The cost of filling an above ground pool with dirt depends on the size of the pool, the type and quantity of dirt needed, and the delivery and installation costs. For a conservative estimate, expect to pay around $500 – $1,500 for dirt, delivery, and installation.
Smaller, more basic above ground pools with lightweight vinyl liners may cost as little as $500, while large, heavy-duty steel framed pools may cost as much as $1,500. The cost of dirt itself can range from $100 – $400 or more.
If delivery is needed, additional costs may be incurred – from $50 to $250 or more, depending on the distance the dirt has to be transported. Installation costs for manual filling should be minimal, but any special equipment needed to transfer the dirt, such as a concrete pump, can cost an additional $75 – $300.
An experienced professional should be consulted to ensure the job is done correctly.
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Can you just fill a pool with dirt?
No, you cannot just fill a pool with dirt. A pool requires a specific structure in order to hold water and be safe to swim in. To build a pool, a hole needs to be excavated and reinforced with a concrete base and walls before it is filled with water.
Any dirt that enters the pool will eventually sink to the floor and mess up the structure of the pool, making it less safe and more expensive to fix. Additionally, dirt can contain contaminants, parasites and other pathogens that can enter the water and cause health problems for those that come in contact with it.
For those reasons, dirt should not be used to fill a pool.
What is the cheapest way to fill a pool with water?
The cheapest way to fill a pool with water is to use a garden hose connected to a water source, such as a spigot or an outdoor faucet. You can either buy a hose at home improvement stores or hardware stores, or borrow one from a neighbor or friend.
To use the garden hose, you’ll need to attach one end to the source of water and the other to your pool filter. If you don’t have a filter, you can attach the hose directly to the skimmer or the pool inlet.
The water pressure should be adjusted so that it’s not so powerful that it damages the pool walls, floor, or surrounding area, but it must create enough pressure to fill the pool quickly. The water should always be tested before filling and be sure to have your pool chemicals ready to go.
Can I backfill my above-ground pool with dirt?
Yes, it is possible to backfill above-ground pools with dirt, depending on the type of pool and soil type. Above-ground pools can be supported by a variety of material, including sand, soil and gravel.
If your pool is designed for sand or soil-filling, then you can backfill with dirt. When compacting soil, it is important to make sure it is of a type that will not settle over time, allowing your pool to shift due to heavy rains.
Clay, silt, and fine sand soils should not be used as they have a tendency to settle. Loam soils and coarser graded sand particles are best. It is also important to pack the dirt down firmly around the perimeter of the pool to form a solid wall and ensure it will support the pool.
Finally, a landscaping fabric should be placed along the base of the pool before the soil is added to protect the pool wall and liner from any sharp objects or roots.
How do I permanently close my pool?
If you want to permanently close your pool, there are a few steps you should take. First, you should empty the pool completely and make sure it’s dry before you start any work. After the pool is drained and dry, you will need to patch any leaks in the pool wall and bottom.
Then, make sure to secure a tarp over the pool, so that no dirt, debris, or pests can get in. If the pool is aboveground, you may need to attach the tarp to stakes to keep it in place. Next, you can either fill the pool with dirt and sand, or cover it in a thick layer of concrete.
If you choose to fill it with dirt and sand, make sure that it is compacted well to avoid future settling. Finally, when you’re done, put some kind of border, such as rocks or a fence, around the pool area to make it clear the area is closed off.
With these steps, you will have successfully closed your pool permanently.
Can I just dig a hole for a pool?
No, digging a hole for a pool is not a feasible option for many reasons. First, the ground beneath the surface of your property may be too difficult to dig through. The ground could be rocky and filled with tree roots,old building foundations, or other obstacles that would prevent you from digging a successful hole for a pool.
Additionally, even if you are able to successfully dig a hole for a pool, you may encounter drainage issues unless the exact size and shape of the hole are carefully calculated to enable proper drainage.
Finally, it is important to consider the safety of the pool if you build it in the ground. The walls of the pool may need to comply with certain safety standards and certifications to ensure they are secure and will not collapse.
Furthermore, you may need to account for the load bearing capacity of the ground, so that the walls of the pool can be safely supported and will not be at risk of collapsing. For these reasons, it is not recommended that you attempt to dig a hole for a pool.
How many yards of dirt does it take to fill a pool?
The amount of dirt needed to fill a pool depends on the size and shape of the pool. Generally speaking, the average sized, rectangular pool will require approximately 80 to 90 cubic yards of dirt, assuming the pool is 3 to 4 feet deep.
However, for an in-ground pool that is larger in size or deeper in depth or irregularly shaped, the amount needed could be more. It is important to consider the size and shape of the pool when determining the amount of dirt required to fill it.
Does removing a pool decrease home value?
Removing a pool can decrease the value of a home in most cases. Generally, if the pool was an integral part of the home’s features or part of the neighborhood, removing the pool could cause a decrease in the home’s market value.
