Before starting My Site Plan, I spent 15 years in the demolition and engineering field. During that time, my team and I removed over one thousand swimming pools. I know that tackling a swimming pool removal project can feel overwhelming, especially when permit rules change from city to city. We learned a lot along the way and perfected a straightforward process that met or exceeded every single building department's standards. This guide breaks down that exact, field-tested method for you.

Removing a swimming pool involves careful planning, following rules, and sometimes hiring experts to help with the process. Here, we've broken down the essential steps you should consider when undertaking this complex project. Both homeowners and contractors can use this list to make pool removal easy and stress-free, just like a relaxing swim.

Before starting any large construction or demolition job, make sure you have the necessary permits to move forward. There is nothing worse than getting a job site shut down because you didn't get the necessary permits.

Different areas have different rules regarding the removal of swimming pools. Find out what your local building departments regulations are, as they can greatly influence your project's scope and cost.

Most building departments will issue an over the counter swimming pool removal permit. This will require you to get permission, fill out forms, and submit a site plan. The site plan for your permit will indicate where the pool is in relation to the house, property line, trees, and other structures.

If you need help getting a site plan for your pool removal permit we're here to help at My Site Plan.

The city sometimes asks a soils engineer to explain the process that will be used. Don't overlook getting permits. Not having them can result in big fines and legal trouble. It's important to follow this step.

Getting the permit for a swimming pool removal is an easy process in most cities and not one to skip.

An essential step in the swimming pool removal process is draining the pool. However, it's not as simple as opening the drain and letting gravity do its work.

Improper draining can lead to structural damage or a muddy mess in your yard. It's important to work with experts who can help you safely and efficiently remove your swimming pool. The most common way to drain a pool is through the sewer clean-out. Most sanitation districts require a permit for this but it is typically inexpensive and simple to obtain.

Carefully drain to prevent chemicals and debris from harming the environment. Minimize contamination for environmental protection. Environmental concerns could also factor into your local permitting process. If you are allowed to drain to the street, it's important not to add any chlorine to the water for at least 7 days prior to get the chlorine level below 0.1 mg/L

Once you drain your pool, you can begin the demolition process. This can be one of the most complex and dangerous phases, and it's important to get it right.

Depending on the type of pool you have—gunite, fiberglass, or vinyl—different methods will be most effective. With a gunite pool you will want to decide whether to remove the entire shell of the pool or to demo it in place. From jackhammering to full-scale excavation, each method requires a tailored approach and specific equipment.

One of the biggest questions homeowners have is how pool removal will affect their property value. While a pool can be a great feature, it isn't always a selling point for everyone. For many potential buyers, the thought of ongoing maintenance, high utility bills, and safety concerns can make a pool seem more like a liability than a luxury. By reclaiming that yard space, you can appeal to a wider range of buyers, from families with young children to avid gardeners. In fact, removing a pool can increase safety and reduce the hassle of upkeep, making your home more attractive on the market.

The demolition method you choose also plays a role in your home's future value. As experts point out, a partial removal might affect your home's value more than a full one, but both methods require disclosure. You are legally required to inform any future buyers about the former pool's existence. This is because the backfilled area may have different soil compaction, which could affect future construction plans on that part of the property. Having all your paperwork in order, including the site plan you submitted for the permit, makes this disclosure process straightforward and transparent for everyone involved.

We removed mostly in-ground gunite pools. These pools required special equipment for a quick and efficient job. In most instances we were able to remove a

section of fence providing 6 feet of access. We used a small excavator with a breaker attachment and a skid steer to move materials with the limited access.

To remove part of a pool and keep the shell in the ground, start by breaking the bottom of the pool. This will help the water to drain correctly. To do this, you need to break a 4'X4' hole at the deepest part of the pool. Then, make 2.5" holes every foot along the bottom of the pool.

Once this is complete we call for our first inspection. Once the building inspector verified the holes we can proceed.

The next step would be to break down the bond beam (top 3' of the pool sides). Break the bond beam into small pieces of concrete that do not exceed 6" in diameter. Workers cut and remove the rebar from the site.

We then use the broken concrete over the holes to create a gravel drainage layer. We placed a layer of non-woven geo textile filter fabric on top of the gravel.

This fabric prevents soil from seeping through. However, it still allows water to pass through.  Next we call for the midway inspection prior to filling the pool with soil.

If you ever have plans to build over the area this is the option you will want to choose. The process involves breaking and removing all concrete and rebar from the site, similar to the above description. Once you remove all concrete, gunite, rebar, and piping from the hole, you will be ready for your first building inspection.

If you choose this method, we suggest adding the engineering option for about $1500. In the future when you sell your property and you have to disclose the pool, this is what the buyers will want to see.

