How to Fill in a Swimming Pool in Phoenix

Be honest. When was the last time you swam in your pool? Between the costs of heating a pool during the chilly winter months and dealing with water evaporation during the hot Arizona summers, not to mention the maintenance costs, an inground pool may just be a luxury who’s time is over. 

You may be considering removing that inground pool taking up all that space in your backyard. You’d certainly have more yard space and fewer headaches, but how do you do it?

Why would you want to fill in a pool in Phoenix?

During the summer, a pool seems like a fantastic idea, especially in Phoenix, where we routinely see temperatures hit over 100 degrees. But the pros may outway the cons.

For example, think of the costs that come with that inground pool. You have to make sure your equipment is up to date and operational. You have to follow any codes with your drain covers and pool barriers. Not to mention, the costs of keeping that pool clean.

Then, water. Living in Phoenix, you know that you can expect the water in your pool to evaporate. The average pool can lose 2 to 4 inches of water each week. That’s roughly 25,000 to 50,000 gallons of water lost to evaporation each year! That’s a lot of water to pay for.

And then there is the liability issue. Removing a pool eliminates the potential safety hazards that come with owning a pool when you have young children. Not only that, your home owner’s insurance is probably higher, even if you install a fence around the pool’s perimeter and take other safety precautions.

For the sake of the environment and your pocketbook, you may be thinking about how to remove that pool.

How much does it cost to fill in a pool in Phoenix?

As with any large home improvement project, the price is determined by many factors -- the complexity of the job, the amount of time it will take, the size of the project, etc. In general, the average cost to remove and fill in an inground pool in Phoenix is between $3,500 to $15,000. That’s for a medium-sized pool with relatively easy access. The cost can easily rise to over $10,000 if you have a large pool with a deck that is difficult to access.

What are my options for filling in my pool in Phoenix?

You do have a couple of options when considering removing your pool in Phoenix. 

The most economical choice is filing the pool, which is considered a partial removal. The steps involved are:

1. Drain the pool.
2. Punch holes on the bottom to demolish the top layer of the pool.
3. Rubble is placed on the bottom.
4. The pool is filled in with additional dirt and topsoil and the soil is compacted.

There are pros and cons to this method. While it is the most affordable method of filing in your pool and the fastest (taking about 2-3 days), there are some drawbacks:

• You must disclose the filled-in pool to future buyers of the home.
• It may affect the value of your home.
• If it is not done property, you may encounter sinkage, swelling or lack of proper seepage.
• Most cities consider the filled-in pool area to be non-buildable. You would not be able to construct additions or dwellings in that area. You could, however, put in a shed, landscaping, trees, a concrete patio, etc.

While a partial removal of a pool is the most economical route, it may not be the best option for you. You may want to go ahead and completely demolish the pool you have. In that case, there are some additional steps taken:

1. Completely drain the pool.
2. All pool materials and concrete are broken up into manageable pieces and hauled away to a recycling center or landfill.
3. The hole is backfilled with soil or gravel.
4. The area is then compacted.

With a complete pool removal, you will still need to disclose the project to future homeowners, but it should have little effect on your home’s value. Also, since you have taken out all the old concrete, there is less of a chance of encountering seepage or sinkage later on down the line.

A complete pool removal is more expensive. In addition, as with a partial pool removal, most cities do not consider the area to be buildable. You could still install landscaping, trees, a shed, etc.

If you are considering removing your old pool -- whether it be a partial or complete removal -- consider the experts and Joe’s Bobcat Demolition. We have the experience and equipment to complete any demolition project in a professional manner. Call (602) 780-3343 today to schedule an appointment to discuss filling in your pool in Phoenix today.