Residential Pool Removal

Best Way to Remove a Vinyl Lined Inground Pool

When a backyard pool is outdated, older than 15 years, or in need of major repairs, you might choose to remove your inground pool instead of sinking more money into upkeep and maintenance. However, there are specific steps that need to be followed when removing a pool with a vinyl liner to ensure quality results and minimize the risk of complications in the future.

At first, the concept of removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool might seem simple. Is it possible to just fill in the pool with dirt to cover it up? The truth is that there are many essential tasks to remove the materials and bring in the right type of fill dirt to prevent sinking and instability down the road.

Consider hiring a professional pool removal company for assistance instead of risking the problems that often occur with DIY pool removal. Investing in an experienced contractor is the most important thing you can do when tearing out a backyard swimming pool. 

2 Options To Remove An Inground Pool

There are two possibilities for inground pool removal. It’s best to do the research and weigh the pros and cons to find out which method will work for your home. Your contractor will explain the differences between a partial pool removal vs. a complete pool removal. 

Partial Pool Removal

Partial pool removal might be recommended after the vinyl lining is removed if you have concrete walls behind the vinyl. This method is cheaper and faster compared to full pool removal. But there is one big disadvantage: you won’t have the option to build structures on the land in the future because of stability issues. 

With a partial pool removal, a portion of the side of the pool might be left in place. For example, the top of the walls needs to be removed, but the bottom sections can remain in place. Concrete that comes from the pool walls is placed in the bottom of the pool as fill materials. The contractor drills large holes in the bottom of the pool to enable proper draining. Then, the pool is backfilled and compacted, leaving some of the pool materials buried below.

Full Pool Removal

Another option is to break down and haul away all of the remaining materials from the inground pool. Nothing is left behind in the pool cavity with this method, except for fill dirt and topsoil. 

While full pool removal is more expensive compared to partial pool removal, it’s often a better option because you aren’t limiting possibilities for future construction on that part of the property. Full pool removal is often a recommendation for vinyl-lined swimming pools. Since these pools often have steel walls and other steel materials, it’s necessary to remove the steel before backfilling the swimming pool.

When you choose a complete pool removal, it means that everything goes: vinyl lining, fiberglass, steel, concrete, equipment, and more. We bring in heavy equipment to break up the pool walls and bottom, then haul everything away. Finally, the project is finished with backfilling and compaction to ensure balanced, even land in the future.

Regardless of the type of swimming pool removal that you choose, proper compaction and backfill are the most important details, so you don’t end up with a sinkhole in the future.

Overview: Removing a Vinyl lined Inground Pool

If you are ready to take out a swimming pool, talk to a knowledgeable contractor to learn more about this process. The specific services you need vary depending on the type of pool you have and where it is located.

Here is an overview of what typically happens when removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool:

• Estimate: Don’t hire a pool removal contractor without having an estimate on paper. This project can be costly, which is why you need full transparency about how much you will be paying for these services. Ask for a consultation and estimate to get personalized recommendations for your project.
• Access: First, the contractor needs access to the worksite. For example, it might be necessary to temporarily remove a section of your backyard fencing to bring in heavy equipment. Sometimes, removing landscaping features like shrubs might be required. Also, clear out any items that could get in the way, such as patio furniture.
• Utilities: Before the digging starts, the pool removal contractor needs to identify where the utility lines are located. Then, these utilities need to be disconnected before the project is underway.
• Water: Now it’s time to pump out the water. The contractor can’t start digging until all the water is removed from the pool.
• Vinyl Liner: When there is access to the vinyl liner, it’s time to cut this liner into chunks for removal. The vinyl liner is hauled away, to be disposed of properly at a nearby location.
• Steel Structure: Once the vinyl liner is out of the way, steel walls often need to be disassembled and removed. Alternatively, you might have composite, wood, or fiberglass under the vinyl liner.
• Concrete Decking: If there is concrete pool decking around the pool's edge, it’s common to break the concrete into pieces for fill. The concrete chunks are placed in the empty pool cavity, or the concrete might need to be hauled away.
• Fill Dirt: The next step is to add fill dirt in the pool cavity. Then, the topsoil is put on the highest layer. Heavy equipment is necessary to compact the soil and grade the area to ensure water drains away from houses and other structures. Talk to your contractor to determine if engineered structural backfilling is necessary for your yard.

