Filling in a pool might seem like a straightforward way to repurpose your backyard space, but it’s important to consider several factors before making a decision.  Let us help you understand just what filling in a pool means.  There are three types of pool fill-in.

1

DIRT ONLY

This is the least expensive of the 3 options. It’s where the structure of the pool is left mostly intact and filled with dirt. Before the dirt is placed, a large hole must be through the bottom of the pool so that water can drain from it. This is the only one really considered a fill-in but it leaves you with a mess that can be a problem.

2

PARTIAL DEMOLITION

This is by far the most common. This is what is typically called a “Pool Fill-In”. The top half of the entire pool is broken off and dropped into the bottom half of the pool. This is more expensive than just dirt, but it allows landscaping to be placed where there was a pool before. This option can be the most problematic.  Read below why.

3

FULL REMOVAL

This is the best type of pool removal. It completely removes all the structures and components associated with your pool.  This is the most expensive upfront but gives the safest result for any future construction in that backyard.

Option 1 is the only real “pool fill-in” as it fills in your existing pool with dirt.  Option 2 should be called “Partial Removal” not fill-in.  Option 3 is really a removal.  Make sure you get the facts before making any decisions!

What is a Partial Demolition Pool Fill-In?

“PARTIAL DEMOLITION” of a swimming pool is the MOST PROBLEMATIC OPTION that a homeowner can choose. It seems like it’s the best because you can’t see the problems that are being buried in the backyard. You can forget about it until… it’s too late.

The problem with the term “POOL FILL-IN” is that it does not adequately describe what happens. It doesn’t even come close to what actually happens.

The actual deed is better stated:
PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF YOUR POOL, then you bury the rest to hide it and hope it doesn’t come back to bite you!

Why is PARTIAL DEMOLITION more problematic?

6 REASONS WHY A “POOL FILL-IN” – sometimes called a “PARTIAL POOL DEMOLITION” can cause problems.

1.  A swimming pool can never be put back near the buried structure.
2.  A building or home addition cannot be built near the buried structure. Most building codes do not allow for any structure to be built on a line emanating at a 45-degree angle up from the bottom of the buried structure. The depth of the structure equals the distance away from the buried pool where a building structure can begin. A new structure must be 8 feet away from an 8-foot-deep structure, etc.
3. Ground Settling occurs causing areas to drop and become uneven in the area where the structure is buried. Often this occurs because empty pockets around the concrete chunks settle. As the dirt settles, it drops at the place where it went further down.
4. Grass or other plant life can be very difficult to grow in the burial place. Many times, the back filler does not use base gravel to fill the lower levels for compaction, and topsoil on the top for planting. Most building codes do not account for this method yet for a “Pool Fill-In”. They do have these requirements for any other building project. The ground always needs to be compacted and must be able to support a set amount. Topsoil is needed for
   plant life to grow successfully.
5.  A future buyer may rule out this house because of the buried structure and the potential problems. This can affect the sale price and the actual value of this
   home.
6. OUT OF SIGHT…… OUT OF MIND and you forget that it is there until it’s too late.

We have a better solution,
“RETIRE MY POOL”

A Retired Swimming Pool is truly a place where you can “eat your cake and have it too”.

WHO IS NOT HELPED BY RETIRING YOUR POOL?
Only the folks who do not use water or power. It helps everyone else.

10 Reasons Why Retiring Your Pool is better than ANY pool fill-in

1. The swimming pool remains intact.
2. The real estate for the pool is returned for common use.
3. All future homeowners will have the opportunity to bring the pool back.
4. The cost of the In-Pool Deck is paid back quickly by saving all expenses of a pool.
5. Water usage drops dramatically.
6. Electric costs drop due to the pump and accessories being turned off.
7. Hazardous Chemicals are no longer required to maintain the pool.
8. Safety concerns are eliminated.
9. The headaches of pool maintenance are gone.
10. You join a dedicated group of people who are doing your part to improve the world around you.

Find out more about all of the benefits of retiring your pool.

Contact us if you have questions or are ready to Retire My Pool!