Do you want to improve your rental property’s landscaping?
As a landlord, you have many responsibilities. Finding ways to prioritize your tasks is the key to efficient management. However, landscaping is a relatively important task that tends to get less attention.
While collecting rent and conducting property repairs are crucial, Bighorn Rentals says, it’s important you find time to maintain and upkeep the exterior of your property too. Upkeeping the outside of your rental is important because it will preserve and increase the value of your investment.
In this article, we will list the main do’s and don’ts of landscaping your rentals. You’ll learn the top tips for boosting your rental property’s curb appeal and your tenants’ satisfaction.
Here are the Things you Want to DO:
DO Comply with Local Rules
You need to check your local laws on any restrictions that might apply to your rental property’s landscaping. For instance, some neighborhood guidelines restrict you from hardscaping more than a certain square footage.
DO Designate a Pet-Friendly Space
Do you allow pets in your rental property? If yes, you should designate a separate section of the lawn for them. You can use fencing or other markers to set strict boundaries for this space. Use pea gravel or mulch to cover the pet-friendly turf.
DO Ensure Proper Drainage
Large stones, landscaping timbers, and retaining walls can block drainage in your rental property. Make sure to remove any obstacles that increase the risk of drainage issues. Plus, regularly maintain the landscaping to fix any drainage problems before they become more costly.
If you have large trees, keep a minimum distance of 30 feet. If you have small trees, keep them at least 10 feet away from the property’s foundation. As the trees grow, their roots grow, too. This means that the structural integrity of your rental property could be in danger if you don’t consider this distance.
DO Plant Local Varieties and Perennials
You’ll save money on expensive fertilizers and complicated irrigation if you opt for local plant varieties. For instance, consider purchasing regional flowers. These will cost you less money compared to exotic ones. Not to mention, your ecological impact will lessen as well.
Additionally, consider planting perennials in your rental property’s yard. This type of plant demands less water and care. This is a great choice, especially if your rental is in an area that experiences frequent droughts.
Here is What you DON’T Want to Do:
Now that we’ve considered what you should do, here are some of the things you want to avoid.
DON’T Install Excess Paving
Most tenants love to have greenery surrounding their home. For this reason, don’t install too much paving. This can hurt the aesthetics and decrease tenant satisfaction. Plus, excess paving increases the potential for flooding and mold growth.
DON’T Add too Many Water Features
Water features such as fountains and cascades are a beautiful and serene addition to any yard. However, these features demand a lot of upkeep and result in a more expensive water bill. You should only consider these features if you have an upscale rental property.
DON’T Neglect the Lawn
Mow the lawn on a regular basis. If you only have enough time to tackle one landscaping duty, this is the one you should choose because unkempt lawns hurt the curb appeal and reduce tenants’ quality of life.
DON’T Pick Niche Design Solutions
Personalized landscaping design schemes work for individual homeowners. That said, you should keep your rental properties more neutral. This will help to attract and retain quality tenants. If you cater to the average taste, you’ll be safer. Unusual choices could potentially increase your vacancies.
DON’T: Waste too Much Water
Consider installing a smart sprinkler. This digitally backed system will reduce water waste in your rental unit. You can pre-program the system to water the lawn at specific times and choose the maximum water output.
In a Nutshell: Rental Property Landscaping Dos and Don’ts
As a landlord, you shouldn’t ignore your rental property landscaping needs. While you may always have more urgent tasks at hand, it’s important that you find ways to conduct regular landscaping maintenance and improvements.
In general, here are some takeaway points to up your rental’s landscaping game:
Refrain from personalizing or niche designing solutions.
Follow spacing requirements between trees and the property’s foundation.
Regularly check whether the property has efficient drainage.
Install a smart sprinkler system for eco-friendly irrigation.
Plant local varieties and perennials in the yard.
Reconsider any advanced water features.
Research and comply with local regulations.
Consider opening a pet-friendly space.
Avoid the installation of excess pavement.
Finally, if you’re limited on time, always prioritize mowing the lawn. This will make the yard look fresh, attractive and cared for.