Depending on your unique situation, there might be variances with each of these steps. A demolition contractor can offer specific information to ensure your project is completed successfully.

Call Trusted Pool Removal Contractors

If you need information about removing a vinyl-lined in-ground pool, then Mikula Contracting is the team to call. Contact us for more information about pool removal services. We are here to help!

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Pool Removal: What you Need to Know

You may think that a pool removal process is simple. You just drain the pool and fill it with dirt. Sounds easy enough, right? There are many factors to pool removal and in this blog we’ll answer some frequently asked questions. 

We can take a look at all of the options for pool removal, including the cost, the removal method, and potential problems that may come up with future buyers of your home. 

How much does it cost for pool removal? 

An average inground swimming pool removal can cost around $6,000-15,000. This depends on accessibility to the pool, the size, the material, the city permits, and the type of removal. 

There are a few different options for removing a pool. Because of this, costs can vary. In general, an inground swimming pool costs 3x more than removing an above ground pool. 

For an inground swimming pool, some people look into the costs of filling in a pool and find it to be much more affordable than a full swimming pool removal. There are positives and negatives to both options: 

Full Removal Pros 

If you want to have a yard that has no limitations and can be landscaped as if there was never a pool there at all, then a full pool removal may be the right option for you. 

• Pro: You can build and plant landscaping over the space. Have the freedom to make your backyard the oasis of your dreams. 
• Pro: Your home value will remain the same. You will not have to disclose to potential buyers that a pre-existing structure exists under the grass in the backyard. 

If a future owner wants to build a pool in the backyard, they would be able to do so with a full pool removal. A new owner doesn’t want limitations on what they can do in their own yard. 

Can you remove a pool yourself?

If you are tempted to tackle a pool removal project on your own, be sure you know what that means. Not only is it challenging to get there the right equipment for the job, but it is extremely dangerous to operate it.

1. Swimming pool demolition requires heavy machinery that you likely would need to rent. Because you’re not an expert, you can run into delays and problems that would increase the cost. And then you would be required to remove all the rubble.
2. Debris or junk removal after you demolish your pool is an enormous task on its own. If you rent a dumpster, you may run out of room or miss a deadline when the dumpster needs to be picked up. And if you haul away all the rubble, load by load, this process can be long without the proper equipment. 
3. You will need the right equipment to poke holes in the bottom of the pool to allow for proper drainage. An expert team will know exactly how large the holes need to be and have the equipment to make it happen. 
4. When it comes to filling in the hole with dirt to finish off the removal process, any dirt that is being offered for free is usually filled with garbage. Be choosy about the earth you select to fill in your hole. You want it to drain correctly and not compact too much. You want it to nourish the grass and plants that you lay on top. 

The pool removal process is not as easy as it may seem. It is always best to hire excavation contractors that have the correct equipment and safety procedures in place. 

Does removing a pool decrease home value?

When it comes to inground pool removal, full removal will not change the value of your home whatsoever. The new owners will be able to build a new pool in the same space if they so choose. When you select full pool removal, the yard is left as if there was never a pool there in the first place. 

What's the best season for pool removal?

Something you might want to consider is the time of year to remove your pool. Digging in the frozen ground can be a factor that may add extra cost. It is possible to remove the pool during any season, but you may want to wait until the ground isn’t frozen. 

• Spring: Once the ground has not been frozen for weeks, Spring opens up an excellent time for pool removal. Wait for a couple of weeks where the temperatures are above freezing during the day, and the sun is shining. Then you can get started on your pool removal. 

