What To Consider Before Removing An Inground Pool

Having a swimming pool can be a source of frustration for some homeowners, especially if they do not swim often. Pools require expensive maintenance, and homeowners must also take on the liabilities that come with pool ownership. In addition, a swimming pool can be a hazard for families with young children.

Removing a swimming pool can take away these concerns and free up space in the yard that can be devoted to other activities or landscaping. In addition, if you plan to sell the home in the future, it may make the home easier to sell and attract more buyers.

Once you have decided that you want to remove your pool, there are a few factors that you need to consider before hiring a contractor.

The Method Of Pool Removal To Use

There are two main approaches that can be used to remove an inground pool: a full removal or a partial removal. Here is a closer look at what is involved in each method.

Full Pool Removal

A complete pool removal begins with draining the pool. All of the materials used in the pool, such as fiberglass, concrete, gunite, re-bar and liner, will be removed and taken away from the site. The area where the pool once stood will then be filled with soil or gravel and compacted.

A complete pool removal is unlikely to have an impact on the value of the home, although you will be required to disclose to the buyer that you fully removed a pool from the property. With this approach, no concrete is buried in the old pool, which means there is little to no risk of sinkage or seepage.

However, it is worth noting that many cities consider areas of the yard where pools once existed to be non-buildable. Although the area can be used for sheds or landscaping, no additions or dwellings can be placed there. A complete pool removal is also more expensive than a partial removal or fill-in.

Partial Pool Removal (Fill-In)

A partial pool removal is also known as a fill-in because the pool is filled rather than fully demolished. First, the pool is drained. Then, holes will be punched in the bottom of it and the top 18 to 36 inches of the pool will be demolished. The rubble created by this demolition is placed into the bottom of the pool, and it is then filled with additional dirt and topsoil. Finally, the soil is compacted.

Like a complete pool removal, a fill-in must be disclosed to any future buyers of your property. It may also affect the value of your home. The space cannot be used to build any additions or dwellings. However, placing concrete and landscaping over the area are allowed. Keep in mind that if a pool fill-in is not carried out properly, there is a higher risk of swelling or sinkage.

The Costs Associated With Pool Removals

The cost of removing a pool depends on several factors, including the size of the pool, the method of removal chosen, the contractor who is performing the work and how easy it is to access the pool area. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of removing a swimming pool falls in the range of $3,000 to $10,000.

Large pools surrounded by a deck and those with difficult pool access may cost upwards of $10,000 to be removed, whereas an average small or medium inground pool with relatively easy access may only cost a few thousand dollars to remove. The material of the pool will also impact the labor cost. Concrete and gunite are expensive to have removed because they are heavy and must be broken down before being taken away, whereas fiberglass and vinyl are typically less expensive to remove.

Most contractors charge full removal on a per-project basis. If your contractor is using an hourly contract, it is important to find out how long they expect the job to take to keep costs under control.

The Timeline For The Project

A partial pool removal can take anywhere from two to five days to complete on average, depending on the size of the pool and its location in the yard; full removal of larger pools and those that are more difficult to access may take a week or longer.

The Impact On Your Home’s Value

Removing a pool may increase the value of your home under certain circumstances. If your pool occupies a significant portion of your yard, needs repairs, is one of the only pools in the neighborhood, or is more than 30 years old, it could be negatively impacting your home’s value. In areas where there are only a few months of swimming weather each year, pools can also detract from the home’s value.

The Required Construction Permits

In some areas, permits may be required to fill in or demolish a pool. These permits are free in some areas, while other municipalities charge for them. A contractor can assist with the pool removal permit process. It may also be necessary under your city or county codes to work with an engineer for the filling stage, to declare the area safe, or for performing density tests.

The Pool Removal Contractors You Hire

Another consideration is who will carry out the work of your pool removal. This is a major undertaking that could have long-lasting repercussions for the structural integrity of your yard, so it is important to hire professionals to handle your pool demolition.

Although general contractors might say they are capable of pool removal, it is important to hire contractors who have specific experience in the pool removal method you have chosen. The job requires heavy equipment that could cause damage to your driveway, landscaping, sewer or septic tank. An experienced pool removal contractor will know the best way to access the pool and which equipment to use. They will also be well-versed in the best method for backfilling the area to avoid expensive problems in the future.

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Professionals

If you are ready to have your swimming pool removed, get in touch with the pool removal professionals at Dirt Connections. They can safely and efficiently remove your unwanted pool, fill in the area and leave your yard ready for whatever use you have in mind.