MackLand’s Swimming Pool Removal Guide

SWIMMING POOL REMOVAL & DEMOLITION

A swimming pool in disrepair can be a serious burden, until now! No question about it, the cost of swimming pool removal is less than to repair and maintain it. The costs associated with pools are only getting more expensive. MackLand, LLC, landscape architects and contractors, are the premier swimming pool removal specialists. We have developed a streamlined, low impact, efficient and professional process to remove swimming pools and restore the area at an affordable price. Check out our pool removal guide below for more information. Or give us a call to discuss your project.

SERVICE AREA

A swimming pool in disrepair can be a serious burden. Until now! No question about it, it is cheaper to remove a swimming pool than to continually repair and maintain it. The costs associated with
owning and maintaining a pool are increasing. MackLand, LLC is the premier pool removal contractor. MackLand has developed a streamlined, low impact, efficient and professional swimming pool removal process for an affordable price.

• Northern IL – Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs
• Southern WI – Kenosha to Milwaukee
• Central CO – Denver Metro and surrounding areas

REASONS TO REMOVE YOUR POOL

Water Injuries Fact Sheet

WE ARE THE PREMIER POOL REMOVAL CONTRACTOR

Tired of fixing that old pool? You might be surprised that removing your pool may add value to your property and save you a lot of money. MackLand, LLC is an expert in affordable pool demolition and landscape restoration projects. We are committed to finding swimming pool removal solutions that minimize damage to the surrounding landscape and paved surfaces. We minimize our impact by protecting sensitive areas and use low impact equipment. Give us a call today for a quote.

Be Aware and Compare

LOW IMPACT EQUIPMENT

MACKLAND, LLC USES A VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT
With are focus on low impact demolition, we prefer to use lighter, yet powerful equipment to accomplish our removals. These are just some of the machines we use on the various types of swimming pool removal that we regularly perform.

Swimming Pool Removal

Bobcat E35 Compact Excavator
We use this versatile excavator for most jobs to keep the impact low to the areas
surrounding demolition site. With our experienced Operators it’s capabilities are
endless.
Specs: 6 ft2 Weight: 8,000 lbs

swimming pool removal

Caterpillar 295D
Versatile, compact, and quiet. Used for moving fill dirt and multiple other applications.
Specs: 5.75 x 11.4 ft Weight: 8,987 lbs

swimming pool removal

John Deere – 6 Wheel Gator
This six-wheeler allows us to bring in all our tools and supplies in and out as needed with minimal impact to the srounding property.

TYPES OF SWIMMING POOL REMOVALS

Full In-Ground Pool Removal
Pool is completely demolished and removed offsite and the area is restored to lawn. For home owners that may have plans for a home addition or garage in the same area as the pool. No concrete will remain onsite.

Low Impact Swimming Pool Removal

All plastics and metals associated with the pool get hauled away and recycled. All concrete associated with the pool is completely demolished and processed into 8” fracture concrete gravel similar to PGE and used as
fill. Pool area is restored to lawn. This method is lower impact and more cost effective because less has to be hauled in and out to fill in the pool.

Basic Swimming Pool Removal

Bottom of pool is perforated with holes for water to drain and sides of the pool are removed 24” below final grade. Pool area is restored to lawn.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Removal

Pool will be completely disassembled, hauled away and area will be Restored to lawn.

TYPICAL SCOPE OF SERVICE FOR MOST POOL REMOVALS

• Obtain all permits, provide drawings as needed, and pay all permit fees
• Call in a Utility Locate
• Pump out pool water
• Protect trees as needed
• Remove and reinstall fence for access
• Saw cut pool deck away from any concrete to remain
• Disconnect electric associated with the pool at main circuit breaker in house
• Disconnect gas line – typically capped at gas meter
• Demolish/remove swimming pool
• Import and compact clay fill material
• Import and distribute 6” of top soil over the entire disturbed area
• Seed and install erosion control blanket
• Repair irrigation as needed

OUR PROCESS

The process starts with two on staff landscape architects that work through all the various facets of your pool removal project such as: obtaining the permits, tree removals, irrigation conflicts, and can design build your
future patio or landscape your entire back yard.

