What should I know about pool removal?

Question

I have a fibergrass in ground swimming pool in my backyard. The pool size is 12' x 24'. We woud like to remove it. Ideally we want to have it covered with concrete.

Some said that we should remove them totally, but others said that they can just punch holes and dump the sands.

The 2nd approach is definitely much cheaper. What is the pro and con for each approach? What should I know for making the decision? Usually how much does this work cost?

I am living in Fremont, California. Please leave your contact information if you can provide such service. I can also be reached in email.

Answer 1

Your best bet is to contact the city.

Development Services Center
39550 Liberty St
Fremont, CA 94538-2211

Appointments
510-494-4443

Information
510-494-4460


Office Hours:
Monday through Thursday - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday - 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Permitting Information:
Demolitions - Pools
Above-Ground
Pools – In-Ground
http://www.ci.fremont.ca.us/Permits/Development/DevelopmentServicesCenterSelfHelp.htm

Answer 2

Removing an existing pool isn't difficult to do, in your case it being a fibreglass, it'll rip out of the ground relatively easily, once the plumbing and any grounding wires are cut. There ought to be a concrete sub pad it's sitting on, that will have to come out too.
I don't suggest your cheapest approach you mentioned. Most municipalities won't allow that. They'll want the structure out of the ground, especially something like fibreglass that won't easily break down. If you go that route and get caught, it won't have been worth it.

Answer 3

I removed mine 3 years ago. same size, just cut the walls off about 2' down with a concrete saw (you can rent them anywhere). poke some holes in the bottom and fill it in with sand (make sure you compact the sand if you are putting concrete in right a way. In my case I just dumped the sand in and left some extra, ran my garden hose over the area for a week and it all settled and I pourd a patio two weeks later