Buzz
Dealing with an unwanted in-ground pool necessitates the expertise of a skilled contractor. You can choose to fill the pool with concrete or soil, or you might consider hiring a design firm to create a deck or other structure over the pool. The cost of filling in an unwanted pool can range from $3,000 to $50,000, depending on factors such as the pool's size and the desired design. Be sure to contact your city's building department before beginning construction to determine if you need a permit and to check for utility lines.
Essential Steps
Choosing a Design
Opt for filling the pool with soil and gravel if you're seeking a budget-friendly option. This method typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000, depending on factors such as the pool's size and local contractor insurance rates.
Opt for pouring concrete into the pool if you intend to build on top of it. Although more costly than filling the pool with gravel, pouring concrete allows you to lay grass over it, offering a similar appearance to the cheaper alternative of filling with soil or gravel. The advantage is the ability to construct a shed or garage on top of the concrete without concerns about structural integrity. The cost typically ranges from $8,000 to $30,000, depending on pool size, and takes 3-4 days to complete.
Caution: In most states and countries, it's illegal to construct a habitable structure over a filled-in pool. However, you can still build a smaller structure over the concrete.
Consider hiring a design firm to create a deck over your pool for a fresh yard aesthetic. Specialized firms can craft custom-designed decks, fire pits, or gazebos, covering and building on top of your pool. Though costly at $10,000-50,000, the results can be striking, providing a personalized structure in your yard.
Contractor Hiring
Explore online for companies specializing in pool filling. Once you've decided how to fill your pool, seek out contractors specializing in pool filling. For building a deck over your pool, reach out to high-end architectural firms. Compile a list of contractors for quotes.
Reminder: Take heed of reviews when assessing a contractor. A plethora of negative reviews likely indicates justified concerns.
Collect quotes from multiple companies to ensure the most reasonable price. Reach out to each contractor on your list for a quote. Many companies offer free estimates after inspecting the job. Record each quote to facilitate an informed decision. If a company doesn’t provide free estimates, inquire if others in the area do. Then, negotiate with the first company to waive their estimate fee.
Execute a contract and document all specifications. For a project of this magnitude, the contractor will present a contract for your signature. Thoroughly review it and document all requirements, such as re-sodding or post-construction repairs. Seek legal advice for any contract-related queries. Ensure that the contract stipulates the contractor’s responsibility for fixing issues like sinking sod or cracking concrete within a year.
Securing Legal Approval
Obtain a permit if mandated by local authorities. Typically, the contractor can assist with this process. If not, they can provide guidance. Contact your city’s building permits or business services department to initiate the application. Include insurance details, contractor information, and project plans. Work cannot commence until permit approval, but the contractor can often guide you through the application.
Reminder: Securing a local municipal permit is typically necessary for pool filling. These permits, covering filling, abandonment, or demolition, generally cost a few hundred dollars.
Ensure compliance with city inspections prior to commencing work. Your city may conduct inspections before permit approval. They may send technicians or building inspectors to verify compliance with regulations. Cooperate with city personnel to facilitate permit approval, which may involve identifying utility lines around the pool.
Engage an engineering technician to review your plans. Consider hiring an engineering technician, especially if utility line locations or nearby structures are unknown. The technician can identify potential issues and offer solutions. Inquire with your contractor about available engineering technicians.
Supervising the Project
Allow 2-3 days for the contractor to fill your pool with gravel and soil. The process involves draining the pool, dismantling it, and filling it with gravel and soil. The filled area is then covered with sod and grass. This typically takes 2-3 days due to the volume of materials required. Ensure the contractors compact the soil and gravel properly to prevent sinking.
Allocate 3-5 days for the contractor to pour concrete into your pool. They'll carefully remove the upper parts of the pool, then bring a cement-mixing truck to fill and smooth the surface. Additional time may be needed for re-pouring sections. Once hardened, new sod and grass will be laid over the area.
Ensure approval of deck or structure schematics prior to commencement. Architectural inspection, design, and testing may take weeks before work begins. Contractors will likely install steel joists in the concrete frame and build atop it. This process can be lengthy, possibly spanning several months.
Enjoy your transformed yard. Once permits are approved and deposits paid, the contractor initiates pool filling. Follow post-care instructions such as watering new sod and avoiding the filled area for 3-4 days. After sufficient time, revel in your new deck, yard, or lawn!
Useful Tips
Important Warnings
- Disclose pool filling when selling your home is usually necessary.
- Pooling a pool without professional assistance is virtually impossible. Excavation to break concrete and large quantities of concrete, soil, or gravel are essential. An improperly filled pool poses safety risks and potential property damage.
