Once you’ve made the big decision to get your pool removed you now have to decide how to choose a pool demolition contractor. Because they are just demolishing your pool, you might think that it doesn’t really matter who you hire. However, it really does. The right pool demolition contractor will properly remove the pool and all of its parts so that the land is stably restored. To figure out which pool demolition contractor is right for you, make sure to reach out to a contractor and ask a few of the following questions.
What Pool Removal Option Is Best For Me?
When it comes to inground pool removal there are more options than you might think. You can convert the space into something else, have a partial removal, or a full removal. Unfortunately, you can’t always choose which one you prefer, because much of the decision involves the style of your pool. A full inground pool removal is always recommended and is the best option long-term, however, some people shy away from it because of the cost. Full removal is always the best option because it fills the entire pool and leaves room for you to build anything on top of sturdy land.
A lot of people consider partial removal because of the price, but it comes with a lot of downsides. For example, you won’t be able to build any structures on top of the area because it’s unstable. Also, you run the risk of complications with an unstable yard area if certified fill dirt. When selling your house you have to disclose that there was a partial removal and that the land cannot be built on, which could potentially turn off certain buyers. Another downside is that plants or trees have a hard time growing over a partially removed pool, so you have to consider realistically what you plan to use the space for. There are circumstances where a pool is made of certain materials and therefore a partial removal is not an option. Your pool demolition contractor will help you decide which option is best for you.
What Licensing Should My Pool Demolition Contractor Have?
To perform swimming pool removal, your pool demolition contractor must have the proper licensing. Usually, the contractor’s license number is listed on their website, social media, quote sheet or contract. If you are unable to locate it that way, you should not hesitate to ask them for it.
A reputable pool demolition contractor will be able to easily show you their insurance. In Virginia, your pool demolition contractor needs a license or certificate from the Virginia Board for Contractors. Take the time to make sure your pool demolition contractor is licensed because you want the job done right.
How Long Will It Take?
Once you’ve picked your contractor and set a date, know that the average amount of time it takes to remove a pool is two to five days. However, city inspections may delay this by a couple of days. It’s also useful to know that a full pool removal will most likely take less time than a partial removal as fewer steps are required.
Can I Do It Myself?
Some of the processes can be done by yourself and will make things easier for your pool demolition contractor, but ultimately you need a professional to fully complete the project. You can start the process by draining the water yourself, removing the pump, and ensuring that are gas and electrical lines are secured. This can help you save a few bucks because you won’t have to pay your contractor to do them. If you have some experience and feel confident you can even break up the first layer of concrete yourself.
Does The Material Of My Pool Affect The Demolition Process?
The material your pool is built from can affect the demolition process. If your vinyl lined pool is built with walls made of steel, your only option is to get a full inground pool removal because steel cannot legally be buried. If your walls are made of cement or wood, you’re not as limited. You can have a partial removal in this case, but the vinyl lining still has to be removed. By this step of the process, people can get frustrated when they start talking with a pool demolition contractor because they already have in mind that they want a partial removal, though contractor says it can only be fully removed. Do your research and be prepared for any limitations of your pool removal options.
If you have a fiberglass pool, it all comes down to what kind of shape your pool is in. If it’s in good shape, it can be removed in one piece which means it has the potential to be reused. However, if it has begun to deteriorate or leak, then is not an option. The pool has to be cut up into manageable pieces and then hauled away.
How Much Does It Cost?
Cost is usually the number one thing on people’s minds when it comes to choosing a pool demolition contractor. It’s important to remember that if a contractor is offering you an extremely low rate, they likely aren’t licensed or can’t be trusted to do the job properly. Take the time to get an estimate from different contractors, and then decide on which contractor you think is going to do the best job.
You don’t want to go through the hassle of having your pool removed only to have an unsightly, unsafe and, unusable space left behind. Usually, people remove their pools to make their home more marketable, to stop having to pay the bills and deal with maintenance, or because they want to use the space for another purpose. Keep your purpose for the inground pool removal in mind as you talk to contractors so you can find the one that fills your needs the best. Reach out to a pool demolition contractor for more information and service inquiries.
