How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Swimming Pool

Posted on January 4, 2021July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

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

Posted on October 18, 2020July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

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.

MackLand’s Pool Removal Process

Posted on September 11, 2020July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

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.

COMMON QUESTIONS

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?

What is better sod or seed?

When do you need the project deposit?

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.

Wilmette, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on August 4, 2020July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

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.

Northbrook, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on April 29, 2020July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

Vinyl Liner Pool Removal

After enjoying their pool for many years, our clients were ready to see their pool go. The upkeep and maintenance were too much to handle for how little they had used the pool in the last few years. So they gave MackLand a call to find out about their pool removal options.

This pool is a very common pool type: vinyl liner, vermiculite bottom and fiberglass sides. The vermiculite bottom breaks up very easily and is left in place. The vinyl liner and fiberglass walls are removed and disposed of offsite.

After the walls and surrounding concrete patio were removed, we imported clean, compactable fill material. We compact in layers as we go to help prevent settling. After bringing in topsoil to fine grade, we spread grass seed and finished with straw blanket. Our clients now have a sizable backyard to entertain guests.

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

Spotlight Lyman Whitaker

Posted on April 13, 2020July 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

Art in the garden is a great investment. It is often underestimated the value and character art adds to the landscape. Gardens and art go together like peanut butter and jelly.

After a pool removal we often get asked to replace the pool as a focal point. If you are looking for low maintenance and low energy consumption, consider adding a sculpture piece. Garden artwork from a well know artist is a better investment than a swimming pool from our perspective. A great example of art that can give you something unique that no one else has are these wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker. This is an example kinetic art (art that depends on motion for its effects) by a well know artist whose work will hold its value.

Let MackLand, LLC help you find the signature piece for your landscape. Contact us to discuss your options.

Fox Lake, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on April 6, 2020April 11, 2022 by Tyler Mack

Fiberglass Sides with Concrete Bottom Pool Removal

After putting a lot of work into the inside of the house, our clients were ready to tackle projects out in the yard. This unused pool in Fox Lake, Illinois needed to go. It had not been used in years and cattails were growing in the deep end.

This pool was a typical style we see in the Chicagoland area. Fiberglass walls with a concrete bottom. The fiberglass walls were removed and hauled offsite. The concrete was broken up into small pieces and used as structural fill in the deep end of the pool.

This pool was located in the side yard. This gave us great access and enabled us to drive trucks right up to the pool area and speed up the process of bringing in dirt. As always, we compacted as we went to help prevent any settling.

The client is planning to finish the area with sod later this spring and is excited to have even more usable yard space.

No one removes more pools than Mack Land.

Barrington, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on March 31, 2020September 5, 2023 by Tyler Mack

Vinyl Liner Pool Removal

Our clients enjoyed having a pool in the backyard, however over time it became more than they wanted to deal with. The liner needed to be replaced and the steel pool walls were beginning to rust and fail. They had not used the pool in a few years and decided it was time for it to go.

This vinyl liner pool removal in Barrington was a pool style we have seen many times in the area. This pool consisted of a vinyl liner, steel sides and a vermiculite bottom. Not all liner pools have a concrete pool bottom, some are a form of vermiculite (like this one) that is very chalky and easy to break up.

We removed the steel side and concrete walk around the pool and disposed of both offsite. No material from the pool was buried. We then brought in clean back fill material, compacted in layers and brought the area to rough grade. The pool had been slightly raised so we graded out the area to give our client’s a level, usable backyard. We finished with grass seed and ersosion control blanket to blend the new lawn area into the existing lawn.

No one removes more pools than MackLand.

Pool Removals: Why removing your pool can add value to your property.

Posted on March 26, 2020April 11, 2022 by Tyler Mack

Real Estate Pool Removals: Tip #3

It’s come time to sell your house. There is lots of activity but no offers. You keep hearing the same thing; “We love the house, hate the pool”. Perhaps it is time to consider removing the pool. Below are a few reasons why removing your pool may be the right move.

Increase Real Estate Value

Removing the pool will allow you to gain a bigger yard with more usable space and a more marketable space for realtors to sell.
Houses without pools appeal to a broader market.
Houses being sold “as is” with a pool in disrepair will decrease the value of the home more than it will cost to remove it and may decrease surrounding property values.
The cost of removing a pool in disrepair will be significantly offset by the value it adds to the property and it will make the property easier to sell.

Save Money

What if you aren’t in the market to sell your home? Or did you just purchase a home with a pool you don’t want? Removing the pool can still add value to your property and save you money.

Property Tax Reduction – Pool are considered usable space are you are taxed on it.
Reduce your Home Owners Insurance Premium – Pools are a safety liability.
Lower your monthly utility costs, energy costs are constantly rising, your pool will only become more expensive.
Water costs are rising.
Repairing an old pool will cost a lot more than it will be to remove a pool over the long run. Many areas will require you to bring your old pool up to current code and can be quite costly.

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

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

Pool Removals: We specialize in using compact equipment.

Posted on February 23, 2020July 6, 2023 by Tyler Mack

Real Estate Pool Removals: Tip #2

You know the saying: “bigger is better”. We have found that is not the case with heavy machinery and with pool removals. In many locations, there is limited access to the back yard to remove the pool. Tight side yards, trees, retaining walls or utilities can limit access. We use ground protection to protect sensitive underground utilities that may not be easily located. This is more common in tighter communities. The most concerning are clay pipes and corrugated drainage tiles. Here at MackLand, we specialize in getting into those hard to reach backyards.

Completing projects safely and efficiently is our number one priority.

One way we accomplish that with our pool removals is to use a compact mini excavator. The biggest benefit of using a mini excavator, is that it brings a lot of power to a small space. With projects that don’t provide much room for large equipment, a mini excavator may be able to handle with ease. They have a small footprint but are very powerful and can manage even tough tasks.

With their small footprint and rubberized tracks, we can reduce the impact to the surrounding area and keep the work zone contained. A rubber-tracked compact excavator can move over pavement without harming it. A compact excavator’s low ground pressure also minimizes damage to turf. An additional feature, the machine’s 360-degree turning, offset digging and reduced tail swing, allow compact excavators to work productively in spaces where a full-sized excavator could not move.

Using large machines can cause more damage to the property that just removing the pool. Their steel tracks can damage roadways and driveways and tear up turf. The vibrations and excessive force can damage foundations and crack masonry. Clean air matters. Older, larger machines put out sooty diesel fumes that are not healthy for you or your family and neighbors to be breathing. Older machines also tend to leak oil…on your lawn, driveway, sidewalk…

How we get it done.

After navigating our mini excavator into the backyard pool area, we get to work. Depending on the pool type, the machine either removes the fiberglass shell from the pool or begins breaking up the concrete pool bottom. If the pool had steel or fiberglass walls, the mini excavator pulls them out to be hauled offsite. Any concrete walls or walks are broken up with the machine as well. Fill material is shuttled back to the hole with our other compact, lightweight machine, our track loader. The mini excavator assists in spreading out and compacting the fill material brought in by the track loader.

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

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals