Complete Guide: How to Eliminate Your Inground Pool & Reimagine Your Backyard

Paul West/ Backyard Gardening

Understanding the Reasons for Removing an Inground Pool

Grasping the reasons behind pool removal may make your decision easier. Various factors come into play; from environmental aspects to your backyard space and utility.

Environmental Considerations

A crucial factor influencing many pools’ demise relates to environmental considerations. Your inground pool consumes a significant amount of water – we’re speaking about 22,000 gallons on average. That’s not the only concern. The chemicals used to clean and balance pool water, such as chlorine, can pose threats to the environment when improperly disposed of.

Consider also the energy consumption. Heating a pool, circulating its water, and powering lighting fixtures enhances your home’s carbon footprint. What’s more, the stagnant water in unused pools breeds mosquitoes, posing a risk to local ecosystems and public health.

Space and Utility

Inground pools take up a substantial amount of your backyard space. Areas that could otherwise serve a different purpose, are occupied by a pool that may not be in use. That’s about 600 square feet on average.

Think about the different ways you can use that space. It could be transformed into an elaborate garden, an outdoor dining area for those summer cookouts, or maybe a playground for the kids.

Plus, yearly maintenance costs for an unused pool still occur. That includes cleaning, chemical balancing, and repair costs. By reclaiming the pool space, you save the expenses related to an amenity that’s not serving its primary function.

Knowing these factors provides insightful reasons why removing an inground pool sometimes makes perfect sense. The environmental aspects as well as gaining space and reducing upkeep costs create a compelling case, do they not?

As you continue thinking about possible alternatives for your backyard, you’ll find that removing the inground pool does not signify loss but rather, a transformation to something more environmentally friendly and suited to your lifestyle.

Exploring the Options for Pool Removal

In the pursuit of an eco-friendly backyard, or perhaps to simply reclaim space, you’ve decided to remove your inground pool. Two major strategies exist—complete and partial removal. Each approach has its unique procedures and affects your backyard in different ways. Let’s investigate into these options:

Complete Removal

In a complete removal scenario, the pool is entirely taken out. This includes the pool structure, plumbing, and sometimes even the backfill material. The whole area then gets filled and compacted with suitable soil.

According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP), complete removal leaves almost no trace of the previous pool, giving you a blank slate to re-envision your yard. Landscaping options become limitless and you no longer worry about any lingering pool structure beneath your yard.

But, the cost for a total removal lies typically between $6,000 and $8,000, hinging on pool size and the complexity of removal. Also, the entire process can take about one to two weeks, causing certain disruptions to your normal home routine.

Pool Size	Cost Range
Small	$4,000 – $6,000
Medium	$6,000 – $8,000
Large	$8,000 – $12,000

Partial Removal

Contrarily, the partial removal choice involves breaking down only the top few feet of the pool structure. The rubble gets left in the bottom, holes are punched into it to allow water drainage and then it’s covered over with soil.

Compared to complete removal, costs are lower, with estimates from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) placing them between $3,000 and $5,000. It’s also faster, typically wrapping up in less than a week.

The catch here though, is that your yard may have restrictions on certain uses due to the remaining pool structure. Planting large trees, for instance, may be out of the question. Yet, it’s still a great solution for those looking to convert their pool area into a simple lawn or a patio.

Pool Size	Cost Range
Small	$2,000 – $3,000
Medium	$3,000 – $5,000
Large	$5,000 – $7,000

Eventually, the choice between complete or partial pool removal rests on what you envision for your yard’s future and your available budget.

Planning Your Pool Removal Project

Now that you’re familiar with the reasons for pool removal and the options available, let’s jump into how you can go about planning your pool removal project. This planning process involves understanding local regulations and hiring competent contractors to complete the task.

Assessing Local Regulations

Before setting the wheels in motion for your pool removal project, verify local regulations. Local councils often have strict guidelines on pool removal processes, and breaching these can result in severe penalties and potential legal issues.

To guide you through this process, consider gathering some baseline information:

• Check if you need a permit to remove your pool. Each local government area has different stipulations about demolitions and changes to property structures.
• Identify the protocols associated with disposing of the pool materials. Your local council should provide guidance on where you can dispose of materials such as concrete, pool chemicals, and fiberglass.
• Make sure you understand the regulations around filling in the excavation area once your pool is removed. You can’t just use any fill material. It needs to be suitable for the specific use you plan for that area post pool removal.

Hiring the Right Contractors

Hiring competent professionals to carry out your inground pool removal can mean the difference between a smooth project and a nightmare. Here are key considerations to help you choose the right contractor.

Consider their experience. Proven contractors who’ve been in the field for several years are likely to get the job done efficiently and accurately. They’ve tackled numerous projects like yours before and have learned through experience how to manage any challenges that may arise.

