An old or unused swimming pool can become more of a liability than a luxury. Whether it’s due to high maintenance costs, safety concerns, or simply wanting to reclaim your backyard space, removing or filling in a pool can be a transformative home improvement project. Here’s a step-by-step guide from a demolition contractor to help homeowners prepare for pool demolition and create the backyard of their dreams.
Step 1: Determine the Type of Pool Removal
Before beginning, it’s essential to understand the two main types of pool demolition:
- Partial Pool Removal (Filling In): This involves breaking up the pool’s structure and filling it with dirt and gravel. It’s less expensive and quicker but can restrict future construction on the site.
- Complete Pool Removal: This entails fully removing the pool’s structure, including concrete and rebar, leaving a clean slate for new landscaping or construction. While costlier, it provides more flexibility for future use.
Step 2: Check Local Regulations and Permits
Pool demolition often requires permits and adherence to local building codes. While a professional demolition company should help through this process you can check with you city or county office to:
- Obtain the necessary permits.
- Confirm regulations regarding waste disposal and fill materials.
- Learn about any restrictions on future construction in the area.
Step 3: Choose a Reputable Contractor
The demolition company you hire can be all the difference between a smooth process and one that brings on trouble. A reputable, licensed, insured, and trusted local professional demolition contractor will ensure the demolition is safe, efficient, and compliant with local laws. When selecting a demolition company:
- Verify their experience with pool removal.
- Check reviews and references.
- Request a detailed estimate, including labor, equipment, and material disposal costs.
- Be comfortable in your ability to communicate with them.
A good demolition contractor should make you feel good about the project and the work that needs to be done. Trust your instincts. If there is not transparency and trust it can cause a lot of trouble down the road. Have a clear understanding about everything that is expected from the get go.
Step 4: Prepare the Area
While the demolition company you hire will be able to coordinate what needs to be done to prepare the area, you can help by:
- Drain the Pool: Safely remove all water in accordance with local regulations.
- Clear the Surrounding Area: Remove furniture, plants, and other items to ensure the demolition crew has easy access and nothing valuable is damaged accidentally.
- Mark Utility Lines: Identify gas, water, and electrical lines near the pool to prevent damage during the process. The demolition contractor will be able to assist with this as well if you have any uncertainty.
Step 5: Demolition and Disposal
The demolition process involves breaking apart the pool’s structure, removing debris, and filling the space. Key steps include:
- Using heavy equipment to dismantle concrete, fiberglass, or other pool materials.
- Hauling away debris to a proper disposal or recycling facility.
- Compacting the area to prevent sinking or uneven settling over time.
When you work with a demolition company they should take the lead on most if not all of the removal and disposal of material. If there are any special instructions or pieces or parts you want to reuse or keep be sure to clearly communicate those preferences.
Step 6: Backfilling and Compacting
If you’re opting for a partial removal, the empty pool will be filled with a mix of gravel, sand, and dirt. Proper compaction is critical to:
- Avoid future settling.
- Support landscaping or other backyard features.
For complete removal, backfilling is done after the pool structure is fully cleared.
Have a clear understanding on what type of pool demolition you will be doing from the beginning. If you are not sure about what the best solution is for your property, a good trusted demolition contractor can advise you.
Step 7: Plan Your New Backyard Space
With the pool gone, you’re free to reimagine your outdoor space. Consider:
- Creating a Garden: Add lush greenery, flower beds, or even a vegetable garden.
- Installing a Patio or Deck: Expand your living space with an outdoor entertaining area.
- Adding a Play Area: Install a safe, open area for kids or pets to enjoy.
- Building a New Feature: From outdoor kitchens to fire pits, the possibilities are endless.
Depending on what the space will become, you can communicate that with your demolition contractor. They often have the experience to offer advice or be able to complete the work with the right preparations for what’s to come.
Benefits of Professional Pool Demolition
While DIY pool removal might seem appealing, professional demolition services can help make your life much easier and offer:
- Safety: Proper handling of heavy equipment and hazardous materials.
- Efficiency: A faster and cleaner process.
- Compliance: Ensuring adherence to all local regulations.
When you hire a trusted demolition company you can ensure the project will be done right and done well. Most professional demolition contractors will guarantee their work as well, so if anything arises, they can come back to the property to mitigate any issues. You don’t have to fuss with renting equipment or dealing with protocols. Everything is handled for you, safely, efficiently, and in compliance.
Removing or filling in an old pool is a significant project, but with proper planning and the right team, it can unlock endless possibilities for your backyard. Ready to start your transformation? For almost 30 years Wannco Services has been the trusted local demolition company in Granbury, serving the local North Texas area. We are a part of this community and care deeply about doing a good job for our customers. Contact Wannco Services today for expert pool demolition and excavation services in North Texas!
