How To Fill In A Pool

Filling in an inground pool is a significant decision that many homeowners consider for various reasons, such as reducing maintenance costs, eliminating safety concerns, or repurposing the space for other uses. The process involves more than just covering the pool with dirt; it requires careful planning, proper execution, and adherence to local regulations. This guide will walk you through each step, from initial preparations to the final landscaping.

**Table of Contents**
Preparations for Pool Filling
Draining and Cleaning the Pool
Breaking Up the Pool Structure
Filling the Pool Cavity
Final Landscaping and Restoration
Cost Considerations
Time Required for Filling a Pool
Pros and Cons of Filling In a Pool
How To Fill In A Pool FAQs

Preparations for Pool Filling

Before you begin filling in an inground pool, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly to avoid potential legal and structural issues. Consider the following steps:

Obtain necessary permits: Start by contacting your local municipality to determine the specific permits required for pool removal. These permits ensure that your project complies with local building codes and environmental regulations. Failing to obtain the proper permits can result in fines, delays, or even being required to restore the pool.
Consult local regulations: Each area may have unique regulations regarding pool removal, including guidelines on how the pool should be decommissioned and how the fill material should be handled. Some areas may require specific types of drainage or prohibit certain materials for backfilling. Consulting with local authorities or a knowledgeable contractor can help ensure that your project is compliant.
Hire professionals if needed: While some homeowners may attempt to fill in a pool themselves, hiring professionals is often advisable, especially for larger or more complex pools. Experienced contractors can handle the demolition, backfilling, and compaction processes efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of future problems such as settling or drainage issues.

Draining and Cleaning the Pool

Properly draining and cleaning your pool is a critical first step in the fill-in process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure everything is done safely and correctly:

Turn off the pool pump and filter system: Begin by disconnecting all electrical components related to the pool, including the pump, filter, and heater. This prevents any accidents or damage during the draining process. It’s important to double-check that all power sources are completely turned off to avoid electrical hazards.
Use a submersible pump to drain the water: Attach a submersible pump to the main drain or use a separate drain to remove the water. Direct the hose to an appropriate drainage area, such as a sewer cleanout or a storm drain, and ensure it complies with local water disposal regulations. Depending on the pool size, draining can take several hours to a couple of days, so plan accordingly.
Remove pool accessories and equipment: Once the pool is drained, carefully remove all accessories such as ladders, handrails, diving boards, and any attached slides. Additionally, remove any pool lights and plumbing fixtures that will no longer be needed. Store or dispose of these items properly, especially if they contain hazardous materials like certain types of pool lighting.
Clean the pool thoroughly: After removing all accessories, scrub the pool walls and floor to eliminate any remaining algae, chemical residues, and debris. This step is crucial to prevent soil contamination and to prepare the pool structure for the next phase. Pay extra attention to any stains or buildup, as these can be difficult to address once the pool is filled in.

Breaking Up the Pool Structure

Breaking up the pool structure is a crucial step in the fill-in process, as it ensures proper drainage and stability of the filled area. The method you use will depend on the type of pool you have:

Concrete pools: Use a jackhammer or similar heavy-duty equipment to break up the pool’s concrete walls and floor. Start by creating large holes in the bottom of the pool to ensure that any future groundwater can drain through these openings. Continue breaking up the concrete into manageable pieces, which can be left in the pool cavity as part of the backfill material. This not only helps with drainage but also reduces the amount of fill material needed.
Fiberglass pools: Fiberglass pools are typically easier to dismantle. Begin by cutting the fiberglass shell into smaller sections using a saw or cutting torch. These sections can then be removed from the ground entirely or, in some cases, perforated and left in the cavity to allow for proper drainage. It’s essential to handle fiberglass carefully, as it can be sharp and hazardous during removal.
Vinyl-lined pools: Start by removing the vinyl liner, which is usually attached to the pool structure with clips or adhesive. Once the liner is removed, you’ll need to dismantle the supporting structure, typically made of steel, aluminum, or polymer panels. Use tools like a reciprocating saw or angle grinder to cut through these materials. Ensure that the panels are perforated or removed completely to avoid future water buildup.
Ensure proper drainage: Regardless of the pool type, it’s vital to make sure the bottom of the pool is sufficiently broken up or perforated to allow water to drain. Without proper drainage, the filled area could become waterlogged, leading to settling or other structural issues in the future. If you’re unsure about the drainage requirements, consulting a professional can help prevent costly mistakes.

