How to Remove an In-ground Swim Spa
Relaxing by the pool is pleasant to some, but it can be a real nuisance to others. The cost and care of a pool or spa can be overwhelming. Some pools need chemicals on a weekly basis. Debris must be caught with nets, and sweeping the pool floors must be done on a regular basis. If you don't have the time or the money to maintain your pool, it can wind-up an algae-ridden eye-sore. One way to solve these swimming pool nightmares is to completely remove your in-ground swimming pool and spa.
Visit your local City Hall before proceeding with the removal of your swimming pool and spa. You may need permits, inspections or geological surveys before you begin. You may need to show your local building inspector documentation, such as site plans or proposals, especially if you decide that the old pool will be the site for future building.
Drain your unwanted swimming pool and spa after receiving your permit. Start a few days before your demolition team arrives, since some pools take at least two days to drain completely.
Disconnect electrical lines and gas lines that are connected to the pool. The contractor will punch holes into the bottom of the pool; three or four holes, 8 inches deep. This is considered a partial pool removal. The city pool inspector will need to come to your work site to okay the holes, unless you decide to demolish all of the concrete.
- Visit your local City Hall before proceeding with the removal of your swimming pool and spa.
- The city pool inspector will need to come to your work site to okay the holes, unless you decide to demolish all of the concrete.
Fill the holes with gravel. Jackhammer out the top two feet of the entire pool.
Remove the reinforced steel inside the concrete. Haul away the old concrete and debris.
Fill the remaining hole with sand and dirt. Be sure to compact the dirt periodically. The top 10 to 18 inches should be topsoil for vegetation.
- Fill the holes with gravel.
References
Resources
Tips
- If you sell your home, you may be required to disclose that you removed a swimming pool and spa.
- If you plan on building where your old pool was, you will need a full pool demolition, which can be very expensive.
Warnings
- The costs of this project can get very high. Be sure to use licensed contractors and have proper contracts before your start this project.
Writer Bio
Charong Chow has been writing professionally since 1995. Her work has appeared in magazines such as "Zing" and "Ocean Drive." Chow graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. She also received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts.