How do you go about replacing a pool? We've decided that water is too precious. Can you give us some ideas or leads to anyone who is experienced doing pool removals?
Credit: Wikimedia/Vic Brincat
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It’s a good idea to start with a call to your local council.
Some councils have strict requirements for the removal of pools and spas. One council that has special forms that need to be filled in.
They may also be able to recommend contractors.
In the simplest of terms, it’s a matter of breaking up the concrete (or fibreglass) and filling in the hole.
Some councils might allow you to remove the top metre of concrete or so and leave the base where it is, but this can raise issues later with resale of the property.
This is not an exercise to be undertaken lightly. As with all demolition work, care must be taken to ensure that underground pipes and nearby buildings aren’t damaged.
Once the site is filled, it will affect drainage on the property and the fill is likely to settle over the next year or so.
Finding a contractor is the hardest part, so be prepared to make a few phone calls.
Some builders, home demolition contractors and landscaping contractors offer pool removal services. Call a few and ask if they have experience with pool removal and if they can show you photographs of previous work or provide references.
Take care removing fencing, filter units, pool covers and other peripherals as you might be able to sell some of these on eBay and get a little money back.
Comments
Before you remove your pool, be aware of consequences. You can sell the peripherals but don't be assured that the profit can cover half the cost of pool removal. Consider turning it into a garden or something and if I were you I will just keep the pool and my let my love ones enjoy swimming in our own backyard.
Take it from me :D
James Jonathanson
Pool Safety Consultant
Pool Covers
To remove a swimming pool may be a knee-jerk reaction. To come to a valid environmental decision, more than just water usage should be considered. Factors such as materials and energy used [at all stages] to build the pool originally, ongoing material and energy usage [including any demolition work], alternative possibilities, and asset value and lifespan must be important in the decision making process. Second hand markets for pool components are not strong, and as the infrastructure is in place, it may be a possibility to invest the demolition funds into 'naturalising' your pool. To do this successfully takes planning and financial investment, however the rewards are a swimming pool more aligned with natural laws and an asset worth having.