FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to the questions homeowners often ask about removing, demolishing or backfilling an unwanted swimming pool across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Common reasons include ongoing maintenance and running costs, a pool that is rarely used, an ageing or damaged structure, safety concerns for young children or pets, and wanting more usable space for lawn, gardens, entertaining or a future extension.
Complete removal takes out the pool shell and disposes materials offsite before the area is backfilled. Partial removal demolishes selected sections and leaves part of the structure below ground, which is then prepared and backfilled. Either way, it is more than simply bringing in dirt: drainage, suitable fill material, staged placement, compaction and final levels all need to be planned. Your future plans for the site are an important factor when choosing between the two. If your looking to build over the area you will need a Level 1 compaction certificate and whole pool needs to be removed in full.
Pool removal costs vary from site to site. Pool size, construction, access, removal method, disposal and backfill all affect the final price. Current Australian pricing guides suggest that partial removal and backfilling method. While complete removal generally costs more. To help us quote, send your suburb, pool type, approximate size, clear photos, the narrowest access width and how you plan to use the area afterwards.
YES....... QBCC & Council guidance states that a pool must be lawfully decommissioned and that building approval is required, a licensed building certifier manages the approval process and inspections needed. Once the pool has been decommissioned and can no longer hold more than 300mm of water and final inspection issued you will then be remove from the pool register. Yes we handle all this for you.
Yes & No, you can remove your own swimming pool or spa but where things run into trouble is not getting someone that is licenced and insured to do the works correctly while working in with the certifier. When we submit the paperwork we attach our licence to the job so you can be guaranteed the works are completed to the highest standards. The Certifier also asks for proof of machinery used and also the receipts for the compact-able materials used, as he needs to sign off that the process was completed as per plans and regulations and the area is ready for it's next purpose.Â
Our work follows 4 stages. First, we assess the pool type, size, access, surrounding structures and future use of the space. Next, we establish what is required for demolition, disposal, backfilling, drainage, approvals and site reinstatement. Once the agreed removal work is complete, the remaining void is prepared and backfilled. Finally, the area is graded and prepared for turf, landscaping or other planned uses. Most residential pool removal projects take a few working days, but the timeframe can vary depending on the pool construction, site access, concrete volume, machinery and truck access, approvals, weather, backfilling and landscaping.. Most of our works are completed within 5-7 days and sometimes quicker if we are not landscaping the area.
Yes. We quote on concrete, fibreglass and above-ground pools, as well as spas and plunge pools. Concrete pools may involve breaking up reinforced concrete and separating steel, while fibreglass shells can often be cut, lifted or broken into sections. Restricted side access may require smaller excavators, mini loaders, tracked dumpers, more manual handling or extra cartage, so please measure the narrowest point from the street to the pool and attach site photos with your enquiry.
Concrete, steel, fibreglass and other demolition materials should be handled and disposed of through appropriate facilities. For complete pool removal, the shell and associated debris are normally carted away via truck or disposed of in skip bins onsite. This will all be covered in your quote.
Potentially, but this needs to be considered before the pool is removed. Ground settlement can occur if fill is unsuitable, poorly placed or not properly compacted, so the outcome depends on the removal method, fill material, compaction, drainage and ground conditions. A basic landscaped area may not need formal compaction documentation. If you want to add an home extension, garage, shed or granny flat you will require in most cases a level 1 compaction certificate and the whole pool needs to be removed in full. Â
The former pool area can be restored as lawn, garden space, a play area or part of a wider landscaping project. Paving, patios and other structures may need additional planning for ground preparation, drainage, footings and approvals. If your looking to sell the property having the correct paperwork will make things smooth at the settlement process as you no longer have a pool on your plans.
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Alot of our work comes from clients trying to sell their properties and after it being on the market for months can't sell, as the pool is in such bad state and the buyers either want to heavily discount the home due to having to sort it out and take the risk or others wont want the hassle and keep looking for other propertys.