Our process goes above and beyond the typical village, city or county codes for pool removals. Most pool removal codes just require the bottom of the pool be perforated and the sides of the pool be removed 24” below grade, what we call a basic pool removal. MackLand, LLC has developed the low impact method to complete pool removals in a safe and timely minor while reducing impact to your property.

The one thing that is significant about our pool removal process is that we are processing all concrete associated with the pool into a structural fill material classified as PGE, 8” minus recycled fractured concrete
gravel with fines. This material is often used for sub base under public roads. Because we process the concrete associated with the pool into fill material, also called our low impact method, it reduces heavy truck loads of
concrete out and then heavy truck loads of fill back in reducing trauma to your property and public roads.

The right equipment and the right size equipment is extremely important. Mack prefers to use two rubber tracked backhoe excavators that have an operating weight of around 12,000 lbs to complete the pool demolition work. Using a backhoe is key to completing the project safely and quickly. A skid steer/Bobcat can easily get stuck in the deep end of the pool or get damaged while removing the pool side walls because the machine does not have the reach to keep a safe distance. Most under qualified contractors will use a skid steer and say they have done it before but they will be risking their safety, and may struggle and cause unnecessary damage to their machine. There are also a lot of other contractors, like excavation contractors, that will give you a great price but will come with a 26,000 lb machine with steel tracks and cause unnecessarily trauma to your property and not worry about it because it is not their job to restore your yard.

Having the right equipment and the having the right approach are key to the success of the project.

Average Cost

GOOD ACCESS (10’ WIDTH)LIMITED (6’ WIDTH)POOR ACCESS
Full Pool Removal$10 – 14K$12 – 16K$20K and up
Low Impact Pool Removal$7.5 – 10K$10 – 14K$15K and up
Basic Pool Removal$6.5 – 9K$7 – 12K$12K and up
Above Ground Pool Removal$1.5 – 3K$2 – 4K$4 – 6K

Comparing apples to apples is just about impossible. In most cases we provide a scope of services that you would have to go multiple contractors to get the same scope of work completed. This is something anyone
can do, but to do it correctly in a timely manner you need to have the right equipment and experience. Anyone can fill in hole, but the difference is the in the possibility of settling and impact/trauma to your property by the
equipment being used. An excavation company may be cheaper, but they are not going to restore damage to your yard and will likely want to use over kill equipment causing unnecessary trauma to your property. Other
landscape companies do not have the equipment or demolition knowledge to complete the project in safe timely manner without future issues.

MACKLAND LOW IMPACT POOL REMOVAL METHOD ADVANTAGES

  • Mack operates in a timely safe professional manner and is also a landscape design build contractor.
  • Mack is a one stop swimming pool removal shop helping to restore your back yard to an aesthetically pleasing usable space.
  • We mitigate the impact this process has on your property.
  • Mack will respect your trees and other plants.
  • By using the concrete as fill, we reduce heavy truck loads of concrete out and back in with fill dirt.
  • The processed fill concrete, PGE – 10” recycled fractured concrete gravel with fines, acts like a stable drainage layer improving water infiltration in the area.
  • Because the pool concrete is processes in to PGE, it can be easily removed as needed for future addition.

MACKLAND – SAFETY, PRIORITY NUMBER ONE

We pride ourselves with keeping a safe and secure job site at all times.
• Our concrete cutting is always done by wet cutting, which eliminates flying debris and dust.
• Safety gear worn by all MackLand employees while on site.
• Safety Fence, to keep people out of the job site and safe from harm.
• Road-side traffic control, eliminates any risk of accidents while moving machinery or fill dirt to and from the job site to the street.

