Inground swimming pool removal typically involves draining the pool, drilling holes in the bottom, demolishing the top, and filling the pool with the rubble and additional sandstone / sand and soil. However, above ground pool removal is less complicated, involving just draining the pool, tearing it and surrounding decking, and hauling it away.
If you love using your pool and plan to live in the same home for the foreseeable future, then keeping it is worth the cost of upkeep. But if you’re an infrequent swimmer, the benefits of pool removal far outnumber the drawbacks.
The pool is drained, and all materials, like concrete/gunite, fiberglass, liner, re-bar, etc., are removed and hauled away. The area is then back filled with soil and/or gravel and compacted (without the supervision of an engineer or private certifier).
Pros of complete pool removal:
- Although you will have to disclose that you fully removed a pool that was once on the property, it should have little to no impact on your home’s value.
- With no concrete buried in the old pool, the risk of sinkage and seepage is greatly reduced, even eliminated.
- No large objects in your path in case of any future plumbing work or pier drilling for alfresco / free standing patio.
Cons of complete pool removal:
- Some council’s may consider the area of the former pool to be non-buildable, meaning no additions or dwellings can exist there. However, the area is still suitable for sheds, concrete, landscaping, trees, etc.
- A complete pool removal is more expensive than partial removal, with tipper trucks needing to be loaded with separated materials then refilling it with ENM (Excavated Natural Material). There is also the fee to lodge a CDC or DA with the council and time to process it all.
Cost to Fill in a Pool
Pool removal cost depends on several factors, like:
- Type of pool (above ground or inground)
- Size of the pool
- Accessibility of the pool area
- Method of pool removal
- The contractor you choose
The average cost to remove an inground pool ranges from $3,000 to $9,000 for a medium size pool with relatively easy access. Costs can rise to well over $10,000 for a large pool with a large deck and tight site access.
The cost to remove an above ground pool varies considerably—just like inground pool removal—ranging from $2000 to $6,000 .
Pool Removal Permits
Do you need a permit to fill in a pool?
That depends on your local government, but in many cases, a permit is required. The cost of a permit can be anywhere from free to several hundred dollars depending on your local council.
Many local councils have rules regarding how a pool must be removed. Some may have zoning ordinances or codes stating that a pool must be completely removed, not just filled in. If partial pool demolition and removal is allowed, there may be specific protocols on how the pool must be filled in
This step is to be confirmed by the owner with their governing council.
Contact 6 Axis for free quotation.
This information sheet may assist you should you be considering removing your swimming pool.
There are three basic swimming pool types.
- Above ground: where the pool is completely abovethe existing ground level. These pools are often purchased in kit form and can usually be assembled and dismantled with hand tools.
- In-ground: usually constructed of reinforced concrete or fibreglass.
- Semi-in-ground: where the pool is partially constructed within the ground and removal would require the use of filling material to restore the ground level.A spa would fall within one of the above pool types and the relevant requirements for that pool type would apply to the removal of a spa.The State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (The SEPP) outlines the circumstances for demolition of structures as Exempt Development or Complying Development. In regard to swimming pool and spa structures only structures that are able to be constructed as Exempt Development may be demolished/removed without approval. If you have
a portable swimming pool or spa that meets all of the exempt criteria under the SEPP then you may undertake demolition/removal of the structure without the need
for formal consent. However removal of any ancillary structures such as decking or retaining walls may require a prior approval.
WHAT SORT OF APPROVAL DO I REQUIRE?
Most swimming pool removal can be dealt with under the SEPP by lodging a Complying Development Application.
If the works proposed do not fit within the criteria for complying development, a Development Application will be required. The following link gives information in that regard.
CAN I PARTIALLY REMOVE THE POOL SHELL?
Ordinarily no, as removal and demolition of a swimming pool requires removal of the total structure and all associated materials from the site.