• Summer: Summer is a great time of year for pool removal. Most contractors are busy during the summer months, so schedule ahead of time for your pool removal project. Within a week, you can have your yard back to a blank slate, ready to implement and work on new ideas all Summer long. 

• Fall: A full inground pool removal can take about a week. As the days start getting cooler, jump on your chance to get your pool removal project in before the freeze begins. Having that project out of the way will set you up for some fun new projects to work on in your “new” backyard once Spring hits. 

• Winter: Surprisingly, winter is the best time for pool removals. When the ground is solid, there is less damage done to the property. 

It will be easier to dig when it’s not at the peak of the Winter. Then you can have your yard space back by the time the great weather hits in the Spring and Summer. Fall can also be a great time to remove your pool after you get in one last summer swim. 

Why would you want to remove your pool?

A common reason why people seek pool removal in NJ is that a pool is not accessible year-round. The cold winter months leave the pool dreary and empty. The cost to revive the pool and get it in working condition after a long winter can be overwhelming each year. Here is a list of why people may choose ground pool removal: 

• Pool Maintenance Cost: The cost of keeping up a pool can really add up quickly. There are chemicals to buy and a pump that works here and there. If you have a heated pool, the heating mechanism can often need repairing. You need a cover for the winter months. It all adds up and feels overwhelming. 

• Pool Maintenance Time: The amount of time you spend clearing out leaves and emptying your pool filters may be better spent elsewhere. If you find yourself wanting to have more enjoyment in your backyard with a hammock in the shady trees and an open grass area to play sports, then pool removal may be right for you. Your backyard is your domain, and you want it to serve you in the best way possible. 

• More Yard Space: You may find that your pool doesn’t get used all that often. The work of getting everyone in their swimming suits and the constant vigilance of the young children can be stressful. Maybe you want to send your kids out to play in the backyard without the worry of what might happen. A big, open area for football and frisbee can be appealing - or a space to put up a volleyball net. There are so many options for a big backyard that aren’t there if a pool is taking up most of the space. 

• Danger for Young Families: One big reason for pool removal is the danger that is posed for small children. Unfortunately, many accidents occur at homes each year, with toddlers finding their way out to the pool when adults are unaware. These tragic cases are enough for some families to eradicate the danger by choosing pool removal. 

• Better Landscaping: You have options for better landscaping when the pool isn’t taking up the bulk of your backyard. If you would like to put in blackberry bushes or a large shade tree, you have more freedom to do that. A walkway to a fire pit in the backyard and a vegetable garden where you grow your own food may be better suited to your personality.  

• Home-Buying Appeal for People Not Interested in Pools: Some potential buyers are not interested in buying a home with a pool. Whether they have young children or are an older couple without kids and not interested in swimming, your home can be a clean slate for all families. If you have a swimming pool, potential buyers may quickly throw the house into their “no” pile. After embarking on full pool removal, your home will no longer have a deal-breaker for those types of buyers. 

If you are bogged down with the task of maintaining your pool that barely gets used, then it will grow tiresome over time. Maybe you were sure you’d be back there swimming every day, and it just didn’t work out that way. And now there is bacteria growing and concrete cracking, and the work outweighs the benefits of owning a pool. 

Your Pool Removal Contractor in NJ

Deciding on pool removal can require a lot of back and forth. If you choose it is ultimately the right choice for your home, you can ease a lot of your worry by choosing the right excavation team. Our team of experts at Mikula Contracting is experienced in pool removals of all types. You don’t have to worry about inexperienced setbacks or hidden costs when you use our services. 

If you have a pool removal project, contact Mikula Contracting to get the job done. It can be a big undertaking, but if your pool is old and stagnant and taking up space in your yard, it’s time to do something about that. Make an appointment today to get an estimate on your pool removal plan. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Homeowner's Guide to Pool Removal Costs

A backyard swimming pool can be a nice feature to enjoy in the hot summer months, but some homeowners find it a burden to keep up with maintenance and repair. Is the ongoing work and upkeep worth the benefit of having a private pool? Eventually, wear and tear take a toll, resulting in a situation where you might be evaluating pool removal costs.