Swimming pool demolition is a hazardous undertaking due to the heavy machinery and the potential for collapsing structures. Ensuring a secure work environment and utilizing the proper protective equipment is non-negotiable here.

Choosing the right contractor is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. While a lower bid might seem appealing, you should be careful not to hire inexperienced companies for pool removal. A bad company could leave your backyard with sinkholes or a flooded mess. Hiring an experienced team helps prevent damage to your yard and ensures all local rules are followed, which is essential for a smooth project. An unseasoned crew might cut corners on compaction, use the wrong equipment, or fail to manage the demolition debris properly, creating costly problems that you'll have to fix later. Always take the time to vet your professionals thoroughly.

A partial removal can save money upfront, but it's important to understand the potential future complications. This method carries a risk of the ground sinking or having drainage issues later because parts of the pool are still buried. Over time, the backfilled soil can settle unevenly over the remaining pool shell, creating depressions in your yard. Furthermore, you won't be able to build any permanent structures over the old pool footprint. A full removal has a lower risk of future problems and might not affect your home's value as much when it comes time to sell your property, as you'll have to disclose the partial demolition to potential buyers.

Fill the pool correctly to avoid a sinking mud hole in your yard. It's crucial to do it right.

Not sure how much soil you need? We built this swimming pool fill dirt calculator to help you find out!

When considering fill for your pool backfill there are several considerations. Different geographies have different soils and each soil type has it own characteristics.

Sandy soil is good for compaction and drainage. Clay soil is particular about moisture and doesn't drain well when saturated with water. Monitoring soil moisture while applying the layers is an important part of the compaction process.

Spread each lift of soil in 6" layers and compact it. We use a padded foot drum roller for the best results. Other options would be a jumping jack compactor or a reversible plate compactor. These can both be effective solutions but not as effective as the padded drum roller.

When the backfill gets to the top 12" you will need to make a decision whether to compact the soil or leave it loose. If you are installing hardscape you will want to compact to the top. If you are installing plants or lawn you will want to leave it loose.

Certain cities require a soils engineer to supervise the backfill process. They must test every 1-2 feet of fill to ensure proper compaction.

They do this to ensure they compact the soil correctly. We're typically looking for 90%-95% compaction. The engineer will send a tech with a Nuclear Density Gauge which is the best option for accuracy.

The engineer will then take this information and use it to write their final report on the backfill. You will give this report to the building inspector at the final inspection and sign off. If you remove the pool shell and properly backfill the area, you can use it for building.

Once you fill the dirt to the top of the hole, you will need to consider how to grade the area. Ideally, you will have your landscaper or builder come on the heels of your pool demolition contractor and they will handle the new drainage.

After we finish a pool removal, we grade the soil to direct the water away from the home. We removed the drainage connected to the pool deck. This means that we can no longer direct water to the street as we did before. Your contractor will need to install new drainage after the demolition.

Needless to say, exporting hundreds of tons of concrete out and hundreds of tons of soil in will leave quite the mess to clean up. Hopefully your contractor took care to protect the ground by using plywood and containing the dirt in a staging area.

The area must be completely cleaned before calling for the final inspection. This includes cleaning the street. Putting up fences again is also important.

Ensure that you properly cap the pool utilities. Have an engineering report ready if needed. Ensure there is a slope away from your house. If all of this is in place, you'll have a happy building inspector and he'll give his final approval.

With the pool gone, you've reclaimed a significant piece of your property. This new space is a blank canvas, ready for your next project. However, what you can build depends on how the pool was removed and your local building codes. A partial removal, where parts of the pool shell remain buried, usually means you can't build a new home or a major addition over the area. The ground just isn't stable enough for a heavy foundation. A full removal, especially one overseen by an engineer, offers more flexibility, but you'll still need to confirm what's allowed with your city.

Most of the time, you can transform the former pool site into a beautiful and functional part of your yard. Think about adding a new patio for outdoor dining, a spacious deck, or a garden shed for extra storage. You could also create a lush lawn, a vibrant flower garden, or a cozy fire pit area. Keep in mind that many of these new structures, like a deck or a large shed, will require their own permits. You'll need an updated site plan that shows the proposed new feature to get your project approved, ensuring everything is up to code and properly placed on your property.

Swimming pool demolition and removal is not an endeavor to take on lightly. Each step requires careful planning, consideration of safety and environmental impact, and a comprehensive understanding of local laws.

Getting help from a professional for some parts of the project is a good idea. Doing it alone can cause problems and put the property and people at risk. Follow these steps and get the right help to make sure your pool removal project is done correctly and professionally.

FAQ Answer