-inch-deep holes at the bottom of the pool to stop it from collecting water in the future. The sides of the pool are then broken down at least a foot and a half from the top.
The broken concrete that results is placed at the bottom of the pool, then backfilled and compacted. This process must be carried out with extreme caution to avoid creating a sinkhole in the yard.
In some areas, the backfill process must be carried out with the oversight of an engineer, who performs density tests on the soil and submits any required letters to the city planning offices. However, this is not required everywhere, so it is important to find out which rules apply where you live.
Advantages Of Partial Pool Removal Method
Here are some of the advantages of choosing a partial pool removal or fill-in.
Lower Price
Because less concrete needs to be broken up and less debris needs to be hauled away, partial removal is a more affordable option. In addition, you will not need to buy as much dirt to backfill the space. Moreover, because it is a faster process, you will save on labor costs, making this a significantly cheaper method than full removal.
It Is Quicker
A partial pool removal can take just a couple of days, making it far quicker than a full pool removal. However, if an engineer must be hired for the backfill and compaction, keep in mind that it may make the process take a little longer, although it should take less than a week overall.
Drawbacks Of A Partial Pool Removal
Below are some of the downsides of opting for partial inground pool removal.
The Soil Could Shift
When you get a partial pool removal or fill-in, it is possible that your yard could experience sinkage and swelling if the backfill and compaction are not carried out properly or the concrete is layered incorrectly. This could also cause damage to any landscaping or other features in the yard.
The Resulting Land Is Unbuildable
Perhaps the biggest drawback to opting for a partial pool removal is the fact that the land will be considered unbuildable. Although you may be able to place some yard decorations or landscaping in the space, it will not be possible to build another structure there. In addition, the fact that a pool once existed must be disclosed to anyone who is considering buying your home as it may impact their decision.
It Will Still Need To Be Dug Up If A New Pool Is Later Built
Finally, if you later decide that you would like to have a swimming pool once again or sell your home and the new owners wish to build a pool, the old pool will need to be dug up, removed, and then re-compacted to accommodate the new pool.
Full Inground Pool Removal
If you would like to have the option of doing anything you want with your land following the removal of your swimming pool, a full inground pool removal is the way to go.
With a full inground pool removal, all of the materials used to make the pool are dug up and hauled away, including the concrete, steel, fiberglass, gunite and vinyl lining.
Once everything has been broken down and removed, the area is filled in and compacted. This process may be carried out by a contractor; in some areas, it may require the oversight of a licensed engineer.
Advantages Of Full Pool Removal
Here are some of the benefits of getting a full inground pool removal.
It Is A Safer Bet
A full pool removal entails removing every piece of the pool, which means that no pieces of concrete will remain that must be accounted for during backfill and compaction. This means the area is less vulnerable to the seepage that is sometimes seen in a partial fill-in or with concrete that has not been layered properly because only soil must be compacted.
It Will Not Impact A Future Home Sale
If you are planning to sell your home, a full pool removal will not affect the buyer’s decision the way that a fill-in would because there are no limitations placed on what can be built in the area where the pool once stood. To the new owners, it will be as though the pool never existed.
Full Pool Removal Drawbacks
Below are some of the downsides of choosing a full pool removal.
Higher Cost
Because a full pool removal is a more involved process than a fill-in, it does cost significantly more money. The additional labor and higher disposal costs all contribute to making this option more expensive.
It May Take Longer
A full pool removal uses a more complex process than a fill-in, which means that it can take slightly longer. However, pool removals are not lengthy projects in general, and even the longer ones do not typically take more than seven days, although this may depend on how easy it is to access a particular pool area.
Reach Out To The Pool Removal Pros
If your swimming pool is no longer serving you, reach out to the pool removal professionals at Dirt Connections to find out more about the pool removal methods available and get help deciding which method best suits your budget, time frame and plans for the pool area.
Summary
Dirt Connections was started with one goal in mind: providing quality residential and commercial construction services to clients on time and on budget. Reach out for more information on how we can support your next project.
For your convenience our estimates are free and by appointment. Call 703-940-9949 for a free estimate today!
