Pool Demolition and Removal

The cost of swimming pool removal depends on the size and depth of the pool, access to the property, the amount of concrete and decking to be removed, hauling requirements, availability of clean dirt for backfill, compaction testing, and the type of demolition being performed. Imperial Excavating provides free estimates so we can evaluate your pool and recommend the appropriate removal option for your property.  

With a complete pool removal, the entire swimming pool structure is demolished and removed before the area is backfilled and compacted. A pool fill-in involves removing portions of the pool and deck, placing the demolished material at the bottom of the pool, and then backfilling and compacting the area.

The major differences are what remains underground and how the area can be used in the future. With a pool fill-in, portions of the pool and demolished concrete remain buried, so minor settling may occur over time. The buried pool must also be disclosed when the property is sold, and structures cannot be built over the former pool area.

With a complete pool removal, no pool structure or concrete remains underground. With proper compaction testing and documentation, the area can be used for future construction, including structures, home additions, or even another swimming pool, subject to local building and permitting requirements.

Imperial Excavating can explain both options and help you determine which method is best based on how you plan to use your property in the future.

Every project is different, but many residential swimming pool demolition projects can be completed within several working days. The timeline depends on the size and construction of the pool, equipment access, demolition method, hauling, backfill, compaction, and permitting requirements. Imperial Excavating will review the project and expected timeline with you before work begins.  

Yes, swimming pool demolition and removal generally requires a permit. Requirements vary by city and the type of pool removal being performed and may include inspections, backfill requirements, and compaction testing. Imperial Excavating handles the permitting process for our customers, helping ensure the pool removal is completed according to local requirements. 

Yes. Imperial Excavating handles the entire permitting and inspection process for your pool removal project. We obtain the required permits, coordinate inspections, and make sure the work meets applicable city requirements. Our goal is to make the pool demolition process as simple and stress-free as possible for the homeowner. 

Imperial Excavating handles the pool removal process from permitting through final inspection. Once the permit is obtained, the pool is drained by either the homeowner or Imperial Excavating. We disconnect all pool related utilities, remove the pool fence when necessary, and take down an access wall if needed to bring equipment into the yard.

Demolition then begins and the concrete is broken up and removed as required for the selected type of pool removal. Dump trucks deliver the dirt needed for backfill, which is placed in the pool in stages. Water is applied during backfilling to help achieve proper compaction.

When required, a certified engineer performs compaction testing during the backfill process. The crew receives the compaction results immediately, allowing us to confirm that the required compaction has been achieved before the project is completed. The formal compaction certificate is typically provided approximately one to two weeks later.

Once the pool is completely filled, Imperial Excavating rough-grades the area to leave the yard level, completes the required final inspections, and replaces any access wall that was removed.

Final grading, drainage adjustments, and landscaping are not included. Homeowners should hire a landscaper to complete these improvements.

Proper compaction is an important part of both complete pool removals and pool fill-ins. Imperial Excavating places clean fill dirt into the pool in stages, using our excavator and skid steer to compact the material as the pool is filled. We use the homeowner’s water supply to apply water throughout the backfill process, which helps the soil achieve proper compaction.

With a pool fill-in, portions of the demolished concrete remain at the bottom of the pool, and because of the remaining concrete, some minor settling may occur over time.

Imperial Excavating uses clean fill dirt to backfill swimming pools. The material is delivered to the property by dump truck and placed in the pool in stages so it can be properly compacted. Using clean fill dirt and proper compaction methods helps create a stable, level area for the future use of the yard. 

Some cities require compaction testing for complete pool removals. Even when testing is not required, Imperial Excavating recommends having the soil tested by a certified engineer to document that proper compaction has been achieved.

A compaction report can be especially important if you want to build on the former pool area in the future. Without documentation showing that the area was properly compacted, you may be restricted from building certain structures over the former pool location.

When compaction testing is performed, the engineer provides the results to our crew during the backfill process so we can confirm the required compaction has been achieved before the job is completed. The homeowner typically receives the formal compaction certificate approximately one to two weeks later.

Potentially, yes. What can be built over a former swimming pool area depends on the type of pool removal performed, local building requirements, and whether proper compaction can be documented. If you think you may want to build a structure in the area in the future, Imperial Excavating recommends a complete pool removal with compaction testing by a certified engineer. Keeping the compaction documentation can be important when applying for future building permits. 

Once your pool is removed, the area can be transformed into usable yard space for landscaping, grass, artificial turf, a garden, play area, patio, or other outdoor improvements. If you plan to build a future structure in the former pool area, let Imperial Excavating know before demolition begins so the appropriate removal and compaction process can be discussed 

After the pool has been backfilled and compacted, Imperial Excavating rough-grades the former pool area. Our rough grading is intended to leave the area generally even after excavation and backfilling, but it is not a finished landscape grade and does not establish drainage or final elevations.

Homeowners should hire a landscaper or other appropriate contractor to complete final grading, establish proper drainage, and install landscaping, hardscape, artificial turf, or other improvements.

The cost to excavate a new swimming pool depends on several factors, including the size and depth of the pool, equipment access, and the size of equipment needed for the project. Additional features such as spas, water features, and negative edges also affect the excavation cost.

Pool excavation requires a clean dirt yard. If grass, landscaping, or other materials are present in the excavation area, they must be removed before the pool dig begins. Imperial Excavating can include this site preparation/pre-grade in your estimate.

Email your pool plans to contact@imperialexcavatingaz.com for a pool excavation estimate.

Abnormal soil conditions, including caliche and rock, are common in some areas of the Valley and require a hydraulic rock hammer and additional excavation time. In known hard-dig areas, Imperial Excavating performs a test hole before the pool excavation begins to help determine the soil conditions.

If abnormal soil, caliche, or rock is found, we will provide you with a quote for the additional hard-dig cost before proceeding with the pool excavation. 

A new pool excavation produces a large amount of dirt that must be hauled away from the property. Imperial Excavating loads the excavated dirt into dump trucks and hauls it away from the job site.

We charge dump fees because the dirt must be hauled and disposed of at a paid facility. If the customer provides a suitable free dump site within 3 miles of the job, no dump fees will be charged.

Pool excavation requires a clean dirt yard. Grass, landscaping, concrete, rock and other debris must be removed from the excavation area before the pool dig begins so these materials are not mixed with the clean excavated dirt. We can include this site preparation/pre-grade in your estimate.