I need advice on filling in an old swimming pool.?

Question

My pool is so old and the walls are cracking, and it's caving in on itself. I've called several people to give me estimates, but one didn't show up, and the other one never called me back.

I've decided to just fill it in instead of trying to fix it. What should I do to prepare it before we fill it up with dirt?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

the first answer is in error you will have to break thru the concrete bottom at the deepest area of the pool to let collected water drain into the ground otherwise it will turn into a mud hole in heavy rain periods. this can be done with an electric jackhammer rented from a rental yard or as a last resort with a sledge hammer(tough Job) you will need a hole approximately 1 foot in diameter.also advisable to fill the bottom 2 feet with gravel or rubble to facilitate drainage then cap off with dirt than sand on top two feet and you will have anice sand box for the kids(or neighborhood cats) LOL
P.S. the pool drain will not be sufficient as it is probably piped to a pump and will not let water drain by gravity

Answer 2

Don't give up on the pool just yet. There are reliable swimming pool companies out there! A good source of qualified pool repair companies can be found at the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals www.apsp.org. I would get the estimate for repair before you decide to fill in the pool. You may find that filling it in is almost as costly as fixing it.

Answer 3

You should check to see if you can fill it in first. Many municipalities require you to remove all the concrete and reinforcing bar before you can fill the hole. An alternative might be to use it as a "pond" for Koi and water lilies. Much of the mechanicals can be used for filtration, waterfalls and fountains. You can still take a dip with the fishes without getting chlorine in your eyes. And, you can turn it into a pool again if the urge moves you. RScott

Answer 4

You shouldn't have to do anything to prepare it for being filled unless you plan to use again in the future. Just start putting in the dirt.

Answer 5

Remove the top 2 to 3 feet of it so if anyone wants to plant a garden it wont hamper them or you if you still live there. It would be the same as removing the whole thing. what you remove you can use to fill it too so you dont have to haul it away.

Answer 6

Pick a day its not going to rain,get fill in dirt doesnt matter really whats in it they fill the top with concrete

Answer 7

be sure to put a few holes in the deep end or it will hold water in the future. then fill it in. i'd put rocks on the bottom kinda like a french drain so it don't block the drain holes you put in. be sure to keep the top 2 or 3 feet good soil for growing grass. in a few months you wont even know it was there. good luck to you.

Answer 8

if it's empty, just fill it with dirt....(make sure the equiptment is turned off and all the toys, slides, diving boards are gone...)