COMMON MISTAKES IN POOL REMOVALS

• The biggest mistake is hiring a company that is not qualified or trying to attempt it yourself.
• It is very possible to create unforeseen problems in future by leaving any part of the pool intact.
• It extremely easy to have an inexperienced machine operator fall in the pool with their machine and get hurt if they do not respect the danger.
• Contractors or home owners without experience demolishing vertical walls will likely damage the equipment they are using or get hurt.
• A bobcat or a skid steer is not a good machine to demolish a pool with.
• Some contractors try and use over kill equipment causing unnecessary impact your property and roads.
• Hiring someone that will take forever to complete the project.
• Having the wrong strategy to complete the project.
• Choosing the wrong access route that will cause unnecessary impact to property.
• Accessing pool area without protecting or avoiding sensitive trees.
• Using sod instead of seed.

LOW IMPACT PARTIAL POOL REMOVAL

When MackLand LLC removes your pool, we bring the ground back to its native condition. We break up the pool bottom for proper drainage and compaction. This process ensures for zero settling issues and various
other problems that can occur if the removals aren’t preformed in this manner. We strongly suggest that you remove the entire pool for the best possible ground conditions. As you can see our competitors don’t stack up
with MackLand.

swimming pool removal
swimming pool removal

FILL MATERIAL

MackLand, LLC uses local fill dirt from residential projects only in compliance with all IL, WI, CO, and Federal EPA Codes. Mack also inspects and rejects loads of dirt that are not suitable. We make sure you are getting
local, uncontaminated fill dirt that has the right soil structure to reduce settling issues.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Settling is the most common question asked. To date MackLand, LLC has never had an issue with settling on a pool removal. Why? Because we fill in thin even layers and compact it evenly as we fill the pool in.

How long will it take?
Most in ground pool removals are completed in 3-7 days. Above ground pool removals are completed in one day.

Who gets the permits?
MackLand, LLC will obtain all permits and provide drawings as needed as part of our services.

How do we get started?
MackLand, LLC will start the permit process with a signed contract and a copy of your plat of survey.

What is PGE?
PGE is a regional classification of coarse gravel. PGE is 6-10” minus recycled fractured concrete gravel with fines suitable for use as sub base for roads or for general structural fill. MackLand, LLC will process all concrete
associated with the pool into PGE and use it as fill material.

What is better sod or seed?
Seed is by far the best way to go. Grass grown from seed will develop a more drought tolerant root system and blend into your existing lawn better. Also with sod it very possible to get grubs and other pests from the
sod farm.

When do you need the project deposit?
MackLand, LLC prefers to pick up the deposit check in person after the permits are approved. Mack will deliver the permits and pick up the deposit check at that time. The remaining balance is due on completion.

POOL REMOVAL SPECIFICATIONS

Full Swimming Pool Removal Specification (All concrete to be hauled off site)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
  3. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  4. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  5. Demolish and haul off concrete pool bottom
  6. Demolish pool sides and haul off all concrete
  7. Demolish pool deck and haul off all concrete
  8. Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
  9. Import pulverized topsoil as needed
  10. Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
  11. Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
  12. Remove plywood and/or wood chips along access path

NOTE:
ALL DEMOLISHED POOL CONCRETE WILL BE HAULED AND DISPOSED OF OFFSITE. ALL PLASTICS, FIBERGLASS AND METAL WILL BE REMOVED OFF SITE AND RECYCLED.

Low Impact Concrete Pool Removal Specification (Concrete to remain on site)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
  3. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  4. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  5. Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  6. Break up pool sides and pulverize pool sides into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  7. Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  8. Compact all fractured concrete in layers
  9. Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
  10. Import pulverized topsoil as needed
  11. Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
  12. Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
  13. Remove plywood and/or wood chips along access path

NOTE:
ALL DEMOLISHED POOL CONCRETE WILL BE PROCESSED INTO PGE LIKE MATERIAL TO BE USED AS STRUCTURAL FILL. ALL PLASTICS, FIBERGLASS AND METAL WILL BE REMOVED OFF SITE AND RECYCLED.

