Safe swimming pool removal in New Jersey requires substantial experience and professional equipment. Pool demolition involves three necessary steps: breaking up the pool material, removing the material, and filling and compacting the hole. The swimming pool removal contractors at Atlantic Pool Experts take safety seriously during every phase of pool removal. The following is a brief overview of some of the tools we use to conduct safe swimming pool demolitions.
The Right Equipment
Demolition: Concrete and gunite pools are typically constructed to be 12″ thick and are reinforced with rebar. Concrete swimming pools are some of the strongest structures out there, and breaking them down is not an easy task. An excavator with a jackhammer is ideal for breaking up pool walls. It is strong enough to break through thick walls, and it keeps the operator a safe distance from the demolition process.
Material moving: Skid steers or bobcats are the tool of choice for moving concrete out and dirt in. A bobcat with the grapple attachment grabs the broken concrete pieces safely and transports them to transport vehicles. A skid steer equipped with a smooth bucket works perfectly for depositing fill soil into the hole evenly, so it’s ready for compacting.
Transporting: Pool removal involves transport of significant quantities of material. Complete pool removal requires that every single piece of swimming pool material be removed from the site; that’s a lot of broken concrete and rebar that needs to be carried away for disposal. Efficiency requires big trucks that can carry huge loads. Filling the hole that’s left behind calls for large quantities of soil. Ten-wheel dump trucks and transfers help get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Compaction: Soil needs to be compacted to between 90 and 95% density, which ideally requires a padded drum roller, often called a “sheep foot” roller. This compacting machine uses a large knobbed vibrating drum to work the soil. The process is a bit like kneading bread dough; as the roller works the soil, it binds it together and creates the necessary density. Occasionally, when space is tight, and the job is small, demolition teams will use a plate compactor instead. This tool can achieve accurate density results but takes significantly more time and requires more expertise.
The Right Pool Demolition Team
Hiring a skilled and experienced pool demolition contractor to remove your inground concrete or gunite swimming pool is critical to getting the job done safely and correctly with minimal damage to surrounding property. Experienced equipment operators carefully consider the following:
- the best ways to access your yard to minimize disruption
- how to protect septic tanks, sewer connections, driveways, water pipes, and buried electrical and gas lines from damage from demolition equipment
- the best way to backfill and compact the space to avoid problems down the road
Atlantic Pool Experts is licensed and insured for pool removal in New Jersey. We specialize in pool removal. Contact us today to discuss your swimming pool removal project. We’ll provide a free, no-obligation quote and get the job done safely and efficiently.