Correct Removal Of An In-ground Pool Is Crucial To Your Property’s Integrity

When you first installed your inground swimming pool, you probably never thought about the day when you would have to remove it. Yet times and circumstances change. Your pool may have become outdated and broken down, necessitating change. Possibly your lifestyle has is different and you no longer use the pool or maintenance has become too cumbersome or expensive. Whatever the reason, it’s important to remove an inground pool correctly.

The most important point to remember is when the time comes to demolish your swimming pool, you simply can’t remove it and fill the area with dirt. It’s important to choose a company that knows the proper processes for backfill and compaction to maintain the integrity of the area. Other factors to consider are how machinery used to remove the pool may damage your yard, garden or deck and potential disruption to gas lines, sewers or other underground utilities.

When removing your pool you have the option of either partial or full removal. Partial is much less expensive, but has drawbacks that must be considered.

Partial Pool Removal

This method is the fastest way to remove a pool, taking about two to five days. Less debris is generated, resulting in lower hauling and backfill costs. At a minimum, removal means tearing out the pool deck and punching large holes in the liner to allow drainage before properly backfilling the area. However, many situations, as well as some local laws may prevent you from utilizing the no-frills option. Most partial pool removal involves partial collapse of the concrete and rebar up to a meter deep from grade level followed by backfilling supervised by a geotechnical soils engineer.

The main disadvantage of partial removal is that the land where the pool was located is deemed non-buildable as it will only be able to support sheds or landscaping features. The presence and location of the partially demolished pool must be revealed when the property is sold. Partial removals with non-engineered backfills also can sink and swell if concrete is not layered properly and compaction is done incorrectly.

For a full pool removal, all concrete, fiberglass, liner, rebar and other pool elements are removed from the cavity and hauled away. Full removal leaves less room for error in the backfill process and reduces problems with sinkage if the concrete is not layered properly in the cavity. You have two options for backfill with a full removal–non-engineered or engineered. With the first option, the land formerly occupied by the pool will remain unbuildable as with a partial pool removal. An engineered backfill performed with the proper machinery and techniques will stabilize the former pool area and make it suitable for building.

Jett Earthmoving has the experience and qualified staff to handle either partial or full inground pool removal along with proper backfill. Contact us for consultation on which type of service best fits your needs.