If your backyard swimming pool is looking worse for the wear, you have two options to consider. You can update the pool and the pool equipment, or you could opt for swimming pool demolition. Many people don’t think about swimming pool removal as a viable option, but it can be the best choice for some homeowners, and here’s why.
- Swimming Pool Demolition Costs Far Less Than Remodeling
With swimming pool removal, you only pay for the demolition and removal of materials rather than paying for a new pool surface, new coping, new tile and perhaps fixing leaks and updating pool equipment, lights, etc. The cost to “redo” a pool can easily cost $75,000 and often costs exceed $100,000 or even $150,000.
If you don’t use your pool and are tired of the upkeep, the swimming pool removal cost is far cheaper than upgrading the pool and it’s a much faster process. It might take a week to complete the swimming pool demo and removal process, whereas it can take many months to upgrade an existing swimming pool.
- Swimming Pools Are Expensive To Maintain
In a state where water resources are scarce, the cost of continuously adding water to your pool adds up quickly. Additionally, running your pool motor enough to ensure that the water circulates properly also is expensive, given the high cost of electricity in California. While our natural gas costs are fairly reasonable, you probably have found that heating the entire pool can be pricey, as well.
When you factor in the cost of adding chlorine and possibly paying a pool company for weekly maintenance, a swimming pool can cost more than $200 per month to run and maintain. That might be fine if you often use your pool, but if the pool is rarely used and that’s not likely to change, swimming pool demolition can reduce your overall utility costs and eliminate pool maintenance costs.
Homeowners with a swimming pool also are recommended (and sometimes required) to acquire liability insurance on top of their homeowner’s policy. This is yet another expense you could eliminate if you opt for swimming pool removal. Likewise, if you have small children or grandchildren, pools can be dangerous and eliminating the pool eliminates the risk of someone drowning.
- Swimming Pools Take Up Space
In California, our yards typically aren’t huge, and a swimming pool takes up a considerable amount of space. If you don’t use the pool often, but would enjoy using the yard space, removing the pool can be a great option. This opens up many possibilities such as creating an outdoor living area or outdoor dining room and kitchen. If you love to garden, this space could be used for that purpose, as well.
While it might seem like a swimming pool is an asset when selling your home, this is not always the case. Many people prefer to purchase homes without a swimming pool, but before you decide to remove your pool, talk with a trusted real estate agent about whether or not swimming pools in your area are an asset.
You may find that transforming your backyard into a different type of usable space is more attractive to buyers than updating the pool. In which case, it’s much cheaper to fill in the pool and redesign the yard than pay for a complete pool remodel and you are more likely to enjoy a higher return on investment when selling the property.
Types Of Swimming Pool Removal
With partial pool demolition, the bond beam is demolished (usually 2’-3’down from grade level), and holes are perforated in the bottom of the pool to allow for proper drainage. With a full removal, we excavate the entire area, breaking up and removing the concrete shell structure, tile, rebar, and other materials.
Partial pool removals can be completed very quickly in approximately 5 days and are less expensive than full removals. In this option, the backfilled area is considered unbuildable and can’t be used to support a building or structure. You can use this area for landscaping projects only, such as installation of pavers, concrete, lawn or a garden. If any construction is proposed for this area in the future, the remaining pool shell needs to be removed and the backfill certified by a licensed Geotechinical or Civil Engineer to verify the backfill material, soil type, percentage of compaction, etc.
With either partial or full removal, we have the option of engineered or non-engineered fill. Often, this option is determined by regulations in your municipality as sometimes a city requires engineered fills. With partial removal, an engineered fill is typically a smart move as this ensures that the area will be compacted to achieve at least 90% compaction.
To prepare a site for a future building, such as an ADU, room addition or any other detached building, a complete removal of the pool shell takes place and a Geotechnical engineer prepares a report for removal and backfilling of pool, the compaction requirements, the compaction tasting procedures with the associated ASTM standard to which is to be tested. We recommend homeowners to always check with the proper Building Department in regards to the size of your future structure, setbacks and height.
Why Choose U.S. Demo And Hauling?
At U.S. Demo and Hauling, we have more than 20 years of experience with swimming pool demolition and removals. Unlike many demolition contractors that must rent equipment or hire temporary employees, we have a team of demo experts and all of the equipment needed to remove swimming pools safely and in compliance with all local building codes.
We serve the entire Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano and San Mateo counties. In addition to swimming pool demolition, as demolition experts, we also can provide you with many other residential and commercial services, including:
- Garage Demolition
- Interior Demolition
- Total Residential Demolition
- Building Demolition
- Barn Demolition
- Selective Demolition
- Site Demolition
- Mobile Home Demolition
- Modular Home Demolition
- Trailer Removal
- Concrete Demolition & Concrete Removal
Get A Free Estimate!
If you are considering swimming pool removal or swimming pool demolition, we can provide you with a free cost estimate. Call us at (925) 376-3050 or click on the Contact Us tab on our homepage and fill out our quick contact form. A member of our team will study your project and provide you with a cost estimate as quickly as possible.
