Pool Removal Before and After: What to Expect

Having a pool removed is a major undertaking, but it can provide you with a renewed appreciation for your yard. For some people, the prospect of costly maintenance and the potential dangers associated with pool ownership make removal an easy choice, while others struggle to decide whether the enjoyment they get out of their pool is worth the associated hassles.

Either way, once you have decided to move forward with a pool removal, you will likely be wonderin what to expect from the process itself. Here is a closer look at how it works and what your yard will look like afterward.

Find a Contractor

Before you have your pool removed, you will need to find a qualified contractor who can carry out the work. It is essential to choose somebody who has experience and the right equipment to get the job done. Removing an inground pool is a major job that can be very dangerous if it is carried out by untrained professionals. Therefore, you will need to look for a contracting company that specializes in swimming pool removals.

Once you have a few prospective pool removal contractors in mind, you should ask for written estimates of the work that include details such as start and completion dates, the payment schedule, who will handle the permits, the technical equipment they plan to use, how they will protect your property from damage, and how you can contact them.

Consider What Type of Removal You Want

Another big decision you will have to make regarding your pool is whether you want a partial or a full removal. With a partial removal, the pool will be drained, and holes will be punched into the bottom of it. The top layer of the pool will be demolished roughly 3 to 4 feet down, with the rubble that the demolition process creates placed in the bottom of the pool. Then, it is filled with additional dirt and topsoil that is compacted.

This is the fastest and cheapest pool removal option, but it comes with a few caveats. First, you will be required to inform future buyers of your home that there was a pool, and it may affect its value. Most jurisdictions will consider the area where the pool was to be non-buildable, which means that you and future buyers will not be allowed to place additions or dwellings there, although landscaping, trees and sheds will be acceptable. It is also worth noting that if the removal is not performed correctly, there is a risk of swelling or sinkage in the yard.

The other option is a full pool removal. After the pool is drained of any remaining water, all of the concrete and pool materials are broken up and loaded into a dumpster before being hauled to a landfill or recycling facility. Then, the hole where the pool was is backfilled with gravel and soil and then compacted to leave the yard prepared for whatever use you have in mind.

The main benefit of this approach is the fact that it will not impact your home’s value and there is little to no risk of seepage or sinkage. However, the tradeoff is that this process does cost significantly more than a partial pool removal. Nevertheless, if you want your yard to look as though a pool never existed there, this is the only choice to consider.

Obtaining Permits

In many areas, a permit is required prior to having a pool removed. This may be free, or it could cost as much as a few hundred dollars depending on the municipality in which you live. Check first before beginning the project to find out what rules apply in your case.

Your pool removal contractor should be willing and able to pull the necessary permits for you, but be sure to discuss this with them before the work gets underway to avoid misunderstandings.

Prepare Your Yard

Ahead of the planned start date for the project, you should prepare your yard to help the project go smoothly. Tree branches can impede your contractor’s work, obscuring their vision and getting in the way of their machinery. Therefore, you should trim any overhanging tree branches in the area of the pool in advance.

You should also remove objects in your backyard that could be damaged during the work. Pool contractors use heavy machinery that can cause serious vibrations, while the potential for flying rock and gravel during the work is high. Therefore, you will want to remove any backyard furniture, grills and other items that are situated near the pool and put them in a safe place. Although pool removal contractors are professionals who will do their best to prevent damage, it does not hurt to ensure your belongings are well out of their way before work begins.

After Your Pool Removal

Once your pool has been fully removed, your contractor will leave the area with a compacted layer of soil that you can use as the basis for whatever future use you have in mind for your yard.

If you intend to build something in the area, such as a fire pit or outdoor kitchen, your pool removal contractor may be able to pave the area for you, depending on the other types of services they offer. If you know in advance how you intend to use the space once the pool is removed, be sure to let your contractor know so they can leave it in the right condition.

Many people simply turn the area into a lawn, whether they bring in sod or plant grass seed. Pools occupy a significant amount of space in the yard, some families remove their pool in hopes of having a bigger space for children or pets to run around and enjoy the great outdoors.

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Team At Dirt Connections

If you have any more questions about the pool removal process or need guidance on preparing for a pool removal, reach out to the Northern Virginia pool removal experts at Dirt Connections. We can help you determine the right removal method and provide you with an estimate for our work.