Filling a pool involves draining the pool, drilling holes in the bottom, demolishing the top layer of the pool (18' - 36'), placing debris on the bottom, filling the pool with soil and additional soil, and compacting the soil. The easiest way to do this is with a pump, and there's usually a sewer point less than 100 feet from the pool. The best way to remove water from the pool is to buy or rent a water pump that can be submerged in the water. This can take a long time, so have a drink while you wait.
You can also use a garden hose as a siphon to drain the water. Disassembly is the most important component of moving your pool safely. You'll need to start by removing the coating and then work on removing wall components such as bolts, return fittings, and skimmers. When you decide to do an in-ground pool removal yourself, you risk messing up the whole process and turning the area into a dangerous location.
After draining the pool water, you must remove the pump and filter tubing from the above ground pool. You can't just fill the pool cavity with whatever dirt you find, and you especially want to avoid “free-fill dirt” because it often contains trash, clay, and other organic matter that makes it difficult to compact and drain. Below, I describe the best and safest way to dismantle an above ground pool and answer some frequently asked questions. While it is possible to move an in-ground pool, the associated cost is similar to the cost of purchasing and installing a new pool.
Fold the pool liner carefully and make sure there are no sticks or other sharp objects that could tear the liner while it is stored. If the housing is in good condition, it can be lifted in one piece and will be less costly to remove. Often, when someone tries to remove a pool on their own, they don't take the time to figure out what the city requires to legalize its disposal process and code. Clean the pump lines and rinse the filter (if it is a DE filter, remove the DE and leave the filter grid clean at the base of the filter).
In addition, every city has certain requirements for how a pool should be removed, and many require permits. This DIY pool removal method could leave you with a dangerous pit that could collapse at any time or a giant pool full of mud. Although removing an above ground pool is an easier process than an in-ground pool, it's best for you to hire a professional to make sure the project is done well. In addition, you need to understand pool disposal methods and how they affect the future values of your property and what you can do on the property.
However, if you decide to completely eliminate concrete, look to pay at the higher end of the average range. We'll make the process as quick and simple as possible so you don't regret hiring a team of professionals to take care of the disposal of your pool. In this case, a partial fill is often chosen because it reduces costs, since there is no need to invest in concrete removal.