Basic Pool Removal (Floor is perforated and sides are removed 24” below grade)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
  3. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  4. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  5. Break up pool bottom/floor for drainage
  6. Remove sides of pool a minimum of 24” below final grade
  7. Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  8. Compact all fractured concrete in layers
  9. Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
  10. Import pulverized topsoil as needed
  11. Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
  12. Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
  13. Remove plywood and/or wood chips along access path

NOTE:
ALL PLASTICS, FIBERGLASS AND METAL WILL BE REMOVED OFF SITE AND RECYCLED.

Basic In-Door Swimming Pool Removal (Floor is perforated)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Seal off all openings and provide dust control
  3. Create access – typically remove sliding glass doors
  4. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  5. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  6. Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
  7. Break up pool bottom to provide drainage
  8. Remove pool walls a minimum of 18” below grade or entirely if fiberglass or steel walls and dispose offsite
  9. Import structural fill materials and compact in layers
  10. Prep for new concrete floor

Basic Above Ground Pool Removal

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  3. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  4. Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
  5. Disassemble pool and recycle all materials
  6. Import topsoil
  7. Seed and blanked disturbed area

NOTE:
ALL PLASTICS, FIBERGLASS AND METAL WILL BE REMOVED OFF SITE AND RECYCLED.

Basic Liner/Fiberglass Pool Removal (Floor is perforated)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
  3. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  4. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  5. Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
  6. Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” recycled fractured concrete fill
  7. Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  8. Compact all fractured concrete in layers
  9. Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
  10. Import pulverized topsoil as needed
  11. Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
  12. Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)

Low Impact Liner/Fiberglass Pool Removal Specification (Concrete to remain on site)

  1. Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
  2. Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
  3. Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
  4. Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
  5. Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” recycled fractured concrete fill
  6. Remove and dispose of pool liner
  7. Remove fiberglass pool sides and dispose offsite
  8. Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
  9. Compact all fractured concrete in layers
  10. Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
  11. Import pulverized topsoil as needed
  12. Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
  13. Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
  14. Remove plywood and/or wood chips along access path

NOTE:
ALL DEMOLISHED POOL CONCRETE WILL BE PROCESSED INTO PGE LIKE MATERIAL TO BE USED AS STRUCTURAL FILL. ALL PLASTICS, FIBERGLASS AND METAL WILL BE REMOVED OFF SITE AND RECYCLED.

Defining the Role of a Landscape Architect

And how it may apply to your project.

Every landscape architect will have their own unique description of what they do. From historical preservation, to golf course design, commercial projects, residential, and property management, landscape architects are involved. The field of landscape architecture overlaps many studies including ecology, engineering, architecture, sociology, horticulture, soil sciences, graphic communication and art, to name a few. Fredrick Law Olmstead is considered the father of American landscape architecture and pioneered the field in the late nineteenth century.

One of Fredrick Law Olmstead greatest works was Central Park in New York City. At 840 acres, Central Park is a true oasis in the middle of the city, a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trees provide shade from the sun on hot summer days. The pathways meander through scenic landscapes and frames views that inspire. This is a timeless masterpiece that keeps reinventing itself. Even though parts of the park were closed due to the pandemic, users were still able to walk through the park and experience the positive effect of nature.

Aerial view of Central Park lake in autumn.

Definition of a Landscape Architect:

From the ASLA: Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management, and nurturing of the built and natural environments. With their unique skill set, landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities. They plan and design parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas, residences, and other projects that strengthen communities. 

Illinois Title Law: Landscape architects are responsible for arranging outdoor spaces and objects to create a safe, efficient, healthful and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Colorado Code of Regulations: Landscape architects lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, safe, and resilient environments.

The role of a landscape architect is to know what professional to turn to solve a complex problem in the landscape, knowing when to consult a civil engineer or architect. The difference between an engineered solution and one by a landscape architect – an engineered solution will be more of a mathematical, efficient solution, where the landscape architecture solution takes more of the character of the site as a whole into consideration. 

