Inground pools are nice features to have during summertime, but they can be a nightmare to maintain. They can also be a liability risk should anyone get injured in or around your pool.
If you have decided that your pool is not worth keeping, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. The easiest (and least expensive) option, of course, is to just fill in the pool with dirt. But would a full pool removal be better than a partial pool removal?
Let us first discuss the steps involved in filling the pool with dirt. Then we will talk about which is better: filling it yourself or opting to hire a pool demolition contractor.
How to Fill a Pool with Dirt On Your Own
Filling your inground pool is something you can do yourself if you feel up to the task. Before you start breaking stuff up, there are a few steps you need to follow.
Know Your Property
The first thing you need to do is have your property surveyed for gas lines, pipes, cables, etc. Make note of these possible trouble spots and mark them on the property with flags. This can help you to know what to avoid once you start tearing up your pool and digging in the ground.
Damaging any one of these elements will not only slow down progress. It can also cost you more money than you had planned, so it is important to know where they are beforehand.
Order Your Materials
The next step is to order any materials you will need for this project. To know how much fill dirt you will need, measure the length, width, and depth of the pool (use feet as your unit of measurement). Multiply each measurement together, then divide that number by 27 (the number of cubic feet in one yard). The result is how many cubic yards of fill dirt you will need to order.
In addition to fill dirt, you will also need topsoil so you can plant grass, a garden, or a tree where the pool once was. Get enough so that the top 20% of the ground is topsoil.
One more thing to do is rent an excavator so it is easier to move the dirt, topsoil, and pack it all down when you are done. Make sure you rent one with rubber tracks so you do not tear up your property.
Break Down the Top of Your Pool
First remove any hardware: ladders, railings, filters, baskets, etc. and drain the pool of all water. Punch some holes in the bottom with your jackhammer or the basket on the excavator. This will allow further drainage to keep your pool from floating or shifting later, causing further issues.
Then begin demolishing the sides of the pool and toss all debris in the bottom of the pool. Once you are finished, use the excavator to begin filling the pool with fill dirt, making sure everything is packed down tight. Finish with the topsoil and before you know it, your pool is gone. Your yard is now ready for whatever step you have planned next.
Risks of Filling a Pool with Dirt On Your Own
Although doing this yourself is, by far, the cheapest option when it comes to removing or filling your inground pool, it comes with a few risks.
Lower Skill And Experience Level
If you are not skilled in demolition or have never used a jackhammer or excavator before, this task could be very difficult for you. It will take you a lot longer than it would a professional. And even if you have properly marked trouble areas, there is a higher risk of hitting wires, pipes, or anything else under your property, costing you more time and money.
Decreased Property Value
Leaving part of the pool in the ground can lead to lower property value, which can be an issue if you ever plan on selling.
Potentially Weak Yard After Removal
The ground where the pool was is now weakened, so it will not be able to hold anything heavier than a shed or gazebo. If you ever had plans of expanding your home or building something more substantial, cancel those plans.
Furthermore, if something was not done right, whether it was draining, excavating, or filling, you may be at risk for sinkholes or other dangerous yard conditions.
The Benefits of Working With a Pool Removal Contractor
Hiring a professional to completely remove your pool, though much more expensive, is going to be the best option for you overall. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a pool removal contractor to perform the work:
Higher Skill And Experience Level
These contractors are highly skilled at what they do. Their job is demolishing and removing pools, and they do it all the time. They will be able to complete the task much more efficiently than you would, and they will better be able to avoid the problem areas.
Additionally, if by chance they do damage a pipe, wire, or anything else under your property, their contractor insurance will cover and replace the issue without extra cost to you. This not only saves you money and time but future headaches as well.
Increased Property Value
The contractors will completely remove every piece of pool, leaving nothing behind and filling in only dirt and topsoil afterwards. This helps your property retain its value, which will not hurt your chances of selling in the future.
Strong Yard After Removal
Without pool debris buried underground, your yard will remain strong. You can now build anything your heart desires where the pool used to be. Your dreams of adding an extension to your house can now come true!
So, How Much Does It Cost To Fill The Pool?
There are several factors that can go into the cost of filling in a pool with dirt. This can include the size of the pool, location, fill material used and more. On average, an individual can expect to pay a professional contractor anywhere between $2,000 to $8,000 to fill a pool with dirt. A full inground pool removal with demolition can cost around double, which is why it is important to assess which removal you believe is best for your yard.
If you choose to do a DIY pool removal and reside in the DC, Maryland and Virginia tri-state, Dirt Connections will deliver fill dirt to you when you purchase through the Dirt Connections Portal. There, you can view a list of our available fill dirt prices and order up to ten truck loads of fill dirt at a time for your partial pool removal. The Dirt Connections portal can be accessed by clicking the button below.
Speak With Our Professional Pool Removal Contractors
We highly recommend opting for complete pool removal. This will save you a lot of time and headaches, and it is much better for the life of your property.
Whatever you decide, our professional contractors here at Dirt Connections are happy to speak with you if you have any questions about our dirt delivery or pool demolition services. They can help you decide exactly how much dirt you will need, and how to choose between either service.
Contact Dirt Connections online for more information about partial pool removal or to get started with your project today.
