Ever dreamed of transforming your backyard landscape by removing that inground pool? I completely understand – it’s a hefty project! After hours spent scouring over research and engaging in insightful conversations with industry professionals, I’ve gathered some useful knowledge.
Now, I’m ready to guide you confidently through the process of safely and effectively eliminating an inground pool from your yard. Ready to reclaim that space? Let’s dive right in!
Key Takeaways
- Removing an inground pool can be done through partial removal (filling it in) or complete removal.
- Partial removal involves draining the pool, poking holes in the bottom, tearing down walls, filling with rubble and dirt, adding gravel, and topping it off with dirt. This option allows for repurposing the area.
- Complete removal requires draining the pool, cleaning it thoroughly, breaking up materials like fiberglass or concrete, crushing debris, adding clean gravel layers to fill in the hole. It is more expensive and challenging but provides a completely reclaimed yard space.
- Factors that affect the cost of inground pool removal include size of the pool, type of construction material used (concrete or fiberglass), accessibility to the property, any special requests or customized features in the pool. Permits may also be required and come with their own fees.
Options for Getting Rid of an Inground Pool
There are two main options for getting rid of an inground pool: partial removal by filling it in or complete removal.
Partial Removal: Filling in the Pool
Partial removal is one way to deal with an inground pool. It means you don’t take out the whole pool, just some parts of it. First, we drain all the water from the pool. Then we poke holes in the bottom and tear down the top layer of walls.
We do this so water can get out easily later on. Next, we put rubble and dirt into the open space where the pool used to be. After that comes a layer of gravel which makes sure everything stays in place nicely.
Last comes a lot of dirt, piled up high over where your pool was before! Now you have new yard space to use for whatever you want – maybe even a garden or deck!
Complete Removal
To DIY enthusiasts like myself, complete removal of an inground pool may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done safely and effectively with the right approach. The first step is to drain the pool completely and balance its water chemistry.
Next, it’s time to clean the pool thoroughly before starting the removal process. Remember to turn off the filter and skimmer valve before proceeding.
Once you’re ready for removal, disposing of materials used in the pool such as fiberglass, concrete, gunite, and re-bar becomes crucial. After removing all these materials, don’t forget to crush and tamp down the debris while adding clean gravel in layers to fill up the empty space left by your old pool.
This is an important step to ensure stability and prevent any sinking or collapsing issues later on.
While complete removal offers a full recovery of yard space without any traces of a swimming pool left behind, it also comes with some drawbacks. It requires heavy labor as well as specialized equipment that might be challenging for DIYers without experience or proper resources.
Additionally, hiring professionals could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on various factors like location and size of your inground pool.
Pros and Cons of Removing a Pool
Removing an inground pool comes with both benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, pool removal can free up space in your yard for other activities, eliminate the maintenance and cost associated with a pool, and potentially increase your property value.
However, there are also downsides to consider such as the initial cost of removal and potential impact on landscaping or surrounding structures. Ultimately, weighing these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about whether removing your inground pool is the right choice for you.
Benefits of Pool Removal
Removing an inground pool has many benefits. Firstly, it allows for more space in your yard and opens up opportunities for other activities like gardening or creating a deck or patio.
Secondly, pool removal eliminates the need for ongoing maintenance, saving you time and money. Additionally, removing the pool can increase property value and make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
Lastly, by removing the pool, you eliminate safety concerns associated with having a deep body of water in your backyard.
Drawbacks of Pool Removal
While removing an inground pool can provide many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. One major drawback is the cost involved. Pool removal can be expensive, with prices ranging up to $15,000.
This cost includes hiring professionals and disposing of materials like fiberglass and concrete. Another drawback is the time it takes to complete the removal process. It can take several weeks or even months to fully remove an inground pool, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Additionally, once the pool is removed, you will no longer have a place for swimming and water activities in your backyard. However, if you don’t use your pool often or find it too costly to maintain, these drawbacks might be worth considering in order to reclaim your yard space and eliminate ongoing maintenance tasks associated with a pool.
Methods for Removing an Inground Pool
There are two main methods for removing an inground pool: filling in the pool (partial removal) or complete pool removal.
Filling in the Pool (Partial Removal)
When considering removing an inground pool, one option is partial removal, which involves filling in the pool. This method can be a more budget-friendly and less labor-intensive approach compared to complete removal.
To begin the process, you will need to drain the pool completely and balance its water chemistry. After cleaning the pool thoroughly, turn off the filter and skimmer valve. When ready for removal, crush and tamp down the debris before adding clean gravel layer by layer to fill up the empty space left by the pool.
Partial removal allows for repurposing of the area with options like creating a deck, garden, sunken fire pit, pond or patio. However it should be noted that while this method saves on costs upfront, there may still be ongoing maintenance required for any structures built above or around the filled-in area.
Complete Pool Removal
If you want to completely get rid of your inground pool, there are a few steps you can follow. First, make sure the pool is drained completely. Then, clean the pool and turn off the filter and skimmer valve.
Next, start removing the pool by breaking up the materials used in its construction, like fiberglass or concrete. After that, crush and tamp down the debris from the pool and add layers of clean gravel to fill in the hole.
It’s important to remember that complete pool removal should be done by professionals because it can be expensive and challenging. But once it’s done, you’ll have all that extra space in your yard for other purposes!
Cost of Inground Pool Removal and Permits
The cost of inground pool removal and the necessary permits can vary depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting Cost
The cost of removing an inground pool can vary depending on a few different factors. One important factor is the size of the pool. Larger pools will generally require more labor and materials, which can drive up the cost.
Another factor is the type of pool construction. Different types of pools, such as concrete or fiberglass, may require different methods for removal, which can affect the overall cost.
The access to your property also plays a role in determining the cost. If there are obstacles like trees or fences that make it difficult for equipment to reach the pool area, additional time and effort may be required, resulting in higher costs.
Additionally, if you have any specific requests or customized features in your pool that need special attention during removal, this could also impact the overall cost.
Permit requirements are another consideration when it comes to calculating expenses. Some cities or municipalities may have certain regulations and permits needed for pool removal projects.
Permit Requirements
Before you start removing your inground pool, it’s important to check if you need any permits from the local authorities. The requirements for permits may differ depending on where you live, so it’s crucial to do some research and find out what is needed in your area.
In some cases, you may not need a permit at all for pool removal, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Contact your local building department or city council to inquire about the necessary permits and any associated fees.
By following the proper permit requirements, you can ensure that your inground pool removal project goes smoothly and without any legal issues.
Conclusion
Removing an inground pool can be a costly and complex process, but it allows you to reclaim your yard space and eliminate the hassle of pool maintenance. Whether you choose partial removal or complete removal, it’s important to hire professionals for a safe and effective job.
Consider repurposing the newfound space into something exciting like a deck or garden!
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
