An above-ground pool can provide your family with lots of enjoyment, but for many homeowners, the expenses and hassles associated with pool ownership eventually outweigh any joy that comes from its use. Many people eventually reach a point where they believe that their yard would be better used for other purposes and opt for an above-ground pool removal.
Although removing the pool is a good choice for many people, the work does not end once the pool has been dismantled and hauled away. Instead, you will be facing a large area of sand where the pool once stood that you will need to get rid of or repurpose. Here are some ways of removing sand after a pool removal.
Rent a Trailer or Truck and Haul It Away
The amount of sand that is needed to form the base for an above-ground pool can be extremely heavy. Sand is the recommended base material for an above-ground pool as it can protect the pool’s vinyl liner from any objects in the ground that could tear it, such as rocks. It also provides some cushioning for its floor and can make it more comfortable for the feet of those who use it. It is typically placed at a depth of two inches.
The easiest and fastest option when it comes to getting rid of it is renting a trailer or a truck and loading it up with the sand and then bringing it to the local dump for proper disposal. This can be an expensive option, but it is incredibly efficient and can enable you to move forward with your plans for your yard very quickly. Some landfill authorities may be willing to arrange a pickup service, but this can be quite costly.
Offer It Online
One easy way of getting rid of excess sand is posting offers in your local community. Many people who need sand will be willing to come and shovel and haul it themselves, which means you do not need to worry about how you will move the sand.
Post ads in a variety of places, taking care to specify that whoever takes it must come and get it. It may be helpful to estimate the amount that is available by measuring the space and the depth of the sand layer so interested parties can determine whether the amount suits their needs.
Many people use sites like Craigslist for this type of ad. If you live in an area with a neighborhood-wide WhatsApp group, consider offering it there to those who live nearby. You might also consider asking your neighbors directly if they need sand; you never know who may need to fill some spaces or holes in their yard.
Use It to Fill Low Areas in the Yard
If your yard is reasonably big and there are some low or thin areas in it, you could dig up the sand and then disperse it throughout your yard to make it more even. Many of the most popular warm-season grasses appreciate some amount of sand, so this would be a great way to use it without having to worry about having it hauled away. Then, you can backfill the swimming pool hole with topsoil and place sod there to match the rest of the yard.
Turn It Into a Fire Pit
One good way to get rid of sand after a pool removal is by simply repurposing it into an attractive feature of your yard. A fire pit is an increasingly popular landscaping choice that can provide your family and guests with plenty of enjoyment.
Many people like the atmosphere of sitting around a sand fire pit on a chilly evening. It is ideal for social gatherings as well as spending some time together as a family. Sand fire pits have a much cleaner appearance than regular pits and can even be made as a DIY project if you are somewhat handy. You will need to bring in some gravel and a fire ring, but you should already have enough sand on hand to complete the task. You can spread it or move it to suit the size of the fire pit easily with a rake.
Use It for Sand-Loving Plants
Another option for repurposing the sand if you are not able to get rid of it is using it to create a small garden for sand-loving plants. You will need to mix the sand with topsoil before proceeding.
Some flowers that appreciate sand include daylilies, penstemon, salvia, yarrow, and phlox. Find out which sand-loving plants grow best in your zone and use them as the basis of a flower garden. You can also edge the area with pavers or bricks to make it more attractive and help it stand out from the surrounding yard.
There are some vegetables, such as carrots, radishes and potatoes, that will do well in sandy soil because their roots can penetrate it easily. However, it is not a good idea to plant anything that you intend to eat in the sand that was used to support an above-ground pool unless you are completely sure that no chemical-laden pool water has ever made its way into the sand.
Fill Holes With It
If you have recently dug up tree stumps in your yard or uprooted bushes, you likely have some holes that need to be filled, and sand is an incredible filler. You can either mix it with some soil to fill in the hole or use it alone to form the base and then top it with some topsoil. Grass will grow well here, and the sand will provide it with excellent drainage.
Contact the Northern Virginia Dump Truck Hauling Experts
If you are looking to get rid of a significant amount of sand, reach out to the Northern Virginia dump truck hauling team at Dirt Connections. We haul a broad range of materials, from sand and gravel to clay and timber, with our affordable and convenient delivery service. Contact us today to discuss your project.
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