Examine their certifications and licenses. Trustworthy contractors will have the appropriate certifications and licenses following state and local requirements. Don’t shy away from asking for proof of these documents.

Look at their past work and references. Before making your choice, request images or details of previous pool removal projects the contractor has undertaken. Reading reviews and contacting past clients can also provide insights into the contractor’s work ethic and professionalism.

By carefully assessing local regulations and hiring the right contractors, you’re setting strong foundations for your pool removal project. Remember, proper planning is halfway to success.

The Process of Removing an Inground Pool

Draining the Pool

After understanding local regulations and hiring competent contractors, it’s time to plunge into the initial phase — draining the pool. The draining process often requires a submersible pump to remove water from the pool altogether. Bear in mind, regulations might limit where the water can be discharged, like a nearby storm drain, due to chlorine and other chemical content. Verification with local authorities helps avoid hefty fines. If this clause doesn’t apply, you can let the water drain into a nearby wastewater system or a construction site pit.

Remember, fast drainage creates a vacuum effect which could lead to potential damage, so going slow is key.

Demolition Techniques

The demolition phase comes next. Two prevalent methods are ‘partial pool removal’ and ‘full pool removal’. The choice depends largely on local codes, budget and future plans for the space.

1. Briefly, in partial pool removals, contractors remove the upper few feet of the pool, punch holes in the bottom for drainage and then fill the shell with dirt and compact it. Generally, this method costs less.
2. Full pool removal, on the other hand, involves the demolition of the entire pool structure, down to the last tile. This method is more expensive, but it eliminates the possibility of sinkage, seepage or settling.

Choose wisely.

Debris Disposal and Site Remediation

Once demolition concludes, the next stage is debris disposal. Companies typically haul debris to a recycling center or landfill, based on the composition. It’s advisable to ensure proper waste management steps get followed, aligning with watershed management practices and EPA regulations.

Post debris removal, site remediation becomes important. Professionals need to backfill and level the hole with gravel and compactable dirt, taking care to eliminate air pockets, which can lead to sinkholes. Following the backfill, the soil must be compacted and graded for proper drainage.

Finally, the area must be landscaped over with grass or other vegetation, ensuring it seamlessly blends with your yard. Embarking on a pool removal project is indeed a critical task, but following these steps, you’ll reclaim your back yard successfully. After all, effective planning and the right professionals make the process manageable.

Costs and Financing of Pool Removal

Transitioning your backyard from a dreamscape to a serene world requires an understanding of pool removal financing and costs. After elaborating on reasons to remove your pool and discussing the steps, let’s dive a bit deeper into your pockets.

Estimating the Total Cost

Hiring a professional firm often ranges from $5,000 to $16,000, depending largely on your pool’s size, location, access, and the method of pool removal you choose: partial or full. In a partial pool removal, the top sections of the pool are broken down, removed, and the remaining cavity is filled with gravel and dirt. This cost-effective option typically sets you back about $5,000 to $7,000. In contrast, a full removal requires more work, hence a larger budget, usually between $11,000 and $16,000.

But, these are only the base costs; additional expenses may creep in. For instance, backfill material which, at $10 to $20 per cubic yard, can substantially increase your budget. Also, there’s the disposal fees consistency of around $400 to $800, depending on local regulations.

Keep in mind, the cost varies significantly depending on the region. Contracting a handful of local pool removal specialists for quotations would be the smart move, especially as it’ll give a more accurate approximation of your situation’s actual costs.

Exploring Financing Options

Once you have a ballpark estimate of the cost, it’s time to explore financing options. Interestingly, some financial institutions offer personal loans specifically for pool removal. These provide funds relatively quickly, possibly in a few days, and typically have a repayment term of two to seven years.

There’s also the option of using a home equity loan. These loans use your home as collateral and often come with lower interest rates than personal loans. But, remember the strings attached – risking your home in case of default.

If you’re in no hurry to remove the pool, you might consider setting aside a specific amount monthly into a “pool removal” savings account. It takes longer, yes, but it eliminates the corresponding interest fees on loans, ensuring you have one less debt to worry about.

Above all, remember to do your due diligence before choosing a method of financing. Regardless of the cost, remember – you’re investing in the value of your property, the upkeep of your environmental responsibility, and the cultivation of new memories in your reinvented backyard.

Conclusion

You’ve now explored the ins and outs of getting rid of an inground pool. You’re aware of the environmental benefits and the potential to repurpose your space. You’ve grasped the process, from draining and choosing removal types to debris disposal and post-removal landscaping. You’ve also learned about the costs involved and how they can vary. More importantly, you’re now informed about the financing options available to you. Remember, it’s not just about the immediate costs but also the long-term investment in your property value and environmental responsibility. With thorough research and careful planning, you’re ready to make an well-informed choice. It’s time to reimagine your backyard and create new memories. So, go ahead and take that leap towards a pool-free future!