If you have a pool you no longer use, you might wonder if it’s possible to remove it and reclaim your backyard. The short answer is yes, it’s not only possible but a lot more common than you might think. The process for removing that pool, however, will vary depending on your pool type and the type of removal you want. Keep reading to learn more about pool removal in New Jersey and how fiberglass pools differ in this regard from concrete or gunite pools.
Types of Pool Removal
Generally speaking, there are two main types of pool removal: full and partial. The names speak for themselves in a way, but to put it into more detail, a full removal involves completely extracting the pool and all its supporting piping and systems. On the other hand, partial removal usually involves breaking down the upper portion of the pool and filling in/burying everything that remains.
Partial pool removal tends to be faster and more affordable (though we’ll get to the one major exception to this in just a moment). However, it does come with the drawback that the space is no longer considered buildable. This means that if you’d hope to use the space to build an addition to your home or anything else with a foundation, you can’t do so with a partial pool removal. Full pool removals allow you to get complete control over your backyard again.
How Fiberglass Pools Differ
Now, let’s talk about fiberglass pools specifically. As mentioned above, partial pool removals are the cheapest option, with one major exception—and fiberglass pools are that one exception. Because they’re made of preformed fiberglass shells, it is actually faster and cheaper to completely remove a fiberglass pool than to try to break one down for a partial removal.
Comparing Pool Removal Processes
Why is it that fiberglass pools differ from other pools in this regard? The answer comes from the pool removal process and how these pools are made. First, let’s look at how concrete pools are made and removed. Concrete pools are poured into a frame and allowed to harden there, so they cannot be easily removed in large pieces. Instead, the concrete must be completely broken apart and pulled out one piece at a time. Because of this, a partial removal would involve only breaking down the upper portion of the concrete, allowing that debris to fall into the remaining pool shell, then filled in with gravel and soil. As you can imagine, that’s a lot easier than removing every single piece of concrete.
On the other hand, fiberglass pools are installed using large, preformed shapes that are set in your backyard. Because they are formed outside of your property and are much lighter, completely removing them when you decommission your pool is much easier. To partially remove a fiberglass pool, you would need to cut the fiberglass, toss it into the hole, and then fill it on top of it. By comparison, complete removal usually involves lifting the shell out with machinery and minimal cutting. In fact, in some cases, the shell may even be reusable. The simplicity of this process makes full removal the better option for fiberglass pools.
Removing Your Fiberglass Pool
If you no longer use your pool, contact Atlantic Pool Experts for fiberglass pool removal in New Jersey. We’ll remove your old pool as quickly and affordably as possible, so you can reclaim your backyard space and make full use of your property again.