Swimming pool demolition requires professional services because of the heavy equipment that is needed. Plus, you will need to backfill the space once the pool is gone. Each project is unique, which is why it’s smart to talk to demolition contractors to learn more about your options. Our professional team offers everything from partial removal to full-service pool removal.

When you choose the right team, you can have confidence knowing that you are paying a fair price for pool removal costs. Plus, it’s essential to ensure that your contractor is experienced in this type of project. We’ll bring the equipment and manpower needed to tear out the pool and prepare the yard for your next landscaping project.

Pool Removal Costs to Consider

Inground pool removal prices vary depending on specific factors that are considered by your contractor. When you contact our team for assistance, these are some of the details that could impact pool removal costs:

• Type of Pool: Pool removal costs vary depending on the kind of pool on your property. For example, it is typically more expensive to remove an in-ground pool than the costs of an above-ground removal.

• Pool Size: How big is your swimming pool? The removal cost is more expensive for larger pools. The price to fill goes up because it’s necessary to bring in more gravel and dirt to fill in the holes. Plus, we’ll have more materials that need to be hauled away, such as concrete, rebar, and more.

• Method of Pool Removal: What is the process you’d like to use? Pool removal costs are more expensive for full removal. If you are looking for a way to save money, then consider a partial removal instead.

• Access to the Pool: We’ll need to bring in heavy equipment to get to the pool site. The access can increase the costs if we are navigating between existing buildings. Also, access impacts the type of equipment we can bring for the project. 

• Other Yard Features: It’s vital that you talk to us about other features in the yard that need to be avoided. For example, if you have septic tanks, then we’ll use caution where we are digging and driving the heavy equipment.

Why Remove a Swimming Pool?

Why would you incur these pool removal costs? Here are the main motivations homeowners have to get rid of a backyard pool:

• Maintenance Costs: How much money do you spend each year on swimming pool maintenance? It’s convenient to have a private pool, but it comes at a cost. When the pool starts getting old and rundown, then these maintenance costs go up. Paying for pool removal costs is an initial investment, but you will save a lot of money in the future since you’ll no longer have maintenance expenses.
• Children’s Safety: When children are living in the house, having a swimming pool can be a source of stress. Do you always feel worried about the child’s safety? Then it might be time to remove the pool to avoid an accident in the yard.
• Selling a Home: While some home buyers like the idea of a swimming pool, there are many people who prefer a property without a pool. Removing the pool could be a selling point in the future when you decide to move to another home.
• Liabilities: Having a pool on your property can post certain liabilities and hazards. If you are worried about taking responsibility if an accident occurs, then you might choose to remove the pool. 
• Other Landscaping: If the swimming pool is taking up too much space in your yard, then it can be nice to open up your possibilities for landscaping. Instead of the yard focus on the pool, you might choose to install other features such as a gazebo, open grass space, or a patio and fireplace. 

While pool removal costs can bring about many benefits, there are some notable drawbacks to this project as well. The most significant con of tearing out the swimming pool is that you no longer have a private place to swim.

Do you find that swimming with friends and family is a highlight of your summer activities? Then, it might not make sense to tear out the pool. Consider how long you plan to stay in the house and how much you will be using the swimming pool in future years. Then, you can decide if the maintenance costs and upkeep are worth the expense of keeping the pool. 

Complete Pool Removal Costs

Does it make sense to hire a contractor for complete pool removal costs? Your demolition company can help with every detail required to finish the project quickly and efficiently. This project usually includes the removal of all materials, including fiberglass, liner, concrete, rebar, etc. We pull out the materials and haul everything away to remove them from your property.

Once the hole is cleared, then it needs to be refilled. We’ll place gravel and soil and compact everything down. The top layer uses topsoil so the area can be landscaped as you desire.

