Pool Removal - Melbourne

Hi all:

I am a regular to this forum, reading most of the threads. However have to admit am bit newish to the property game. I am looking to buy a home currently and liked one on the market. However one thing I didn't like is the presence of a pool in the backyard . I understand no property is perfect and there will be IFs and BUTs.

I want to remove the pool and re-claim the backyard space. That will be a better use for us. I have got few queries around that:

• Wondering how much will it cost approx. to do so?
• Does removal means filling it up or breaking the whole pool and the concrete around it?
• After I remove it, what should I do? Better to get a natural grass backyard?
• Who are the recommended people in Melbourne who do it? A recommendation is always better. Recently a friend of mine got hold of someone from Gumtree and the job done was just shocking and causing lot of headaches.
• How many days/months am I looking at to do this? I want to move in ASAP, after it gets settled. So need get the basics done to get rid off the pool and then do the rest later.

I know these are a lot to ask. However any help will be much appreciated. I have also attached the pic of the pool below:



Thanks and regards,
DU

 

Access (or lack of) will be the big factor in assessing costs.
Marg

 

Hi :
By Access, do you mean how to reach the pool? There are 2 ways:

1. To go into the garage and then through the backdoor.

2. Through a concrete path, by the side of the house. On the right

Regards,
DU

 

That looks like a cement pool. That means reasonably heavy machinery to effectively remove the concrete and rebar. You can do it with a jack hammer, angle grinder and wheelbarrow, but that takes a lot more time, effort (and money) than a monster excavator and dump truck.

 

Exactly.

Removing a pool and refilling it with soil will require either heavy machinery (cheaper), or smaller machinery that will take much longer and cost much more. If, as it appears, the pool is in a back yard, then access is your biggest problem.

If everything has to fit through a standard doorway or side path, the the cost will be high. Hopefully that side path will allow at least a small mechanical loader to shift materials.

Apart from having to break up at least the top part of the pool, it will take several truckloads of soil to fill the hole. Some form of compaction if the soil will also be needed.

Also allow for Council permit costs.
Marg

 

OK so overall looks a very expensive exercise . I also confirmed that access to the pool is very limited due to stair and narrowness of the side alley.

 

What came first, the chicken (house) or the egg (pool) ???
Access through a neighbors property may cost a bit, but could work out cheaper overall

 

@DreamzUnlimited, have you considered converting the pool into a water storage tank?

I have no idea of the cost but one would need to install a concrete lid, then soil and turf.

 

Pools make great eco habitats. Convert it to a natural pool with underwater plants, rocks, solar pump to keep water moving, silver perch to eat the mozzies, shade and thick plantings for small birds. This turns your useless pool into somewhere that you will want to spend time.

If you're adamant that you don't want a pool, consider whether removal is adding value or just an expensive exercise.

 

Hmm no I never thought about turning it into a pool! What sort of coat am I looking at approx?

 

The cost is minimal, no more chlorine or running the filter, or cleaning the pool.

Nature looks after itself, within a few months the pool goes feral (algae etc) but soon reverts to a natural state. It requires a little research to get started but soon you'll have your own billabong.

 

The cheapest way would be to drain it and punch big holes in it with a jackhammer, get the council to inspect it then fill it in .
But with this method you will probably not be allowed to build over it with a habitable structure.
Many older cement pools were seriously over engineered especially when build by the homeowner.
No access for a bobcat would seriously push up the price.
And its imperative that you work with local council to get it right if you are going to go with the cheap option and just punch holes in the base and backfill with the top layer and then fill with sand.
Most pools are already on council plans, so it also needs to be removed from their data base.
Many councils require an inspection before you start filling it back in.

 

Thanks everyone for your valuable input!

 

Warning. Removing a pool requires a council application !! Its more complex than getting a new pool in some ways. Disconnection from power, sewer and more. Inspections and the safety fence must be last to go after final insect too !! Ironic they can refuse the application if there is no fence around a old pool and may ask for a fence. Hire temp fencing or pool demo guys will bring it. There are specialised companies.The reo issue alone make it a difficult job and many councils require all the waste removed and even recycled and not filled other than clean fill inspected for nasties. Some allow it to be partially filled. Its not as simple as self filling the hole. Decking over it or making a garden wont likely comply.

Tight access excavators can be used. We had 750mm and they used expandable tracks. Slower but less destructive on yard

 

Mosquito borne diseases are also making a comeback in many areas, so turning it into a natural habitat may not be ideal, plus the side issue regarding pool fencing.

 

@Paul@PFI is right and you may also need to ensure you obtain a compaction certificate if you intend to build/erect over the completed project. Happy renovating!

 

I had a pool removed in Nov last year. I used Reverse Pools: Swimming Pool Removal Melbourne - Reverse Pools Speak to Tom.

They did a pretty good job. Left the site pretty tidy. Took 3 days to remove the pool and cost just over $9K. I also thought I'd have access issues as the only way into the backyard was through the garage or through a pedestrian path along the side of the house but they were able to get a Bobcat in to do the demolition.