Filling the Pool Cavity

Filling the pool cavity correctly is essential for preventing future settling and ensuring that the area remains stable over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly backfilling your pool:

Start with a gravel base: Begin by laying a layer of clean gravel or crushed stone at the bottom of the pool cavity. This initial layer promotes proper drainage and helps prevent water from accumulating at the base. Typically, a 12 to 18-inch layer of gravel is recommended. Spread the gravel evenly across the entire pool floor, ensuring it fills in all low spots and provides a solid foundation.
Add layers of fill material: After the gravel base is in place, start adding layers of fill material. Commonly used materials include a mix of gravel, sand, and soil. These should be added in 6 to 12-inch layers. After each layer is added, compact it thoroughly using a plate compactor or similar equipment. Proper compaction is crucial to avoid future settling, which can lead to sinkholes or uneven ground surfaces.
Monitor and adjust the fill material: As you continue to add layers, monitor the fill material for consistency and compaction. If you notice any soft spots or areas that aren’t compacting well, address these issues immediately by adding more gravel or adjusting the material mix. This helps ensure that the fill is stable and won’t shift over time.
Finish with topsoil: Once the pool cavity is filled to within a few inches of the ground level, switch to topsoil. Add a final layer of topsoil to match the surrounding landscape, typically 4 to 6 inches deep. This top layer should be rich in nutrients and free of rocks or debris, making it suitable for grass, plants, or other landscaping options. Rake the topsoil smooth to create a level surface, ready for seeding or sod installation.

Cost Considerations

Expense	Estimated Cost Range
Permits	$200 - $500
Professional labor	$2,000 - $8,000
Equipment rental (e.g., jackhammer)	$200 - $500
Gravel and fill material	$500 - $1,500
Topsoil and landscaping	$500 - $2,000
Total Estimated Cost	$3,400 - $12,500

Final Landscaping and Restoration

Once the pool cavity is filled, you can restore the area to its original state or repurpose it. Common options include planting grass or gardens, installing a patio, or creating a new outdoor living space. Consider the drainage and soil composition when planning your landscaping to avoid any future issues.

Time Required for Filling a Pool

The time required to fill in an inground pool can vary based on several factors, but most projects are completed within one to two weeks. Here’s what influences the timeline:

Pool size and type: Larger pools or those with complex structures, such as reinforced concrete or deep end sections, will take longer to drain, break up, and backfill. Smaller pools or those with simpler structures like vinyl-lined pools may require less time.
Permitting and preparation: Securing the necessary permits and preparing for the project can add a few days to the timeline, depending on how quickly your local authorities process applications. Hiring professionals or coordinating with multiple contractors can also impact the start date.
Demolition process: Breaking up the pool structure, particularly if it’s made of concrete, can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. The availability and efficiency of demolition equipment, as well as the need for disposal of materials, will affect how quickly this phase is completed.
Backfilling and compaction: Properly filling the pool cavity with multiple layers of gravel, soil, and topsoil, while ensuring each layer is compacted, is a meticulous process. Rushing this step can lead to settling issues later, so it’s important not to cut corners, even if it extends the timeline.
Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as rain, can delay the project by making excavation and compaction difficult or even impossible. Dry, stable weather conditions are ideal for this type of work and can help keep the project on schedule.

Pros and Cons of Filling In a Pool

Pros:

Reduces maintenance costs and eliminates safety hazards.
Frees up space for new landscaping or outdoor features.
Potentially increases property value by making the yard more versatile.

Cons:

The initial cost of filling in a pool can be significant.
The process is irreversible, requiring extensive work to reinstall a pool.
May require ongoing maintenance of the filled area to prevent settling.