Partial vs. Full Pool Removal: Which Should I Choose?

Regardless of how much use you get out of your swimming pool, there may come a time when you need to remove it from your yard. Perhaps it is in a state of disrepair, or you plan to list your home for sale and are worried about how it will affect your resale value. Perhaps the maintenance and expense of having a pool are becoming too much of a burden, or you have your heart set on devoting your yard to a different purpose.

When you have your pool removed, you will need to choose between two main approaches: a full removal or a partial one. Here is a look at what each method involves and how you can determine which is the right approach for you.

Partial Pool Removal

For people who are looking to get rid of a swimming pool on a tight budget, a partial swimming pool can be an attractive option. It is also known as a pool fill-in because it involves filling in the shell of the pool with its upper edge as well as dirt and other fill.

The procedure is relatively straightforward. First, holes are drilled in the bottom of the pool so it can drain properly and does not collect water during future rainfall. Next, the sides of the pool are broken down a few feet from the top and the broken concrete is then collected and placed into the bottom of the pool. After this, the pool is carefully backfilled and compacted. This must be carried out with great care to avoid creating a sinkhole in the yard later.

Here is a look at some of the advantages and drawbacks of this method.

Partial Inground Pool Removal Pros

There is plenty in favor of getting a pool fill-in, particularly when it comes to speed and cost.

It Is Faster

It can take as few as two days to complete an inground pool removal, not counting the prep time. This is often a faster way of removing an unwanted pool than a full removal, although it is important to keep in mind that if engineers are needed for the backfill and compaction process, it may take a little longer. In most cases, however, the entire process can usually be finished within a week.

It Is More Affordable

Because less work is involved in a pool fill-in, less debris is removed, and less fill must be hauled to the site, the overall cost of a partial pool removal is a lot cheaper than the alternative.

Partial Pool Removal Cons

There are several reasons homeowners ultimately decide against a fill-in in favor of full removal.

The Soil Could Shift

One big disadvantage of a partial removal is the potential for swelling and sinking to occur if the concrete has not been layered correctly or if there are problems with the backfill and compaction.

The Land Will Be Rendered Non-Buildable

One of the biggest disadvantages of this approach is the fact that the land will be deemed non-buildable. Although you may be able to place landscaping there, you will not be able to erect any structures. You will also have to disclose the existence of the former pool to potential buyers when you sell your home, and it may affect their decision to buy if they intend to rebuild on the land.

Full Pool Removal

A full swimming pool removal is a more thorough process that can leave the yard as if there had never been a swimming pool on it in the first place. With a full removal, everything making up the pool is broken up, including concrete, fiberglass, steel, and vinyl lining. Then, all of it is removed from the pool’s cavity and hauled off the site for disposal. The area where the pool stood is then filled in and compacted, which may be done by a contractor alone or under the oversight of a licensed engineer.

Here is a look at some of the advantages and drawbacks of this method.

Full Inground Pool Removal Pros

There are many reasons this is the preferred pool removal option among homeowners.

The Land Will Be Buildable in the Future

In most cases, you will be allowed to build on the area of a former pool that was removed using the full pool removal process. This also means that the pool removal will have less of an impact on your home’s future resale prospects. Having no limitations on building on the area where the pool stood is one of the biggest benefits of this approach.

It Is A Safer Approach

Because there are no chunks of concrete that must be accounted for during backfill and compaction, a full pool removal has less chance of backfill errors that can cause major problems in your yard. Compacting soil alone is a simpler process, and it is also less prone to the type of seepage that you might see in a partial removal if the concrete was not layered properly.

Full Inground Pool Removal Cons

Keep in mind the following drawbacks before making your decision.

It Costs More

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting a full pool removal is its cost. Because it takes longer to do and there is more material to dispose of – not to mention the greater amount of fill needed to fill in the pool – this is the more expensive approach to getting rid of an unwanted pool. However, for many homeowners, the improved resale prospects make it a good investment.

It Takes Longer

Another thing to keep in mind is that a full pool removal tends to take longer than a fill-in, although the difference is typically only a few days or a week and both approaches are fairly quick overall.

The Bottom Line

There is no generally favored method of pool removal, and they are both suitable for homeowners. However, it is important to consider your options and determine which method’s pros outweigh those of the other method. It is best advised to speak with an experienced pool removal contractor to understand which option is better recommended for your unique case. This way, they can provide further detail on both partial and pool removal and how each will impact your yard.

Get In Touch With the Northern Virginia Pool Removal Professionals

If you have a pool on your property that is no longer serving you and you would like to have it removed safely and professionally, reach out to our Northern Virginia swimming pool removal experts at Dirt Connections today. Whether you want a full pool removal, a partial pool removal, or you’re not sure which approach you should take, our team will be happy to look at your property and offer tailored advice on the best way to leave your yard in the ideal condition for its intended future use.