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Have you outgrown your inground pool? Whether you’re too busy to swim, your kids are grown up, or you don’t like the maintenance, you’re probably wondering what to do next.
Fortunately, there are a number of options available to you. You can opt for inground pool removal — getting rid of your pool entirely with the help of contractors and heavy machinery. Or you can keep your pool and convert it into a useful space using one of the creative ideas we’ve included below.
Table of content
How to remove an inground swimming pool: The basics What does inground pool removal involve? Safety considerations when removing an inground pool Can I just fill my pool with dirt? What is the cost to remove an inground pool? How much dirt do you need when backfilling a swimming pool? Inground pool removal: Step by step Drain the pool Locate utility lines Remove decking Drill drainage holes at the bottom of the pool Demolish the side walls Backfill the pool What can I do with an inground pool I don’t want anymore? Transform your former pool into a garden Consider a sunken greenhouse Build a sunken fire pit Turn it into a pond Cover it up for extra space Do I need a site plan for removing an inground pool? Final thoughts on inground pool removal FAQs
How to remove an inground swimming pool: The basics
If you plan to remove your inground pool, here are the basics you need to remember.
What does inground pool removal involve?
Inground pool removal is often expensive because it requires heavy equipment and specialized knowledge. The process involves demolishing the pool structure and backfilling the open space with compacted dirt to avoid future settling.
Once your inground pool is gone, you’ll have extra yard space that you can do anything with. That additional space — plus no more pool maintenance — may very well be worth the cost.
Safety considerations when removing an inground pool
Before you start digging into the ground, call the dig safety hotline at 811. This service can tell you where utilities like gas and electric lines are buried so you don’t accidentally dig into them.
Before you start your inground pool removal project, you should also get the right permits and check building codes to ensure you’re following all the rules.
Can I just fill my pool with dirt?
Absolutely not! Although it sounds like the easiest approach when backfilling a swimming pool, just dumping dirt into your pool is very risky.
Your pool needs to be properly drained and broken down before being filled with specialized, compacted dirt. Just throwing in dirt could cause sinkholes or flooding further down the line.
Because of the potential issues, it’s best to leave this process to professionals who understand how to backfill a pool safely and ensure the job is done right.
What is the cost to remove an inground pool?
It costs an average of $6,000 to remove a pool. However, costs for inground pools are usually higher. The cost to remove an inground pool can be $15,000 or more.
Of course, the size of your inground pool and the materials used in its construction impact the cost. The cost to remove an inground pool is around $13.50 per square foot. Other factors that impact cost include your future plans for the area and how much access there is for heavy equipment.
The fastest and cheapest option is to demolish the pool in place, leaving the concrete structure and breaking holes in the bottom. Then, you fill it with dirt and compact it. However, if you plan to build over the area you need to remove the entire shell and backfill under the supervision of a geotechnical soils engineer. This is the safest but more expensive approach to backfilling a pool.
How much dirt do you need when backfilling a swimming pool?
You’d be surprised at how much dirt you need when you’re backfilling a pool. And dirt — at a cost of $8 to $12 per cubic yard — is another thing you need to budget for.
To calculate how much dirt you’ll need for your project, check out our handy swimming pool fill dirt calculator. Just enter the measurements of your pool and find out the quantity of dirt you need.
Inground pool removal: Step by step
Now we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at how to remove an inground pool. Here are the steps that a professional inground pool removal team will follow.
Drain the pool
First, your contractor will remove the water from the pool in accordance with any local regulations. You may have to neutralize the chlorine or remove copper from the water before you can discharge it. Some areas also ban pumping pool water into storm drains.
Locate utility lines
Next, contractors will check whether there are any utilities underneath or around the pool before they start digging.
Remove decking
If your pool has decking surrounding it, contractors will remove it to better access the pool structure. They’ll also remove any pool accessories, such as diving boards, lights, and ladders.
Drill drainage holes at the bottom of the pool
Next, in the inground pool removal process, it’s time to bring in the heavy machinery. Contractors will make holes in the bottom of your pool with a jackhammer. This prevents rainwater or snow from gathering at the bottom of the pool, making demolition more difficult.
Demolish the side walls
If you’re backfilling a pool after a partial removal, contractors will then demolish the top part of your swimming pool walls. If you’ve chosen to do a full removal (the safer option), they’ll break down the whole structure and remove the debris.
Backfill the pool
After the pool has been demolished, contractors will start backfilling the pool. They fill the empty space with dirt, sand, or gravel and then compact it so the ground is stable.