Here is an overview of the pros and cons you can expect if you choose removal services for a fiberglass pool or any other type of pool:

Pros

• Property Value: When selling the home, it’s necessary to disclose that a pool was on the property and has been removed. Partial removal can reduce the value of the house because of the materials left behind in the ground. On the other hand, full pool removal costs can be worth the investment when you consider the higher property value available. Most of the time, full pool removal will have little or no effect on the value of your home. So, you can maximize the selling price when you are ready to move.
• Sinkage and Seepage: Getting rid of the concrete and other materials is a smart step to reduce the risk of seepage and sinkage in the future. With the right backfilling techniques, it’s possible to eliminate these risks altogether.

Cons

• Non-Buildable Area: Even though you invested in the pool removal costs to get rid of the concrete and other materials, it’s common for cities to consider that part of the property unbuildable. This issue is the same for partial removal and full pool removal.
• Overall Cost: Compare the pricing for partial and full pool removal costs, and you’ll find that this service is more expensive than partial removal. Complete removal requires more heavy equipment, labor, and the cost of hauling away the materials.

Removing an Above Ground Pool

What does it take if you want to remove a pool that is above ground? There are a variety of above-ground pools, so this process depends on the type of pool in your yard. Typically, above-ground pool removal is much easier than removing an in-ground pool. As a result, the pool removal costs are lower.

Even though it’s easier to remove an above ground pool, it’s still recommended that you hire an experienced contractor to assist with the project. Specific details need to be addressed, such as safely draining the pool, tearing down the materials, and hauling away the debris. Finally, the pool site needs to be repaired so you can use the area for new landscaping.

Pros

• Landscaping Options: An above-ground pool can take a lot of space in the yard. Getting rid of this pool will free up the area, so you can add new features, such as open grass or a new patio.
• Maintenance: Some people find that the maintenance costs are too high with above ground pools. You can get rid of this expense by investing in pool removal costs to take the pool away from your yard.

Cons

• Family Activities: As with other types of pool removal, getting rid of the swimming pool could reduce your options for family activities in the summer months.
• Labor Intensive: It takes a lot of work to dismantle the pool and haul away the materials to the dump. Talk to a pool removal contractor to learn more about the pool removal costs for your project.

Your Local Pool Removal Contractor in New Jersey

Are you considering pool removal? These pros and cons can help you evaluate your options and determine if these services are right for you. Pool removal costs can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 if the pool is easy to access and an average size. Difficult access and complications can increase the price.

Call our experienced team for assistance! At Mikula Contracting, we offer full-service solutions, including full and partial pool removal. Please schedule a consultation so we can discuss available services. We’re happy to put together an estimate so you can get more information about pool removal costs. Call today, and we’ll help you with full pool removal and excavation services.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Is a Pool Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Pool Ownership

Is a pool worth it? If you’re an inground swimming pool owner, it’s likely this question has popped in your head at some point. Sure, there are perks to having a pool in your backyard, but there are also some drawbacks you might not have thought about when having it installed. 

We’re going to go through some of the major pros and cons to having a pool in your backyard so you can decide if a pool is right for you. If you currently own an inground swimming pool and are deciding as to whether or not it is worth it, this blog should help you make a final decision as to whether you want to keep it, or if you should schedule a pool removal!

Pros

Relaxation

One of the most undeniable perks of having an inground swimming pool is how relaxing it is. After a long or stressful day, there’s nothing quite like taking a nice, long, relaxing dip in your own pool. 

Entertainment

If you host many barbeques and parties throughout the year, your swimming pool is most likely a big hit with your guests. In fact, a pool can easily make a home the go-to pool party house. 

If you love entertaining, then this is the perfect reason to consider having a swimming pool installed. However, on the flip side, if you’re not a fan of hosting parties and barbeques, you might want to think twice about a new swimming pool.

