How To Remove A Semi-Inground Pool

If you have a home with a sloping yard, you may have a semi-inground pool. This type of pool is designed with a half-in, half-out look, with one part of the pool being buried in the ground like a traditional inground pool and the other half exposed in a manner that more closely resembles an above-ground pool.

Although these pools are similar in many ways to traditional swimming pools, they tend to have a consistent depth of around 4 feet, and they tend to use thicker walls than above-ground pools, which means that they cannot be broken down and relocated once they have been installed.

These stronger walls allow them to withstand natural ground forces when they are buried, which is a useful feature for the pool, but it makes removal a bit more challenging.

Unfortunately, for many homeowners owning a swimming pool is more of a hassle and expense than it is worth. In particular, for those homeowners who do not spend enough time in the swimming pool to justify its maintenance costs, removing a semi-inground pool can be an attractive option.

Some homeowners would like to eliminate what can be a significant monthly expense on heating and cleaning the pool in addition to opening and closing it at the beginning and end of the season, while others would like to free themselves from worries about liability should someone be injured or drown in the swimming pool. Whatever your reasons are for looking to have a swimming pool removed, it is important to understand what the process entails before you move forward.

The Semi-Inground Removal Process

Semi-inground pools are partially constructed in the ground, and removing them often requires using filling material to restore the ground level. Because most of the pool typically sits in the ground, the removal approach for this type of pool will be very similar to that used for a standard inground pool.

Obtain The Relevant Permits And Check For Utility Lines

Depending on where you live and the specifics of your pool, you may need a permit before you can carry out pool removal work. This might cost up to several hundred dollars, or it may be free; it varies widely across municipalities. Pool removal contractors can obtain the necessary permits on your behalf.

If your semi-inground pool is laid out in a manner that will require any digging to remove it, you will need to contact your local authorities to find out where the utility lines are in your yard to avoid fines and damage.

Drain The Pool

Prior to removal, the pool must be fully drained. A pump is often used to carry out this step. All the materials that were used to construct the pool, such as concrete or gunite, fiberglass, and liners, are then removed and hauled away.

Depending on the type of pool in question, this process will vary, but it may involve unscrewing bolts, breaking down the walls with a sledgehammer, and ripping walls apart.

Haul The Materials Away

Next, the materials and resulting debris that once formed the pool need to be hauled away. This is something that most pool removal contractors will handle, but some people may need to turn to dumpster rentals or junk removal companies.

Fill And Level The Yard

At this point, the pool will be completely gone from the property, but there is still a lot of work to be done to restore the yard to an appropriate state for future use. Depending on the layout of your semi-inground pool, fill may be needed to restore the yard. Clean backfill must be brought to the site and compacted carefully. Finally, the land needs to be graded and leveled prior to using the site for any purpose.

Should You Hire A Professional to Remove A Semi-Inground Pool?

A semi-inground pool removal is a big job that requires the use of specialized equipment and the removal of bulky, heavy items. Given the potential to cause damage or flooding to your yard, it is prudent to hire a professional pool removal company to carry out the work.

The Work Will Be Done Correctly The First Time

Pool removal contractors can handle the entire process from start to finish, from draining the pool and breaking down the structure to hauling away debris and leveling the yard to leave it in good condition for your future plans. They can also help you obtain the relevant permits, and you will get the peace of mind that comes from knowing the work was carried out safely.

Although some budget-conscious homeowners believe they can save money by doing it themselves, many find that the job is more complicated than they initially believed and end up calling in professionals anyway. Moreover, any mistakes that are made by inexperienced homeowners during the removal process could require very expensive repairs and possibly lead to injury. If backfilling will be needed, improper backfill could cause major problems in the future that are costly to correct.

Obtain Quotes And Choose Your Contractor Carefully

If you want to trust the job to professionals, get a few quotes from qualified pool removal contractors in your area. Ensure the estimates you receive are in writing and include details such as the project’s start and completion dates, who is responsible for any required permits, how your property will be protected from damage, the payment schedule for the work, and the equipment that will be used.

Keep in mind that the cheapest estimate may not include everything, so be sure to compare your quotes carefully to confirm you are getting everything you expect before making a decision. Research the reputations of the contractors you are considering online, and ask friends or neighbors in your area for recommendations. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured to do the work.

A good contractor will ask how you plan to use the area where your semi-inground pool once existed so they can fill and level your yard with that in mind. Some contractors can also help with planting grass and landscaping.

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Professionals

Remove your unwanted swimming pool safely and affordably with help from the experienced pool removal contractors at Dirt Connections. Our licensed and insured professionals can safely remove pools of all types and grade your yard to perfection. Contact us today to learn more.