Stories of Demolition Companies in Los Angeles
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Pool demolition is a fairly straightforward form of demolition. But you still need to hire a qualified pool demolition contractor that knows the proper way to demolish a pool. Hiring an inexperienced pool demolition contractor can damage your property and cost you a lot of money in the long run. So how do you choose a pool demolition contractor in Agoura Hills?

Pick a pool demolition contractor that has a lot of experience, both in general and specifically when it comes to pool demolition. You want to find a pool demolition contractor who has a couple years of experience under their belt. You also want to only hire pool demolition contractor that is licensed by the state of California, bonded, and insured. You also want to find a pool demolition contractor that has current and verifiable references.

The easiest way to obtain a lot of this information is to get an estimate. Actually you should obtain at least three estimates from pool demolition contractors. Use these estimates like you would a job interview. Ask lots of questions and take the opportunity to get a feel for how your pool demolition contractor works.

There is always a temptation to do it yourself, especially when it comes to demolition. After all demolition is fairly straightforward and it appears, on first blush, to be easy. Maybe you’ve done some reading about swimming pool demolition and are saying to yourself, Hey, that doesn’t sound so bad. I don’t need to hire a pool demolition contractor. I can do it myself!”

But should you do your own pool demolition? Or should you hire a pool demolition contractor? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make that decision.

1. Can You Use Heavy Machinery Safely and Effectively?

Unless you have a very very small pool you are going to need to use either a bobcat with a break attachment or a backhoe with a hydraulic jackhammer attached to the arm. Are you familiar with how to safely use heavy machinery? If the answer is no than you should hire a pool demolition contractor.

2. Can You File for a Proper Demolition Permit?

Permitting is fairly straightforward. It usually involves filing out a application and paying a fee. You may be required to submit various plans outlining specifics of your demolition project, including how construction materials is going to be removed. If you aren’t comfortable with filing for a proper demolition permit then you should hire a demolition contractor.

3. Are You Familiar with Best Demolition Practices, including Safety

Swimming pool demolition can be dangerous if you are inexperienced or aren’t familiar with the best safety practices in demolition. If you are not familiar with proper demolition safety procedures you are better off leaving your demolition to the professional.

In most cases, despite the savings, you are better off leaving swimming pool removal in the hands of a qualified swimming pool demolition contractor. 

Whether you are doing a partial demolition or a complete pool demolition, pool demolition in Los Angeles is a fairly straightforward process. How straightforward? We’ve condensed swimming pool demolition into five easy steps just to show you how easy it is.

1. Drain the swimming pool

Before demolishing a swimming pool you’ll need to drain it. You can either open the drains and let time and gravity do their job, or pump out the water. Once a pool has been complete drained, you will need to drill an array of holes in the bottom of the pool. Holes will allow the pool to drain properly and constantly once its been filled in.

2. Demolish the Top Two Feet of Concrete

Demolish the top two layers of concrete around the pool and take the pool down to ground level. This is done usually with a Bobcat with a pneumatic drill attached to it. A bobcat can quickly demo a pool and the associated concrete.

3. Fill in the Pool 

Once the top to three layers of concrete have been demolished use the demolish concrete as fill and dump it into the bottom of the pool. 

4. Top the Concrete Fill with Fill Dirt

Fill in the pool with extra fill dirt, and then grade and compact. 

5. Landscape

After your former pool site has been compacted, call a landscaper and have sod planted.

Swimming pool removal in Los Angeles requires only a grading permit. A grading permit in Los Angeles can typically be obtained for a few hundred dollars. Either you or  your pool removal contractor  can obtain the proper permit. Most pool demolition contractors obtain a grading permit for a job and then pass the cost of the permit along to you.

However, if you live in a gated community or a community that has a strict homeowner’s association, you should check with your Homeowners Association before beginning your swimming pool removal. Your Homeowners Association may have specific by-laws about how a swimming pool can be removed in your area.

Never do a swimming pool removal with the proper permits and permission. Demo’ing without a permit can lead to extra costs if you are later forced to legalize your swimming pool removal, and can also result in fines from the city of Los Angeles.

Whether you are doing a complete swimming pool demolition or a partial swimming pool removal, swimming pool demolition is one of the simpler demolition jobs you can do. Here are 10 Tips to help you in your swimming pool demolition.

10. Use heavy machinery … While you can do a swimming pool demolition with a jackhammer I would highly recommend using heavy equipment to demo a pool. Either a bobcat with a hydraulic drill attachment, or a backhoe. Either one can quickly break up and bust up concrete. 

9. Obtain a permit … Typically you would need some type of permit for a swimming pool demolition. For instance, in Los Angeles, you only need a grading permit. Other municipalities may require a demolition permit or a series of permits. Obtaining a permit now ensures that your swimming pool removal is legal from the start.

8. Make a plan for construction debris disposal … Even if you are filling in your pool you can expect a certain amount of construction debris. Develop a plan beforehand on how you are going to dispose of that construction debris. Whether you are renting a dumpster or calling a hauling service, when, etc.

7. Get rid of pool accessories in advance … Pool toys, pool furniture, and portable pool filters can all become flying projectiles during a swimming pool demolition. 

6. Cover your windows … If you have glass doors and windows overlooking the pool, you may want to cover those doors and windows with heavy duty plastic or plywood boarding to prevent them from damage.

5. Lock up the cat, board the dog … It should go without saying that you need to isolate and lock up your pets during any kind of demolition work. 

4. Drain your pool… Before you begin your pool demolition be sure to remove the drain plugs and completely drain your pool. You may want to use a compressor and hose to drain the pool completely.

3. Drill drainage holes … Drill an array of drainage holes in the bottom of the pool so that once the pool has been filled in ground water will drain normally.

2. Buy extra fill … You will need fill dirt to layer on top of the demolished pool once the top layer of concrete so make sure you have some dirt on hand to complete the fill in. 

1. Recruit friends … doing your on swimming pool demolition can be a herculean effort so get some friends to help you. 

If you use these tips your swimming pool demolition will go smoothly.

Pool demolition is a fairly straightforward form of demolition. But you still need to hire a qualified pool demolition contractor that knows the proper way to demolish a pool. Hiring an inexperienced pool demolition contractor can damage your property and cost you a lot of money in the long run. So how do you choose a pool demolition contractor in Agoura Hills

Pick a pool demolition contractor that has a lot of experience, both in general and specifically when it comes to pool demolition. You want to find a pool demolition contractor who has a couple years of experience under their belt. You also want to only hire pool demolition contractor that is licensed by the state of California, bonded, and insured. You also want to find a pool demolition contractor that has current and verifiable references.

The easiest way to obtain a lot of this information is to get an estimate. Actually you should obtain at least three estimates from pool demolition contractors. Use these estimates like you would a job interview. Ask lots of questions and take the opportunity to get a feel for how your pool demolition contractor works.

Be wary of any pool demolition contractor that refuses to openly provide you with standard information like California Contractor’s license, proof of insurance, or written estimates. Legitimate pool demolition contractors are more than used to providing this sort of information to potential customers.