Exercise

Swimming is one of the best full body exercises one can do. Working out your upper body, lower body, and core, getting into a pool really is an all encompassing workout. If you install a pool into your backyard, you can cancel your gym membership and exercise from the comfort of your own backyard’s pool.

Private

Everybody likes some level of exclusivity. It doesn’t get more exclusive than having your own private pool. If you’ve ever visited a public pool on a hot summer day, you know just how cramped and overcrowded they can become, not to mention the noise levels. If you choose to make your next home improvement project the installation of a pool, you’ll never have to go to your local public pool; you’ll have your own!

Increase Property Resale Value

The addition of an inground pool can improve your property value. If you’re planning to sell your home, a swimming pool is an actionable way to make your home seem more appealing to potential buyers. The great part about this is that, when you’re waiting to sell your home, you’ll have unrestricted access to the pool!

Cons

Having a pool installed into your home’s backyard might seem like the perfect home improvement project. However, there are some negative aspects of pool ownership that you should certainly consider before you finalize any pool installation plans. 

Maintenance

One element of pool ownership that many people initially overlook is the need to constantly be maintaining the pool. It is not something you can have installed and simply tend to it when you feel like doing so. 

Between testing the water, adding chlorine and algaecide, shocking the pool, regularly removing debris, and cleaning the filters, there are a lot of specific tasks that must be completed regularly. 

These maintenance costs can quickly add up, so you’ll need to consider the additional funds, as well as time, you’ll need to dedicate to pool maintenance before deciding it’s time for a pool to be installed.

Danger with Children

Pools can be a safety risk, especially when there are young children in the home. You can, and should, think about installing a fence around the pool’s perimeter. Even with a fence installed, you still might find yourself worrying every time you send your kids to play in the backyard. 

Too Busy to Use It

A common complaint from pool owners is that they don’t have enough time to properly enjoy their backyard’s best addition. Between work, family, friends, and regular errands, sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to utilize your pool. 

Depending on your schedule you might realize that, between your career and social responsibilities, you will not be able to spend enough time in the pool for it to be a worthwhile investment. There are few things more disheartening than dedicating all this money on having a pool installed, only to discover after the fact that you will not have the time to use it. Avoid this dilemma by determining whether or not you have enough time to utilize your pool before finalizing any installation plans. 

Increased Insurance

Another element of pool ownership that oftentimes gets overlooked is the insurance associated with it. Many people simply don’t think about their homeowners insurance when planning out there pool and are bombarded by their increased rates once the pool is installed. 

Depending on your home’s geographic location and the type of pool you’re having installed, your insurance could increase quite dramatically with a pool. You should not only consider this, but speak with a representative from your insurance company, before finalizing your pool plans. 

As this post clearly demonstrates, there are many pros and cons of pool ownership. We recommend that you use this blog post as a discussion starter. Sit down with the people in your household and go through each pro and con, so that you can all decide whether a pool will be worth the investment. 

At Mikula Contracting, Inc. we can not only excavate your property to install a new swimming pool, but if you decide that your pool was not a good decision, we can gladly remove it. With over 70 years of industry experience, we have the expertise to complete your job on time and on budget. If you’d like to learn more about how the team at Mikula Contracting, Inc. can help with your pool installation or removal, reach out to us today!

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Looking to Replace Your In Ground Pool?

Options for what can take its place

There are basically two types of people in the world: those who have always wanted an in ground swimming pool but never got it and those that have one and want to get rid of it. If you are in the latter category, you may be wondering what you will put in its place after the in ground pool is gone.

People who wish for a pool can’t understand why anyone would ever discard one. The truth is that there are a multitude of reasons why you may want to replace your in ground pool. However, before you make a final decision, you may want to figure out what you can do with a giant, gaping hole in your yard first.

Why you may want to get rid of your in ground swimming pool

Dangerous for children

If you have young children, an in ground swimming pool can be akin to a death trap. Even if you have a gate surrounding it with locks, children are quite resourceful so it’s never a sure bet that they can’t get in. Additionally, tragic accidents can happen whether your children can swim or not.