The Best Pool Removal Contractor in Greenwood Village, CO
Swimming Pool Demolition and Removal Services
Are you thinking about removing your inground swimming pool and are in Greenwood Village? Call Mack Land, LLC – landscape architects and pool removal contractor – to speak with a professional company that specializes in pool removals. Our family run business has the experience and knowledge to handle any pool removal issues you may have.
Be aware of referral/marketing services that are not referring the best contractors for the job. Thelowest bid is most likely not the best bid and you can’t always trust online reviews.
One of the biggest differences in our services is that we are concerned about the impact to your property during the pool removal process. We use ground protection and specialized low ground pressure equipment.
If you are ready to find out more about removing your swimming pool, please do not hesitate to give us a call or fill our our form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about pool removals or any of the other services that we offer.
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 repair and maintain it. The costs associated with pools are only getting more expensive. Mack Land, LLC, landscape architects and contractors, are the premier 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. Mack Land, LLC is the premier pool removal contractor. Mack Land has developed a streamlined, low impact, efficient and professional process to remove your swimming pool 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
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. Mack Land, LLC is an expert in affordable pool demolition and landscape restoration projects. We are committed to finding 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
MACK LAND, 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 pool removals we regularly preform.
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
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
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 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 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 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 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. Mack Land, 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.
MACK LAND 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 shop to remove a swimming pool and 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.
MACK LAND – 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 Mack Land 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.
• 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 Mack Land 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 Mack Land.
FILL MATERIAL
Mack Land, 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 Mack Land, 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? Mack Land, LLC will obtain all permits and provide drawings as needed as part of our services.
How do we get started? Mack Land, 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. Mack Land, 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? Mack Land, 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 Pool Removal Specification (All concrete to be hauled off site)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Demolish and haul off concrete pool bottom
Demolish pool sides and haul off all concrete
Demolish pool deck and haul off all concrete
Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
Import pulverized topsoil as needed
Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
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)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Break up pool sides and pulverize pool sides into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Compact all fractured concrete in layers
Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
Import pulverized topsoil as needed
Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
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)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Break up pool bottom/floor for drainage
Remove sides of pool a minimum of 24” below final grade
Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Compact all fractured concrete in layers
Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
Import pulverized topsoil as needed
Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
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 Pool Removal (Floor is perforated)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Seal off all openings and provide dust control
Create access – typically remove sliding glass doors
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
Break up pool bottom to provide drainage
Remove pool walls a minimum of 18” below grade or entirely if fiberglass or steel walls and dispose offsite
Import structural fill materials and compact in layers
Prep for new concrete floor
Basic Above Ground Pool Removal
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
Disassemble pool and recycle all materials
Import topsoil
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)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Remove pool liner and dispose offsite
Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” recycled fractured concrete fill
Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Compact all fractured concrete in layers
Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
Import pulverized topsoil as needed
Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
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)
Call in a Utility Locate “Julie” 1 week prior to start
Install plywood and/or wood chips to protect access path as needed
Pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property
Safely disconnect and remove all pool utilities, gas and electric
Break up and pulverize pool bottom into 10” recycled fractured concrete fill
Remove and dispose of pool liner
Remove fiberglass pool sides and dispose offsite
Break up pool deck and pulverize pool deck into 10” minus recycled fractured concrete fill
Compact all fractured concrete in layers
Import fill, distribute and compact fill material
Import pulverized topsoil as needed
Grade entire disturbed area (all areas will be graded with positive drainage away from all structures)
Seed all disturbed areas with Kentucky Bluegrass mix with DS-75 Erosion Control (straw blanket)
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.
Are you thinking about removing your inground swimming pool and are in the Wheat Ridge area? Call Mack Land, LLC – landscape architects and pool removal contractor – to speak with a professional company that specializes in pool removals. Our family run business has the experience and knowledge to handle any pool removal issues you may have.
Be aware of referral/marketing services that are not referring the best contractors for the job. Thelowest bid is most likely not the best bid and you can’t always trust online reviews.
One of the biggest differences in our services is that we are concerned about the impact to your property during the pool removal process. We use ground protection and specialized low ground pressure equipment.
