Thinking of reclaiming your backyard space? An unused or dilapidated inground pool can become a liability and an eyesore. Instead of ongoing maintenance and potential safety hazards, filling it in offers a permanent solution, transforming the area into usable land for gardening, recreation, or even a new home addition. Properly filling in an inground pool isn't as simple as just dumping dirt; it requires careful planning and execution to ensure proper drainage, prevent future settling, and avoid potential structural issues with your property.
The process involves demolishing the pool, layering it with appropriate materials, and compacting everything correctly. Failing to do so can lead to sinkholes, water accumulation, and even damage to nearby structures. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or considering hiring a professional, understanding the steps involved is crucial for a successful and safe pool removal project. Taking the time to do it right will save you headaches and expenses down the road.
What are the key considerations for filling in my inground pool properly?
What's the best material to fill in an inground pool?
The best material to fill in an inground pool is a combination of rubble, gravel, and soil, compacted in layers. This approach provides proper drainage, stability, and prevents future settling, which is crucial for ensuring the filled area remains structurally sound and usable.
Using a mixture of materials addresses several key considerations. First, breaking up the existing concrete pool shell and using it as a base layer (rubble) offers an economical way to reduce the volume of fill needed. This layer also provides a solid foundation. Next, gravel allows for proper drainage, preventing water from accumulating beneath the filled area, which could lead to instability or even the growth of mold and mildew. Finally, the top layer of soil provides a suitable surface for landscaping or construction, depending on the intended use of the space. Proper compaction is paramount. Each layer of rubble, gravel, and soil must be thoroughly compacted using appropriate machinery (such as a plate compactor or roller) to minimize settling over time. Insufficient compaction can lead to dips and unevenness in the ground, making it difficult to landscape or build upon the filled area. Furthermore, depending on local regulations, you may need to have the filled area inspected and certified to ensure it meets specific standards for compaction and soil composition.How much does it cost to properly fill in an inground pool?
The cost to properly fill in an inground pool typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, but can vary significantly depending on several factors including the pool's size and depth, the materials used for fill, local labor rates, permit requirements, and whether you choose a partial or complete pool removal. A complete removal will cost more than simply filling in the existing pool shell.
Filling in an inground pool isn't as simple as just dumping dirt into the hole. Proper filling requires permits from your local municipality, which adds to the cost. A structural engineer might also need to assess the pool, especially if it's near your house or other structures. The filling process includes draining the pool (if it isn't already), demolishing the top portion of the pool to prevent it from rising up or collapsing, punching holes in the bottom for drainage, and then layering the pool with gravel and soil. You'll need to hire a reputable contractor with experience in pool demolition and filling. The biggest cost drivers include the amount of fill material needed, which is directly related to the pool's size, and labor. Areas with higher labor costs will naturally have more expensive fill-in projects. Obtaining the necessary permits is crucial and can sometimes take weeks, affecting the project timeline. Finally, consider the landscaping costs after the pool is filled. You might need to grade the area, add topsoil, and plant grass or other vegetation. This post-filling landscaping can add several hundred to several thousand dollars to the overall project.Do I need permits to fill in my inground pool?
Yes, in almost all cases you will need permits to fill in an inground pool. Failing to obtain the necessary permits can result in hefty fines, legal issues, and the potential need to undo the work and start over with the proper approvals.
The requirement for permits stems from several factors. First, filling in a pool involves altering the existing structure and potentially impacting drainage and grading on your property. Local building codes are designed to ensure these changes are done safely and don't create problems for your property or neighboring ones. Second, depending on how you choose to fill the pool, there may be environmental concerns, especially regarding proper drainage and potential contamination of the soil or groundwater. The permit process allows local authorities to review your plan and ensure it complies with environmental regulations. Finally, permits often involve inspections at various stages of the fill-in process. These inspections are crucial to verify that the work is being done according to code, ensuring structural integrity and preventing future issues such as sinkholes or drainage problems. Before starting any work, contact your local city or county building department to understand their specific requirements, permit application procedures, and inspection schedules. This proactive approach can save you significant time, money, and headaches in the long run.Can I fill in only part of my inground pool?
While technically possible to partially fill in an inground pool, it's strongly discouraged and generally not a good idea. Partially filling an inground pool creates significant structural and safety concerns and rarely provides a satisfactory result. The remaining pool section becomes more difficult to maintain, and the filled-in area may be prone to settling and cracking over time, leading to ongoing and potentially costly repairs.
