Demolishing a swimming pool and filling it in is a relatively simple and straightforward demolition job. Demolishing a swimming pool is time and labor intensive however. If you plan on doing your own swimming pool demolition plan on renting some heavy equipment and recruiting some friends to help.

Step 1. Formulate a plan. Swimming pool demolition isn’t something you want to do on a whim. You should spend a couple weeks planning exactly how you are going to demolish and fill in your pool.

Some things to think about — Will I need a permit? Most cities will require some sort of permit to demo a pool. How will I haul away construction debris? Even if you are doing a partial pool demolition you will generate a bit of construction debris that you will need to dispose of. What kind of heavy equipment will I need to rent? Do I have enough space to bring in a bobcat with a hydraulic breaker or will I need to do it with jackhammers?

Step 2. Clear and drain your pool. Clear away all pool accessories from the pool, including toys, filters, and removable ladders or diving boards. Drain your pool. You will eventually drill a set of holes in the bottom of the pool to ensure proper drainage, but be sure you drain your pool normally before beginning any swimming pool demolition.

Step 3. Demolish your swimming pool. You are most likely doing a partial swimming pool demolition so this involves drilling holes in the bottom of the pool and then cutting away the top two to three feet of concrete. The concrete is then used as fill in the bottom of the pool. 

Step 4. Fill in the pool with more fill dirt and start compaction. After you’ve properly compacted the pool area begin landscaping.

If this all sounds too daunting there are many swimming pool demolition contractors that specialize in swimming pool removal.