If you are ready to find out more about removing your swimming pool, please do not hesitate to give us a call or fill our our form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about pool removals or any of the other services that we offer.
The Best Pool Removal Contractor in Arlington Heights
Swimming Pool Demolition and Removal Services
Are you thinking about removing your inground swimming pool and are in the Arlington Heights area? Call Mack Land, LLC – landscape architects and pool removal contractor – to speak with a professional company that specializes in pool removals. Our family run business has the experience and knowledge to handle any pool removal issues you may have. We were the first to offer pool removal services in Chicagoland.
Be aware of referral/marketing services that are not referring the best contractors for the job. Thelowest bid is most likely not the best bid and you can’t always trust online reviews.
One of the biggest differences in our services is that we are concerned about the impact to your property during the pool removal process. We use ground protection and specialized low ground pressure equipment.
If you are ready to find out more about removing your swimming pool, please do not hesitate to give us a call or fill our our form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about pool removals or any of the other services that we offer.
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 Mack Land 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 Mack Land, 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.
Most pool removal mistakes are because you hired the wrong contractor.
We often get frustrated calls from homeowners and contractors to fix pool removal mistakes. Sometimes we get called while the pool removal is still in progress and they have concerns. We generated this list of common pool removal mistakes to help inform people about pool removal pitfalls.
The value of performance and client experience is often overlooked.
Having a swimming pool in disrepair can be stressful and frustrating. You’ve made the decision to remove your pool and the contractor shows up unannounced with a big machine and surprises you. Now you are genuinely concerned and wondering what you signed up for. Here is what you need to think about before you sign that low bid, what the experience will be like and the results in the end.
10 COMMON POOL REMOVAL MISTAKES
Be aware of referral/marketing services that are not referring the best contractors for the job. Thelowest bid is most likely not the best bid and you can’t always trust online reviews.
Is the pool being demolished to meet or exceed local pool removal code? How would you like it if you bought a house where the contractor cut corners with the pool removal?
Are you hiring the right company that isqualified to set grades/slope of the land for proper drainage (landscape architects, engineers, and land surveyors) and has the precision equipment to get it done right?
Be aware of companies that say all they do is remove swimming pools, making it seem like they are an expert because it is all they do. These contractors may give you the low price you want but they are not concerned about restoration, the impact to your property and client experience through the process.
The quality of restoration, grading, seed or sod and providing fertile topsoil at proper depth, is what makes it look like the pool was never there. The easy part is wrecking the pool, the real work is putting the place back together and making it look like there never was a pool.
The contract does not clearly specify how the job will get done. A lot of contractors do not like putting down plywood/ground protection.Make sure you clearly understand local codes. Is the concrete is staying or is it being removed? Are they bringing in properly licensed contractors to disconnect the utilities?
Some contractors try to save time usingoversized equipment causing unnecessary impact your property and roads.
Not being aware of the surroundings, trees roots, utilities, property lines, and taking the wrong access path.
Attempting to move forward with a pool removal when the ground is too saturated with water or substantial rain is on its way. This causes increased trauma to the yard and the road with heavy trucks, it is harder to clean up the jobsite, and not possible achieve proper compaction.
Homeowners attempting it themselves. Most of the time they underestimate how much workthey will be doing and time it will take and give up before they are halfway done. Also, they run the risk of doing costly damage to rental equipment and possibly injuring themselves.
Mack Land Landscape Architects & Contractors is a swimming pool specialist. We design and install pools and we are America’s leading expert on swimming pool removals. Our local markets are Illinois, southern Wisconsin, and Colorado. If you are outside those markets, give us a call we are still happy to help.
Are you on the fence about removing your pool? Give us a call and we can consult you on your options: repairing your pool, removing your pool, or installing a new one. We guarantee client satisfaction and make sure the job is done right the first time. We also make sure the client has a good experience from beginning to end.
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 Mack Land, 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?
Mack Land, LLC will obtain all permit as part of our services.
How do we get started?
Mack Land, 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. Mack Land, 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?
Mack Land, 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 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.
Mack Land’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.
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.
