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 post How Much Does it Cost to Remove a Swimming Pool appeared first on MackLand LLC.

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 please contact us to discuss your options. 

The post The Changing Backyard appeared first on MackLand LLC.

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

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.

The post MackLand’s Pool Removal Process appeared first on MackLand LLC.

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.

The post Spotlight Lyman Whitaker appeared first on MackLand LLC.

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 Denver area please contact us to discuss your pool removal options.

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

The post Pool Removals: Why removing your pool can add value to your property. appeared first on MackLand LLC.

Colorado utility marking

Why Choose Compact Equipment Pool Removal over Heavy Machinery?

Using mini-excavators and track skid steers allows our crew to maneuver through standard 36-inch gates and work close to home foundations without tearing up driveways or lawns.

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. Ready to transform your tight-access backyard? Contact MackLand LLC today to schedule a consultation for compact equipment pool removal in the Denver area.

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

The post Compact Equipment Pool Removal: Tight Access Solutions for Small Yards appeared first on MackLand LLC.

While this topic varies depending on who you ask and local municipal codes, the landscape architects and excavation specialists at MackLand LLC always recommend full structural removal as part of our comprehensive Denver pool removals. No matter if local building code allows it to be left buried onsite. Removing the concrete is ideally the right thing to do and adds the maximum long-term value to your property.

Local Building Codes vs. True Property Value

Most Denver-area towns do not see a massive volume of pools being removed and have not put deep thought into their municipal codes—and some towns have no specific pool removal code at all. The most basic code we commonly encounter requires a contractor to perforate the pool bottom and take the top walls down 24 inches below grade.

While a partial fill might satisfy a seller looking to do the bare minimum, it leaves serious liabilities behind. What if the next homeowner wants to install a new pool, build an addition, or construct a patio?

3 Major Benefits for the Denver Real Estate Market

Whether you are preparing to list your home or buying a fixer-upper along the Front Range, complete pool removal provides key market advantages:

1. Expands Usable Yard Space: You gain a larger backyard with functional, marketable space for realtors to sell—and potentially lower your property taxes.

2. Appeals to a Broader Buyer Pool: Homes without aging swimming pools appeal to a significantly wider range of home buyers who want low-maintenance yards.

3. Protects Home Value During “As-Is” Sales: Selling a home “as-is” with a pool in disrepair decreases the property value far more than the actual cost to remove the pool. Surrounding neighborhood property values can be negatively impacted as well.

When sitting at the closing table, a prospective buyer can take issue with buried concrete—even if local code allowed it—and leverage it to negotiate a lower sale price. In elite Denver and Golden communities, doing a complete removal always pays off.

The Danger of Excavation Shortcut Contractors

An excavating or “pool removal only” contractor is often concerned only about winning the bid and getting off the job site as fast as possible. They frequently do the bare minimum and show little concern for minimizing damage to surrounding turf or driveways because they aren’t responsible for restoring the site afterward. While their initial bids look cheaper, they often leave homeowners with settling soil and damaged landscapes.

High-Impact Standards when Concrete Must Be Processed Onsite

When site constraints, narrow access, or tight budgets make total concrete hauling challenging, MackLand LLC applies rigorous engineering standards:

• Total Material Sorting: We thoroughly break up the pool into small concrete pieces and remove 100% of plastics, rebar, copper pipes, wood, and organic debris to be recycled offsite.

• Clean, Local Fill Soil: We ensure all imported fill dirt is clean, free of contaminants, suitable for compaction, and sourced from trusted local residential suppliers.

• Ground & Turf Protection: We utilize heavy plywood ground protection along the entire access path. Our specialized, low-ground-pressure machinery minimizes compaction on your lawn and driveway.

• Professional Restoration: We finish every site with professional grading and top-tier seed and turf.

Copyright MackLand, LLC – a pool removal & demolition company.  All rights reserved.

Lifetime Warranty & Pool Removal Closure Reports

Improperly removed swimming pools can turn into a nightmare at the closing table or haunt you down the road long after the real estate transaction is complete. Most state laws require sellers to disclose buried landfills—and buried pool concrete can easily be classified as landfill material.

To protect both buyers and sellers, MackLand LLC provides formal Pool Removal Closure Reports and a Lifetime Warranty on our pool removals.

The Closure Report is an invaluable legal and real estate tool—providing full, photo-documented proof of the entire engineering process from excavation to soil compaction, giving future buyers 100% confidence in the property.

Get It Done Right the First Time with MackLand LLC

Don’t pay to have a pool removed twice. With over 30 years of experience serving the greater Denver Metro and Front Range areas, MackLand LLC delivers permanent, high-value pool removals and structural earthwork.

