Swimming Pool Removal in Hayward, California
Homeowners in Hayward are removing pools faster than ever. Some residents are concerned about drought or want to cut their water and utility costs. Other people feel like they don’t use their pool enough to justify maintaining it, or are simply tired of making costly repairs.
Whatever your reasons for removing your pool in Hayward, there are a few things you should know before you start planning your new lawn or garden bed.
The Hazards of DIY Pool Removal
Unfortunately, many homeowners believe that getting rid of their pool is as simple as buying some dirt and filling it in. But, if you leave the pool lining and other materials in the ground, they will still hold moisture.
The problem is that water is supposed to keep draining down into the ground until it joins the water table, but the water in an old pool can’t. Instead, a giant mud puddle forms.
This mud puddle is unsightly and, more importantly, a serious safety hazard. You can sink into it and even drown in it, seeing as it’s as deep as your pool used to be.
The mud puddle will be more difficult and costly to remove than the pool. Also, sometimes the pressure from the mud might even push the whole pool out of the ground. That’s a dangerous scenario and not a good solution to get the pool out of the ground.
There are other hazards you might face if you try to remove your own pool. Few homeowners have the know-how and equipment to cap any gas, water, or sewer lines that run to the pool. Most also don’t have the expertise to remove a pool’s electrical equipment—and can shock themselves trying.
The Advantages of Professional Pool Removal
Hiring a professional to remove your pool is definitely the safer route. Professionals have the equipment to remove some parts of the pool and simply fill in the rest with dirt, which can save you some money.
In Hayward and other parts of California, pool removal is not a job you can get done immediately. You need to apply got a permit to remove your pool. On the other hand, if you hire a professional, one big advantage is that they will obtain the permit for you. After all, no one likes to deal with bureaucracy.
The Hidden Dangers of Swimming Pools
Swimming pools, while a source of fun and relaxation, can pose several dangers if not properly maintained or used. The most immediate risk is drowning, which can occur quickly and silently, often in shallow water. According to the CDC, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, especially among children. Ensuring proper supervision and safety measures, like pool fences and alarms, is critical to prevent accidents.
Another danger is slip-and-fall injuries. Wet pool decks and surfaces can be slippery, leading to falls that cause sprains, fractures, or head injuries. Regular cleaning and the installation of non-slip surfaces can reduce these risks.
Pools also present a risk of waterborne illnesses. Bacteria and viruses can thrive in improperly treated water, causing skin infections, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal illness. Regular monitoring of water quality, including chlorine and pH levels, is essential for safe swimming.
Finally, improperly maintained pools can cause long-term environmental and structural damage. Cracks, leaks, or poorly maintained pool equipment can lead to hazardous situations or costly repairs. Pool owners should ensure their pool and equipment are regularly inspected and maintained by professionals to avoid these hidden dangers.
The Pool Demolition Process
The pool demolition process involves several steps to safely and efficiently remove an old or unwanted swimming pool. The first step is obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring the demolition complies with local regulations. This often includes contacting local authorities to secure permits and plan for the proper disposal of materials.
Once permits are in place, the demolition crew begins by draining the pool of all water, ensuring the area is dry for the next steps. Next, they remove any pool accessories, such as ladders, slides, or pumps, which will either be disposed of or recycled.
For a complete pool demolition, the next step involves breaking up the pool structure, typically made of concrete or fiberglass. For concrete pools, heavy machinery, such as an excavator or jackhammers, is used to break apart the pool shell into smaller, manageable pieces. In some cases, the pool may be partially removed, with the remaining structure being filled in with gravel or dirt.
After the pool structure is demolished, the site is filled with soil, compacted, and leveled. If desired, landscaping can be done to restore the area for new use, whether it’s a lawn, patio, or garden. Throughout the process, safety is prioritized to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding property.
How Much Does Pool Demolition Cost in Hayward?
We’re always happy to give free on-site estimates, but there are many factors that can greatly affect the cost of your pool demolition project:
- The type of pool removal (full vs partial fill-in)
- The pool material (plaster, fiberglass, vinyl, concrete, or gunite)
- The surface area and depth of the pool
- The surrounding area and utilities (is there a diving board, a pool cover, a patio, etc.?)
- The accessibility (can it be accessed by a bobcat? Are there shrubs or trees in the way?)
How Should You Prepare for Swimming Pool Removal in Hayward
There are a few things you should get in order before your pool removal professionals arrive.
A few hours before your pool removal, uninstall any filters or pool parts that you want to sell or recycle. You can make a pretty penny selling even heavily used pool parts.
While you’re out by the pool, check for any stray pool toys. You’ll probably want to keep these for use at the community pool, or at the beach, instead of selling them. Either way, ensure you have them stored safely.
That’s all you have to do to prepare for our arrival. Bay Area Pool Demolition is the safe choice that you can trust for swimming pool removal in Hayward. Contact us for a free estimate today.
Our Service Area
Bay Area Pool Demolition is proud to service the entire Bay Area, including:
- Mountain View
- Union City
- Los Gatos
- Campbell
- Castro Valley
- Danville
- Cupertino
- Palo Alto
- Milpitas
- Pleasanton
- Redwood City
- Livermore
- Los Altos
- San Leandro
- San Mateo
- Richmond
- Santa Clara
- Sunnyvale
- Hayward
- Fremont
- Oakland
- Orinda
- San Jose
- Martinez
- Monterey
- Pleasant Hill
- San Ramon
- Walnut Creek
- Concord
- San Carlos
- Millbrae
- Lafayette
- And more