However in limited specific circumstances where it may be impractical or unsafe to do so Council staff may
give consideration to retention of all or part of the pool structure. This may result in a notation on property title and would require the submission and consideration of a Development Application. The partial pool removal could not be done as Complying Development as it would not meet the complying development criteria.
CAN I LEAVE THE PLUMBING, PIPEWORK, CABLING AND ANY SIMILAR MATERIAL IN PLACE?
Removal and demolition of a swimming pool includes the removal of all associated plumbing, pipework, cabling, filters and other material from the site. These materials can be taken to a licenced disposal facility.
CAN I USE THE POOL SHELL AND COPING AS FILLING?
It is not permitted to leave remnants of the pool shell in the ground or to use portions of the pool shell and coping as filling within the pool excavation. These materials constitute demolition waste and must be removed from the site and taken to a licensed disposal facility. It is important that receipts for disposal of all demolition waste together with receipts for delivery of all clean fill, or Excavated Natural Material (ENM) used for filling, are kept as these may be requested by Council staff.
HOW MUST I COMPLETE THE FILLING OF THE POOL EXCAVATION?
Once the pool shell has been removed the remaining excavation must be filled so as to restore the site to the ground level (existing) adjacent to the pool, taking into account any sloping of the site. The fill must be well compacted, and cannot contain any demolition waste or other contaminates.
WHAT MATERIAL CAN I USE TO PLACE IN THE EXCAVATION?
Only clean fill, or Excavated Natural Material (ENM) can be used for filling of the pool excavation. The filling must be well compacted. It is not permitted to leave remnants of
the pool shell in the ground or to use portions of the pool shell and coping as filling within the pool excavation. These materials constitute demolition waste and must be removed from the site and taken to a licensed disposal facility. It is important that receipts for disposal of all demolition waste together with receipts for delivery of all material used for filling are kept as these may be requested by Council staff.
CAN I LEAVE THE POOL SHELL IN PLACE AND JUST FILL IT IN?
Ordinarily no, as removal and demolition of a swimming pool requires removal of the total structure and all associated materials from the site.
However in limited specific circumstances where it may
be impractical or unsafe to do so Council staff may
give consideration to retention of all or part of the pool structure. This may result in a notation on property title
and would require the submission and consideration of a Development Application. Retention of the pool shell could not be done as Complying Development as it would not meet the complying development criteria.
If an approval is issued it may require you to leave the pool coping exposed above the ground to assist all subsequent owners and occupiers in identifying that a disused pool shell exists on the site.
CAN I DO OTHER FILLING ON THE SITE AT THE SAME TIME AS MY POOL REMOVAL?
Any filling on site other than immediately within the pool excavation in accordance with this information sheet, and the issued approval, must comply with Council’s separate
fill policy. In most circumstances a separate Development Application will be required.
DO I NEED TO KEEP ANY RECEIPTS?
Yes, it is important to keep receipts for disposal of all demolition waste together with receipts for delivery of all material used for filling of the pool excavation. Council staff may request that you supply them as proof of the works undertaken. Your licenced demolisher will be familiar with correct waste disposal and will be able to provide the receipts to you. You should ensure that they are specific to the waste removed from your site, and show the address of the property.
HOW DO I REMOVE MY POOL FROM THE SWIMMING POOLS REGISTER?
Once removal of your pool is complete, you need to ensure that it is taken off the government swimming pools register.
Our Regulatory Services Team can assist you with removal of your pool from the register if you supply them with the following information:
• Your name as property owner and a contact phone number.
• The property address, and the CDC/DA approval number (where demolition approval was required).
• Where no prior approval was required, you may be asked for proof (such as photographs) that the pool has been removed from the site.
• A brief statement that the pool has been removed/ demolished and is no longer required to be on the Swimming Pool Register.
DISCLAIMER
This fact sheet provides a summary of the major issues regarding removal of a swimming pool. Any person using this document must do so on the basis that not every scenario and issue can be addressed, and discussion with relevant staff at Council’s Customer Service Centre should be undertaken. This document is subject to change without notice.