Landscape architects are not substitutes for engineers, architects, and other scientists, but there is some overlap in the tasks a landscape architect performs, such as preparation of grading plans, design of decks, outdoor structures, and retaining walls. The landscape architects at MackLand focus on commercial landscape design plans.

Different states have different laws governing what landscape architects can do.  One of the biggest challenges that one faces after going through the rigorous process of an accredited landscape architecture program and the following testing for licensure, is others claiming to be able to do the same without the same credentials. 

Bethesda Terrace in Central Park.

Every landscape architect tends to develop their own niche in the field. Here at MackLand, we are swimming pool specialists. We remove old pools and install new ones.  When we remove swimming pools, we make a great effort to restore the yard as much as possible to how it was prior to the pool.  Taking into consideration character, grading, and soil profiles so that when we are completed with our project, you can not tell there was a pool there. 

As a commitment to the sustainability of the swimming pool industry, we recommend hauling all of the old pool offsite. This is to make the area where the pool was as usable as possible. You never know when a future resident may want to put a pool back in.

During a pool removal, a lot of landscape problems can come up.  Such as what to do next, figuring out hardscape issues, designing of a new patio and planting, and in general, how to utilize the new space. 

When we install swimming pools, we design custom pools and hardscape to meet the needs of our clients with functional space, adding value and character to the area.  Creating a backyard oasis that adds long lasting value to the property.  One of our biggest assets is that our pool removal business has given us a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t. 

If you are looking for a landscape architect to help you with your next project, give us a call. We would love to work with you.

How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Swimming Pool

AVERAGE COST OF REMOVING A POOL WITH RESTORATION

 GOOD ACCESS (10’ WIDTH)LIMITED (6’ WIDTH)POOR ACCESS
Full Pool Removal$10 – 14K$12 – 16K$20K and up
Low Impact Pool Removal$7.5 – 10K$10 – 14K$15K and up
Basic Pool Removal$6.5 – 9K$7 – 12K$12K and up
Above Ground Pool Removal$1.5 – 3K$2 – 4K$4 – 6K

Note: Many other contractors do not properly restore the access path and pool area to a professional level. Don’t be fooled by lower prices that don’t include professional restoration.

COMPARING PRICES

Comparing apples to apples is just about impossible. In most cases we provide a scope of services that you would have to go multiple contractors to get the same scope of work completed. This is something anyone can do, but to do it correctly in a timely manner you need to have the right equipment and experience. Anyone can fill in hole, but the difference is the in the possibility of settling and impact/trauma to your property by the equipment being used. An excavation company may be cheaper, but they are not going to restore damage to your yard and will likely want to use over kill equipment causing unnecessary trauma to your property. Other landscape companies do not have the equipment or demolition knowledge to complete the project in safe timely manner without future issues.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Settling is the most common question asked. To date MackLand, LLC has never had an issue with settling on a pool removal. Why? Because we fill in thin even layers and compact it evenly as we fill the pool in.

How long will it take?

Most in ground pool removals are completed in 3-7 days. Above ground pool removals are completed in one to two days.

Who gets the permits?

MackLand, LLC will obtain all permit as part of our services.

How do we get started?

MackLand, LLC will start the permit process with a signed contract and a copy of your plat of survey.

What is PGE?

PGE is a regional classification of coarse gravel. PGE is 6-8” minus recycled fractured concrete gravel with fines suitable for use as sub base for roads or for general structural fill. MackLand, LLC will process all concrete
associated with the pool into PGE and use it as fill material.

What is better sod or seed?

Seed is by far the best way to go. Grass grown from seed will develop a more drought tolerant root system and blend into your existing lawn better. Also with sod it very possible to get grubs and other pests from the sod farm.

Sod vs Seed?

When do you need the project deposit?

MackLand, LLC prefers to pick up the deposit check in person after the permits are approved. Mack will deliver the permits and pick up the deposit check at that time. The remaining balance is due on completion.

