Can you just fill in a pool with dirt?

Author: Ari Stokes  |  Last update: Thursday, May 26, 2022

Filling your pool with dirt is the fastest and most affordable way to get rid of a pool because there's no need to remove your concrete or metal shell. This saves on both labor and hauling costs. However, filling a pool with dirt is still a delicate process that requires careful preparation, drainage, and demolition.

How do you fill an old pool with dirt?

After breaking up the sides and bottom of the pool, you're ready to backfill. Use the blade on the excavator to help push dirt into the hole. You can use the tracks to start to compact the dirt once you are able to use the excavator in the hole. Try to compact the fill as much as possible.

What is the cheapest way to fill a pool?

At an average of $0.004 per gallon, city water is the most inexpensive and most popular option. For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you'll pay between $60 and $120.

Is it possible to fill in a pool?

How It's Done: Filling in a pool involves draining the pool, punching holes in the bottom, demolishing the top layer of the pool (18' - 36'), placing the rubble in the bottom, filling in the pool with additional dirt and topsoil, and compacting the soil.

How much dirt does it take to fill a pool?

For example if our pool is 30′ long, 20′ wide' and 6′ deep, it has a total volume of 3,600 square feet (30x20x6). The total square footage divided by 27 is 133.33, this indicates that your pool will need 133.33 cubic yards of material to fill it in.

Can I Just Fill In My Unwanted Pool?

Why would you fill in a pool?

Some are opting to fill in or demolish their swimming pools rather than continue to maintain or remodel them. Or maybe you have bought a house with an in-ground pool that is in need of repair, requires too much maintenance, or you can use the space for something else.

Can you build a deck over a pool?

If your pool has outlived its usefulness and it would cost more to repair than you can afford, you can cover it. Building a deck over a pool presents a challenge similar to any raised deck, so be prepared for hard work, sore muscles and a great sense of accomplishment.

How do I temporarily fill my pool?

5 Creative Ways to Fill the Pool
  1. Turn Your Pool Into a Deck. You don't have to bring in the jackhammers and dirt to fill in your pool if you transform it into a deck. ...
  2. Turn Your Pool Into a Pond. ...
  3. Turn Your Pool Into a Greenhouse. ...
  4. Turn Your Pool Into a Garden. ...
  5. Turn Your Pool Into a Sunken Patio.

Will a concrete pool crack without water?

Additionally, a lack of water means there's a lack of moisture on the pool walls. If left exposed to long periods under the hot sun, pool finishes will dry out, creating cracks and flaking.

Should I backfill around my pool?

Above-Ground as In-Ground

The pool must be filled prior to backfilling to prevent pool wall collapse and the water level in the pool must always be higher than ground level by at least 1 foot.

Is it cheaper to fill a pool with a hose?

1. Have the water trucked in. It fills up the pool quicker and costs the same amount if using your hose. When you use your hose you have to pay sewer fees.

Will 2 hoses fill a pool faster than 1?

Splitting that into two lines will not likely double the flow rate as there is a pressure drop, but it should increase the total flow rate considerably. I would expect it to almost double, but not quite.

Is it safe to fill a pool overnight?

Although it may take several hours to fill your pool completely, make sure that someone is available to continuously checking on the pool. It is never recommended to leave your home during this time or to fill your pool overnight.

How much does it cost to fill a pool?

The average cost to fill in an inground pool is $4,000 to $16,000 for full demolition or $2,000 to $10,000 to fill in with dirt. An above ground pool removal costs $300 to $800, or $2,500 with a deck. The cost to get rid of a swimming pool depends on the size, depth, material, and accessibility.

Is it hard to get rid of a pool?

Whatever the reason, removal or repurposing on an inground pool can be challenging, expensive or even dangerous. For those considering getting rid of an inground pool, research is key, but the results can be well-worth the effort.

How often should pool water be changed?

Generally, pool water needs to be replaced once every five to seven years. This should be done during mild weather so that your pool surface is not at risk from strong sunlight and heat. Your pool maintenance company can recommend when it is time to drain your pool.

Can I drain my pool for the winter?

Close the pool for winter – but don't drain it.

In winter, the water in your pool is still your friend. Especially when properly winterized, it helps to protect the pool liner, keep it clean and prevent unnecessary damage from debris, harsh weather and other factors.

How long can a swimming pool stay empty?

Modern concrete pools can usually stand being drained for as long as needed, but there'll still be a risk of popping if the ground water level is high. Fibreglass pools are less resilient. The floor may come loose and float to the top when refilled, even after a short period.

Will an inground pool collapse without water?

Most inground fiberglass and concrete pools are built structurally to withstand the weight of the dirt against them when drained. However, if the groundwater is high enough, it can push the entire pool out of the ground. The pool shell acts like a ship and floats up in the groundwater.

Can you cover an empty pool?

Winter Pool Covers also offer protection for an empty pool. Made out of polypropylene fabrics and double webbing, they offer safety and keep most debris from even getting into the pool.

What do I do if I don't want my above ground pool?

Here are three ideas for that unused pool:
  1. Remove it. The cost will depend on the size of your pool, and also on whether an earthmover can easily get into your yard. ...
  2. Retire it. ...
  3. Cover it temporarily.

What can you do with an old swimming pool?

50 Alternative Uses for Your Empty Pool
  1. Skate park.
  2. Bulldog skate park.
  3. Roller rink.
  4. Racquetball court.
  5. Handball court.
  6. Volleyball “equalizer” court (tall folk in the deep end, short folk in the shallow end)
  7. Dog park.
  8. Cat corral.

How much does Deckover cost?

Most deckovers cost between $10,000 and $12,000, or $20 to $30 per square foot, and can vary depending on factors such as engineering requirements, various asthetic considerations and optional features.

How much does it cost to build a deck over a pool?

On average, building a pool deck costs around $5,000. Most homeowners pay between $3,000 and $12,000 for this project. Where you fall on that range depends on the materials you choose, the size of the patio, and the difficulty of the terrain. A simple wood deck for an above-ground pool may only need a $3,000 budget.

Can you put a deck over an inground pool?

There are plenty of ways you can convert an old inground pool, such as building decking over the old pool, turn the empty pool into kids playing space, or turn the old swimming pool into a skateboard park. The first solution that comes to the minds of many is demolishing and filling up the pool.

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