If you are located in the greater Denver, Golden, Parker, or Arvada areas, contact us today to discuss your pool removal options:

• Golden Office: (303) 501-0828

• Denver Office: (303) 335-0850

• Online Quote: Request a Free Quote at MackLandLLC.com

The post Why Complete Concrete Pool Removal is Essential for Denver Real Estate appeared first on MackLand LLC.

This pool has fiberglass sides and a concrete bottom.  Because of the numerous large trees surrounding pool, maintenance was time consuming.  Even with an automatic pool cover, you still needed to clean off the leaves.

The client had previously looked into redoing the pool and pool deck but was shocked by the cost.  They opted to remove the pool and crumbling wood deck, and restore the area back to lawn with seed and blanket.  They now have a great area to play with their kids.

Restoring Your Lawn – Seed vs Sod – Read more here

If you are in the greater Chicago or Denver areas and are interested in finding out more about your pool removal options, then please do not hesitate to contact us for a complimentary estimate.

The post Northbrook, IL Pool Removal appeared first on MackLand LLC.

A backyard swimming pool is often envisioned as the ultimate summer center for entertaining, but for many homeowners across the Denver Metro area, the reality tells a very different story. Between heavy freeze-thaw cycles in Front Range winters, steep water costs, and escalating home insurance premiums, an underutilized pool can quickly transform from a luxury asset into a major financial headache.

If you find yourself spending more time cleaning, repairing, and worrying about your pool than actually enjoying it, you are not alone. Here are six compelling reasons to remove your swimming pool in Denver and reclaim your outdoor living space.

1. Eliminate High Utility Bills and Annual Maintenance

Owning a pool in Colorado comes with steep ongoing expenses. Annual water fills, chemical balancing, high pump electricity consumption, and seasonal opening and closing services easily add up to thousands of dollars every year. Furthermore, Denver’s high elevation and intense high-altitude sun accelerate chemical evaporation and liner wear. Removing your pool permanently eliminates these recurring costs, keeping that money in your wallet.

2. Avoid Costly Repairs Driven by Colorado’s Climate

The Front Range climate is uniquely tough on pool structures. Severe winter freeze-thaw cycles cause ground shifting, leading to cracked concrete shells, broken underground plumbing lines, and torn vinyl liners. Repairing structural pool damage often costs tens of thousands of dollars—money that is far better invested in a clean pool removal and yard restoration.

3. Protect Your Home Equity & Reduce Insurance Liability

Under Colorado premises liability law, swimming pools are classified as an “attractive nuisance”—meaning homeowners can be held legally responsible if a neighborhood child or guest enters the yard uninvited and gets injured.

• Insurance Surcharges: Standard homeowners policies often require expensive umbrella liability riders to cover pool ownership.

• Peace of Mind: Removing your pool permanently eliminates a major safety hazard, protecting your home equity and lowering your insurance premiums.

4. Reclaim Usable Yard Space for Outdoor Living

Front Range backyards are valuable real estate. An aging, unused pool takes up a massive footprint that could otherwise be converted into functional outdoor living space. By removing the pool, you open up possibilities for:

• Custom hardscape patios and outdoor fire pits

• Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, and dining areas

• Expansive, child- and pet-friendly lawn space

5. Expand Your Pool of Potential Home Buyers

While some home buyers view a pool as a bonus, many in the Denver real estate market consider an old pool a total dealbreaker due to implied maintenance, high energy bills, and liability. Having an aging pool on your property can significantly shrink your buyer pool when it comes time to sell. Removing the pool and restoring a clean, professionally graded lawn broadens your home’s market appeal.

6. Eliminate Constant Stress and Environmental Impact

Between balancing pH levels, handling filters, and monitoring water loss in dry Colorado summers, maintaining a pool is practically a second job. Beyond the time commitment, keeping a pool filled in our arid climate consumes thousands of gallons of water annually. Removing your pool reduces your environmental footprint and removes a constant source of weekend chores.

Reclaim Your Backyard with MackLand LLC

Removing a pool is not just about breaking up concrete—it requires engineering expertise to properly backfill and compact the soil so your land never settles or sinks down the road.

With over 30 years of experience serving the greater Denver Metro and Front Range region, MackLand LLC specializes in high-quality, low-impact pool removals and structural earthwork. We handle the full scope—from permits and utility disconnects to structural soil compaction and final grading.

Ready to transform your yard?

Contact MackLand LLC today to discuss reasons to remove your swimming pool in Denver and request a free, straightforward project quote.

• Golden Office: (303) 501-0828

• Denver Office: (303) 335-0850

• Online: Request a Free Quote at MackLandLLC.com

The post 6 Reasons to Remove Your Swimming Pool in Denver, CO appeared first on MackLand LLC.