The Changing Backyard

The current pandemic has changed how we work, go to school, socialize, and especially how our homes are being used.  Our backyards are seeing more use than ever, and you may be looking out at yours, thinking about how to get the most out of it.

Don’t let your old swimming pool define the space.  Often older pools dominate the space and do not leave room to entertain.  You must wonder if it is the best use of space?  Removing the pool opens a world of possibilities that can add value to your home and increase the usable space in your backyard.  Do you want a large lawn area for the kids and dogs to run?  Or how about a large patio with a firepit or outdoor bar or kitchen?  Or all the above?  Installing a spacious patio with different gathering areas and diverse spaces can enable you to entertain and social distance. 

That’s not to say that installing or working with your current pool isn’t possible as well.  Today’s swimming pools place emphasis on the spaces around it and how it relates to other features in the backyard.  On average, the are slightly smaller and shallower than traditional pools.  The key is to balance out the pool cost (which is typically the largest) with the costs for the surround spaces.  The most value is added when everything is done to the same level.

MackLand’s landscape architects are here to help you design the backyard you are looking for.  We are following the CDC’s best practices and public health guidance to keep our clients and staff safe.  If you are in the Denver Metro area or the greater Chicagoland area, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Pool Removal

Concrete Bottom with Steel Sides

Looking for more usable space and to update their yard, our clients in Lake Geneva, WI called us to see about their pool removal options. The concrete pool deck covered from house to fence and did not provide for any green space in the yard.

The style of pool they had is one we see often – concrete pool bottom with steel sides. This style is also often seen with a vinyl liner. We broke up the pool bottom and removed the steel sides. The concrete pool deck was also broken up and used as structural fill.

We brought in clean fill material and compacted in layers. With this project, we brought them to rough grade instead of final with grass seed and erosion control blanket. Our clients are planning on installing a new, smaller patio and some garden space.

If you live in the greater Chicago or Denver areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer. Also make sure to visit our experience page to see some of our previous pool removal work.

No one removes more pools than MackLand.

Littleton, Colorado Pool Removal

Fiberglass Shell Pool

After long deliberation, our client in Littleton, Colorado made the decision to remove the swimming pool in her backyard. While it held many memories, it was time for it to go.

This pool was a full fiberglass shell pool. We removed it entirely and then broke up the surrounding concrete walk. The concrete was broken down into small pieces and placed in the deep end as structural fill.

We brought in clean fill material and compacted as we went. For this project, we brought the area to rough final grade. A third party will be adding amendments to the soil and installing sod to finish it off.

If you’re in the greater Denver or Chicago areas please contact us to discuss your pool removal options.

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

Park Ridge, Illinois Pool Removal

All Concrete Pool

Park Ridge, Illinois is a highly sought after housing market. Our client purchased this house with the intent to fix it up as a rental. Removing the old, unused pool in the backyard was a big part in getting the house ready.

We broke up the all concrete pool and hauled it all offsite. Park Ridge, IL does not allow any part of the pool to be buried onsite. We also removed the concrete walk around the pool.

As we do with all our pool removals, we brought in clean fill material and compacted in layers. After bringing in pulverized topsoil, spreading grass seed and installing erosion control blanket, we finished the job and left the future renters with an expansive back yard.

If you live in the greater Chicagoland or Denver Metro areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer.

No one removes more pools than MackLand.

MackLand’s Pool Removal Process

OUR PROCESS

The process starts with two on staff landscape architects that work through all the various facets of your pool removal project such as: obtaining the permits, tree removals, irrigation conflicts, and can design build your future patio or landscape your entire back yard.

Our process goes above and beyond the typical village, city or county codes for pool removals. Most pool removal codes just require the bottom of the pool be perforated and the sides of the pool be removed 24” below grade, what we call a basic pool removal. MackLand, LLC has developed the low impact method to complete pool removals in a safe and timely minor while reducing impact to your property.