Extra yard space

Sometimes, you may have other plans for your yard space. Perhaps you have pets that you want to run free or creative landscaping ideas that don’t include an in ground pool.

You never wanted one in the first place

Purchasing a home is a major investment and commitment. It’s common to find a house that is perfect except for one or two factors. One of these might be an in ground pool that you want to dispose of.

Upkeep is too expensive

You can’t install an in ground pool and then just leave it. It must be maintained and sometimes repaired. In addition, having an in ground pool requires chemicals, cleaning, and opening and closing in winter and summer. There is also the added expense of high water and electric bills. The costs can quickly add up and lead to frustration, especially when you consider all the other things you could be doing with that money.

You’ve simply outgrown it

Perhaps you installed an in ground pool when your children were young and now they’ve grown up and moved away. Maybe you just don’t have time to use it anymore. Lifestyles change and interests often shift and one of those might be your desire for an in ground pool.

It’s in disrepair

If you have an in ground pool that simply doesn’t work (and it would be too expensive to fix), replacing it is definitely in order. Before you begin, it’s important to have a plan for what’s next.

You’re not using it

At first glance, having an in ground pool may have seemed like the ideal way to spend relaxing family time. Then, reality sets in and you discover that, due to weather and time constraints, you are not using it as much as you though you would. If that’s the case, the in ground pool is just wasting space.

To sell your home

In many areas, it’s actually harder to sell a home with an in ground pool. Potential buyers may not want to assume the responsibility and risk that comes with such a substantial backyard fixture. As a result, they will decide to purchase elsewhere. It’s important to note that even if you do replace your in ground pool before putting your home on the market, you should still disclose its former presence.

What can you put in place of an in ground swimming pool?

Fire pit – this is a popular, charming feature that can really set your backyard apart from all the rest. It’s wonderful for gathering friends and family on either cool autumn evenings or beautiful summer afternoons.

Patio – the area from an in ground pool can be covered up and turned into a deck or patio. This is a great solution for some homeowners because you don’t have to worry about seeing the evidence of a former pool. The wood or cement will just cover it up. It also eliminates the need for complete removal of the pool. However, you may need to install pumps to prevent standing water from building up underneath.

Pond – there are many options if you want to turn your in ground pool into a pond. You can create a koi pond or one for other wildlife like fish, turtles and frogs. This typically involves different equipment, filling the bottom with gravel or installing a new liner. In the end, however, you will have a beautiful, unique backyard that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Garden bed—the space from an in ground pool can be ideal for a flower garden or a fruit and vegetable bed. The area probably already gets plenty of sunshine. You can even be adventurous by covering the spot and making a greenhouse.

Dance pavilion – like to entertain? You can turn that old in ground swimming pool area into a place where guests can dance. Add some cool lights and a space for a band or DJ and your visitors won’t want to leave.

Nothing – you may choose to simply fill in the hole left over from an in ground swimming pool. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as it sounds. You must completely tear down the structure, find a way to dispose of the debris and get enough dirt to fill the hole. This is a task best left to professionals.

How to replace an in ground pool

• Depending on what you are putting in its place, you may have to dig holes to allow for drainage. Just backfilling the space is not enough. You must have a plan for the water. Otherwise, the area will become a muddy, unstable mess.
• Soil must be compacted to keep the area from sinking.
• Remove the decking and top few feet of the in ground pool to eliminate all traces of the pool.
• Do your homework to find out if any special permits or permissions are needed. Some areas have rules about how much of your in ground pool can be left in the ground.
• Hire only expert contractors. Replacing an in ground pool may seem like an easy DIY project but in actuality it can become a complicated, time consuming venture.

Excavation projects take experience and training. Mikula Contracting handles foundation and construction excavation as well as pool removal and trench excavation. You can trust us for all your excavation needs. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote.

by djm