What can I do with an inground pool I don’t want anymore?
Pools are an excellent way to relax and cool off during hot weather. But they take up a lot of yard space and can be hazardous if you have young children or pets. A swimming pool is also expensive to maintain. You have to clean your pool regularly and also check the water for proper chemical balance.
If you’ve decided your swimming pool is just too much hassle, removing and backfilling a pool is only one of your options. Here’s a range of creative things you can do with a disused pool, many of which don’t require a full removal.
Transform your former pool into a garden
Are you thinking of getting into gardening? Pottering in the garden is a proven way to improve your wellbeing. And you can produce healthy food and beautiful flowers, too.
But turning your pool into a garden space isn’t a case of simply backfilling your swimming pool. Your pool will need several holes drilled into the bottom. This allows the soil to drain properly. We also recommend purchasing thick soil to keep the garden from sinking.
Consider a sunken greenhouse
Perhaps you want to try something a little less conventional than a garden. A sunken greenhouse is a stylish way to add flair to your home without purchasing extra space.
The design of an inground pool makes greenhouses a solid choice since these locations can retain steady temperatures year-round. However, this option has some safety concerns because an empty pool may buckle and break.
We highly recommend consulting a carpenter before proceeding with this project.
Build a sunken fire pit
What could be more cozy than a sunken fire pit surrounded by seating? It’s a great place to gather with friends and families on chilly evenings.
To transform your pool into a sunken fire pit, you’ll need to work with contractors and landscapers. They can make your pool blend seamlessly with the rest of the garden and create a statement space for socializing.
Turn it into a pond
Add a pond to your garden to create a relaxing natural space and welcome the local wildlife, too. For this project, you may need to line your swimming pool. You’ll also need natural materials and aquatic plants to create the perfect habitat for fish, birds, frogs, and insects.
Cover it up for extra space
If you don’t have the time or the budget for the options we’ve listed above, you can always cover up your indoor pool to create some extra yard space. You can convert your indoor pool into a brand-new deck without actually removing the pool below.
Just be aware, a high water table can cause your pool to rise up out of the ground. So, we recommend consulting an experienced contractor before you begin your project.
Do I need a site plan for removing an inground pool?
In my 15 years of experience removing swimming pools across about 50 cities, I have encountered only one city that did not require a site plan. When you go to apply for your permit, the building department will let you know whether or not one is required.
Not sure how to put together a site plan for your next project? The team at My Site Plan provides detailed site plans based on satellite imagery, GIS information, and more. Our plans are non-certified, which means they’re typically acceptable for a pool removal.
Want to find out more? Request a custom site plan quote today.
Final thoughts on inground pool removal
There are lots of ways to remove or repurpose a swimming pool you no longer use. You can opt for full inground pool removal — which is the most expensive but most effective way of returning your yard to its pre-pool state. You can also transform your pool into a new garden feature, like a fire pit, a greenhouse, a new deck, or a pond.
Just remember, when removing an inground pool, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Attempting this project yourself will leave you exhausted — and you may end up creating more problems than you solve.
Whatever home renovation project you’re embarking on, My Site Plan can help you get things off the ground. Contact us today for custom site plans, which can be completed in 24 hours!
FAQs
What are some creative alternatives to removing an inground pool?
Instead of removal, you can transform the pool into a garden, install a sunken greenhouse, or cover it to create new deck space.
What should I consider before converting a pool into a garden?
Ensure proper drainage by drilling holes in the pool’s bottom and use thick soil to prevent sinking. Always check your local regulations for any necessary permits.
What are the challenges of creating a sunken greenhouse in an old pool?
The primary challenge is the potential structural instability of the pool, which might buckle or break. We recommend talking to a carpenter or structural engineer before starting your project.
What is the cost to remove an inground pool?
The average cost to remove a pool is $6,000. However,when removing an inground pool, you can end up paying $15,000 or more.
Is filling an old pool with dirt a viable option?
Before backfilling a swimming pool with dirt, you need to drain and break down the pool properly first. You then need to use compacted, specialized dirt to prevent issues like sinkholes or flooding.
Why is a site plan important for inground pool removal?
You may need a site plan to obtain a permit for pool removal. A site plan ensures compliance with local building regulations and helps prevent future legal or structural issues.
How can I use my former pool space after removing the pool?
After removing the pool, the reclaimed space can be used for additional yard space, landscaping, or other outdoor living enhancements.
This post was originally published on 2022-06-21, by Ryan Crownholm. It was updated on 2024-05-17 to reflect the most recent data.