The one thing that is significant about our pool removal process is that we are processing all concrete associated with the pool into a structural fill material classified as PGE, 8” minus recycled fractured concrete gravel with fines. This material is often used for sub base under public roads. Because we process the concrete associated with the pool into fill material, also called our low impact method, it reduces heavy truck loads of concrete out and then heavy truck loads of fill back in reducing trauma to your property and public roads.

The right equipment and the right size equipment is extremely important. Mack prefers to use two rubber tracked backhoe excavators that have an operating weight of around 12,000 lbs to complete the pool demolition work. Using a backhoe is key to completing the project safely and quickly. A skid steer/Bobcat can easily get stuck in the deep end of the pool or get damaged while removing the pool side walls because the machine does not have the reach to keep a safe distance. Most under qualified contractors will use a skid steer and say they have done it before but they will be risking their safety, and may struggle and cause unnecessary damage to their machine. There are also a lot of other contractors, like excavation contractors, that will give you a great price but will come with a 26,000 lb machine with steel tracks and cause unnecessarily trauma to your property and not worry about it because it is not their job to restore your yard.

Having the right equipment and the having the right approach are key to the success of the project.

Mack Land, LLC

COMMON QUESTIONS

Settling is the most common question asked. To date MackLand, LLC has never had an issue with settling on a pool removal. Why? Because we fill in thin even layers and compact it evenly as we fill the pool in.

How long will it take?

Most in ground pool removals are completed in 3-7 days. Above ground pool removals are completed in one day.

Who gets the permits?

MackLand, LLC will obtain all permits and typically pay all permit fees as part of our services.

How do we get started?

MackLand, LLC will start the permit process with a signed contract and a copy of your plat of survey.

What is PGE?

PGE is a regional classification of coarse gravel. PGE is 6-8” minus recycled fractured concrete gravel with fines suitable for use as sub base for roads or for general structural fill. MackLand, LLC will process all concrete
associated with the pool into PGE and use it as fill material.

What is better sod or seed?

Seed is by far the best way to go. Grass grown from seed will develop a more drought tolerant root system and blend into your existing lawn better. Also with sod it very possible to get grubs and other pests from the sod farm.

When do you need the project deposit?

MackLand, LLC prefers to pick up the deposit check in person after the permits are approved. Mack will deliver the permits and pick up the deposit check at that time. The remaining balance is due on completion.

If you are interested in finding out more about your pool removal options, please call us and we will be happy to discuss your project with you.

Littleton, Colorado Pool Removal

Liner Pool with Concrete Bottom

Our client in Littleton, CO contacted us here at MackLand last year about possibly removing their pool.  We understand that it is a big decision to cross the bridge to remove the pool in your backyard.  Especially now with COVID impacting public pools and social gatherings.  This year they were ready to see the pool go and increase their backyard space for the kids to play in.

The liner was already removed from the pool, so we started right in removing the pool steps and walls.  The concrete bottom and walk around the pool were broken up into small pieces and used as structural fill in the deep end.

We brought in clean fill dirt and compacted it in layers.  Our client opted for use to bring it to rough final grade for them to take over from there.  Now they can expand their lawn area for the kids to play in.

If you live in the greater Denver Metro or Chicagoland areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer

No one removes more pools than MackLand.

Wilmette, Illinois Pool Removal

All Concrete Pool Removal

Our clients had recently purchased their new home. Unfortunately it came with a backyard pool they did not want. So they called us here at MackLand to have it removed.

This all concrete pool took up most of the back yard. We broke up the pool bottom and took down the pool walls. We also broke up the surrounding concrete walk and hauled that concrete offsite. There was an old timber retaining wall at the back edge of the pool that we removed as well.

We backfilled with clean material and compacted as we went. We finished with topsoil, seed and erosion control blanket. Our clients now have a large backyard for their child to explore.

If you live in the greater Chicago or Denver areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer. Also make sure to visit our experience page to see some of our previous pool removal work.

No one removes more pools than MackLand.