What is involved in removing an inground pool in Richmond Hill?

Draining the pool

Confirm the water type and permitted discharge route before pumping. Richmond Hill's pool-draining guidance distinguishes chlorine-treated water from saltwater. Saltwater must not enter a storm sewer, and waiting for chlorine to drop does not make that route suitable. Plan the appropriate treatment and destination with the responsible contractor.

Disconnecting equipment

The pump, filter, heater and lights all need to be made safe before any demolition:

• A licensed electrician disconnects power to pumps and lights
• A licensed gas fitter caps any gas line to a heater
• Utility locates are booked through Ontario One Call before digging

Full or partial removal

Full removal takes out the entire shell, coping and deck concrete and replaces them with clean fill compacted in layers. Future construction still needs the designer or engineer?s review of the actual ground and project records; full removal alone does not approve building on the area. Partial removal breaks the floor so water can drain, removes the top part of the walls and fills the rest. It involves less hauling but can limit what you build there later. Vinyl-lined and fibreglass pools have their own steps, and the liner or shell is removed in either case.

Access, fill and grading

Getting machines into an established backyard is often the hardest part. The route may run through a side yard or a temporary fence opening, with ground protection mats over the lawn. Fill is placed in layers and compacted to reduce settling, then topped with soil ready for sod or planting. Keep the enclosure or a temporary barrier up until the hole is filled, because Richmond Hill's pool enclosure rules apply while the pool can hold water.

How long the yard takes to recover

Once the fill and topsoil are in, most owners lay sod or seed straight away. Some settling can show up over the first season, especially after heavy rain or the spring thaw, and a little topsoil added at that point usually levels things out. If you are planning a patio or hardscape on top, your landscaper may prefer to wait until the fill has had time to settle.

What this business does about it

We plan the draining, disconnects and access at the site visit, explain full and partial removal for your yard, and write the method you choose into the scope. Our crew breaks out the pool, places and compacts fill and leaves the area ready for your landscaper. See our pool removal page for photos, or combine the job with outdoor structure removal and concrete removal for the surrounding deck. Request a free estimate to book a visit.