Mack Land’s Pool Removal Process

Posted on September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by K. 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. 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.

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 typically pay all permit fees 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.

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

Posted on September 11, 2020September 11, 2020 by K. Mack

Liner Pool with Concrete Bottom

Our client in Littleton, CO contacted us here at Mack Land 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 Mack Land.

Wilmette, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on August 4, 2020August 4, 2020 by K. 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 Mack Land 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 Mack Land.

Batavia, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on July 16, 2020July 16, 2020 by K. Mack

Inground Pool Removal

After much debate and the pool being used less and less, our clients in Batavia, Illinois decided it was time to remove their pool. It dominated the back yard and they were ready to see it go.

The pool had fiberglass sides and a concrete pool bottom. It was surrounded by a concrete patio as well. Per code, we broke up the pool bottom to allow for drainage and remove the pool walls entirely. We also broke up the concrete patio.

After back filling the pool, we graded out the back yard to be a more usable space. The overgrown yews were removed to open up the area. We finished with grass seed and erosion control blanket to bring the area back to lawn. Now their dog has plenty of space to run in.

America’s #1 Source for Pool Removals

Northbrook, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on April 29, 2020April 29, 2020 by K. 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 Mack Land 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, 2020 by K. 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 Mack Land, LLC help you find the signature piece for your landscape. Contact us to discuss your options.

Aurora, Colorado Fiberglass Shell Pool Removal

Posted on April 9, 2020 by K. Mack

Fiberglass Shell Pool Removal

After recently purchasing and moving in, our client in Aurora, Colorado contacted us about removing the failing pool that dominated her backyard.

This fiberglass shell pool had seen better days. With the freeze/thaw that winters in Colorado bring us and the close proximity of a mature pine tree and its roots, the pool had lifted and shifted. The previous owners had addressed the issue with Great Stuff foam.

The back yard was a very tight area to work in. That’s where our specialty with working with compact experiment really comes into play.

After removing the fiberglass shell entirely and disposing of it offsite, we broke up the surrounding concrete patio that covered the rest of the back yard.

We brought in clean compactable fill material and brought the back yard to grade. Our client opted to have us stop at this point. She wanted to get a feel for the backyard and determine what she wanted to do next. Lawn, extend the patio, planting beds? With the pool removed, her backyard looked as though it had doubled in size.

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

Fox Lake, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on April 6, 2020 by K. 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.

Denver, Colorado Pool Removal

Posted on April 3, 2020 by K. Mack

Fiberglass Shell Pool Removal

After starting one pool removal in Denver, Colorado, the neighbors next door were curious as to what we were doing. Once they learned we were removing the pool and how we have streamlined the process, they signed up to have their pool removed as well.

Their pool was a fiberglass shell pool that the homeowner and his father had installed many years ago. The family had enjoyed the pool for many years but it had not been used recently. They had been unsure of what to with the pool and the backyard in general and it was perfect timing that we were working right next door.

As with all fiberglass shell pools, we removed the pool entirely and hauled it offsite. We broke up the concrete walk around the pool and used it as structural fill in the bottom. Clean, compactable fill material was brought in. We brought the area to grade and the homeowner is planning on sodding the area. The backyard doubled in size for usable space, their dog will love the extra room to run.

If you live in the greater Denver or Chicago 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 Mack Land.

Barrington, Illinois Pool Removal

Posted on March 31, 2020 by K. 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.