Partial filling compromises the structural integrity of the pool shell. Inground pools are designed to withstand pressure from both the water inside and the soil surrounding the structure. By filling in only a portion, you disrupt this balance. The remaining portion of the pool is now subject to uneven pressure, increasing the risk of cracks, leaks, and even complete failure. Furthermore, the filled-in area must be properly compacted to prevent future sinking, and this is difficult to achieve seamlessly against the existing pool structure. Instead of partially filling, consider the following alternatives if you're looking to reduce the size or alter the shape of your pool: a complete pool removal and backfill, converting the entire pool area into a different feature like a patio or garden, or consulting with a pool renovation specialist to explore professional modification options that maintain structural integrity. These options, while potentially more expensive upfront, offer a more durable and safer long-term solution than attempting a partial fill-in. Attempting a DIY partial fill-in can lead to significant problems later on and can devalue the property.What are the structural considerations when filling in a pool?
Filling in an inground pool requires careful attention to structural integrity to prevent future settling, sinkholes, and drainage problems. The primary concern is ensuring the pool shell doesn't collapse inward during or after the fill process, and that the fill material is properly compacted to support the weight of the backfill and any future structures or landscaping placed above.
Backfilling a pool without proper structural support can lead to significant issues. The pool shell, originally designed to withstand outward water pressure, is now subjected to inward pressure from the surrounding soil and fill material. Without adequate drainage and compaction, hydrostatic pressure can build up, potentially cracking or collapsing the pool walls and floor. Furthermore, poorly compacted fill will settle over time, creating depressions in the yard and potentially damaging nearby structures or utilities. To mitigate these risks, consider breaking up the pool floor to promote drainage, especially in areas with high water tables. Drilling drainage holes is another common practice. Strategically placed fill materials, such as gravel for drainage at the bottom and compacted soil in layers, are crucial. Compacting each layer of fill is vital to minimizing future settling. It is also advisable to consult with a structural engineer or geotechnical expert to assess the specific soil conditions and recommend the best fill and compaction methods for your site. Ultimately, the goal is to create a stable and well-drained base that won't pose structural problems in the future. Failure to address these considerations can result in costly repairs and long-term issues with your property.How long does it typically take to fill in an inground pool?
The time it takes to fill an inground pool varies significantly depending on the pool's size and your water source's flow rate, but generally, it takes between 24 and 72 hours. Smaller pools with excellent water pressure might fill in a day, while larger pools with lower water pressure could take three days or more.
To estimate the filling time, you need to know the volume of your pool in gallons and the flow rate of your water source in gallons per minute (GPM). You can usually find your pool's volume in its documentation or by using online calculators. The GPM of your water source can be tested using a bucket and a timer. Simply time how long it takes to fill a 5-gallon bucket, then divide 5 by the time in minutes to find your GPM. Once you have both figures, divide the pool's volume by the GPM, and then divide that number by 60 to get the approximate fill time in hours. Keep in mind this is an estimate, and real-world conditions can affect the actual filling time. Several factors can influence the time it takes to fill your pool. Water pressure fluctuations can occur, especially during peak usage hours in your neighborhood. The size of the hose used also impacts flow rate; using a smaller diameter hose will restrict water flow, increasing the fill time. If you're using multiple hoses to fill the pool, remember to calculate the combined GPM of all hoses. Finally, any interruptions to the filling process, such as turning off the water supply, will obviously extend the total time.What are the risks of improper inground pool fill-in?
Improperly filling in an inground pool can lead to significant structural and environmental problems, including sinkholes, soil contamination, drainage issues, and potential liability for property damage or personal injury.
The primary danger arises from inadequate compaction of the fill material. Without proper compaction, the ground above the filled-in pool can settle unevenly over time, creating depressions or even sinkholes. This settlement can damage surrounding structures like patios, decks, or even the foundation of your house. Furthermore, if the pool shell isn't properly broken up or drainage isn't addressed, water can accumulate within the filled-in space, creating a breeding ground for mosquitos and potentially undermining the surrounding soil's stability. Beyond structural concerns, improper fill material can introduce contaminants into the soil. Using construction debris or unapproved materials as fill can leach harmful substances into the surrounding environment. This can negatively impact groundwater quality and potentially pose health risks. Moreover, failing to adhere to local regulations and permitting requirements can result in fines, legal action, and the need to redo the entire project, adding significant expense and hassle. Always check with your local municipality before starting any fill-in project.And there you have it! Filling in an inground pool can feel like a big job, but hopefully this guide has made the process a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your project! We hope you'll come back and visit us again for more helpful tips and tricks around the house.