The cost of removing the pool also has to be taken into consideration and can factor into the decrease in value. If it is very costly to remove the pool and replace with landscaping, the expense can eat away at the home’s value.
Additionally, in areas where swimming pools are the norm, removing a pool may act as a deterrent for potential buyers looking for those features. However, if the pool has not been properly maintained or is an eye sore, the cost to remove it can be outweighed by the increase of value it has by no longer being there.
Depending on the cost and desirability of a pool in the area, removing it can still be a plus financially.
How do you fill an unwanted inground pool?
Filling an unwanted inground pool is a lengthy and potentially expensive process, but it can be done. The first step is to determine if the pool is a liner or concrete-bordered pool, as each type may require slightly different steps.
If the pool is a liner pool, you will likely need to drain the water, remove the liner and any associated structures such as ladders, then fill the pool cavity with structural fill, such as sand or gravel.
Before doing so, it’s important to ensure the pool is free of any debris and other contaminates. Once the pool cavity is filled, you can cap off the cavity by sealing it with a material such as concrete, soil, or sod.
If you’re dealing with a concrete pool, the first step is to break down and remove the surrounding pool shell, including the steps, benches and the walls, to create a large empty hole in the ground. As with the liner pool, any debris or other contaminants should be removed from the site, and the area should be properly checked for underground utilities or other potential obstacles.
Once the area is clear, it can be filled with structural fill, sealed off with concrete, or planted with sod or grass.
The cost of filling an inground pool can vary greatly, depending on the materials selected, the size of the pool, and the labor required for the job. Consult with a local contractor to get an accurate estimate for the job.
What can be done with an unused inground pool?
If you have an unused inground pool, there are several things you can do with it. One option is to fill it with soil, topsoil, and plants to create an attractive garden area that can be used for entertainment, relaxing, or even growing a vegetable garden.
Another creative idea is to convert the pool into a garden pond. This could involve keeping all the pool structure underneath and then adding a liner, rocks, and aquatic plants to make a tranquil water feature.
You could also use the pool to create a mini natural swimming pool by filling it with water and surrounding it with plants and sand or gravel. Finally, you could demolish and remove the pool structure altogether and use the space for other purposes such as landscaping, adding a patio, or building a structure.
Ultimately, it’s up to you what to do with an unused inground pool, but it’s important to handle it safely and professionally to ensure a successful transformation.
Can I leave my inground pool empty over winter?
Yes, it is possible to leave an inground pool empty over winter. However, it is important to take certain steps to prepare the pool prior to doing so, as leaving it empty over winter can lead to potential damage to the pool, its surroundings, and any pool components like the lining, filter, pumps, and so on.
Firstly, you should clean the pool thoroughly to remove any dirt, algae, or other debris that has accumulated over the swimming season. This is best done by running the pool filter for 48 hours until the water is crystal clear.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure you have closed all of the pool’s valves and piping, so that no water is allowed to enter the infrastructure.
Secondly, you should ensure that the surrounding areas of the pool are ready for a period without water. This includes protecting nearby trees or plants by watering them thoroughly. You should also drain any of the liquid chemicals in the pool so that they do not corrode the interior.
Additionally, it’s important to drain the pool completely, ensuring the water level is below the skimmer and cleaning out all the drain plugs to avoid any freezing or cracking that could lead to leaks or structural damage.
Thirdly, it’s important to be aware of how the external temperatures can affect your pool and the surrounding environment. Ensure that electrical systems in and around the pool are weatherproofed and that any pool heaters are disconnected and sealed.
Additionally, you should blow out any sand filters and backwash pipes before winter to prevent any water from getting trapped and freezing.
Finally, you should consider covering your pool, either with a tarp or a heating blanket, to ensure that no debris or foreign objects get in to the pool during the winter. This will also help to protect the pool from extreme temperatures and UV rays that could damage the pool material.
Overall, it is possible to leave an inground pool empty over winter, however, taking the necessary steps to prepare for it is essential to prevent any lasting damage to the pool or its components.
Can I close my pool permanently?
Yes, it is possible to close a pool permanently. First, the water must be drained completely from the pool, making sure that none of it enters the water system or is spilled onto the ground. After the water is drained, any remaining debris or dirt should be removed, and the pool should be inspected for structural damage that might need to be repaired.
After the area is fully inspected and determined to be safe, then the liner and walls of the pool must be filled in with dirt or gravel. This will keep any water from accumulating in the pool and allow it to become part of the ground again.
At this point, the deck and surrounding area should be inspected and any necessary repairs should be made. Finally, the pool should be covered with a tarp in order to ensure that no water or debris can enter, and the area should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for any remaining issues.
By following these steps, you can close your pool permanently and safely.
What chemicals do you need to close an inground pool?
The exact chemicals you need to close an inground pool will vary depending on the size and water chemistry of the pool, however, there are some staples that should be used in any situation.
First, test the water in the pool and make sure that your resulting balance is within the recommended parameters for your pool system. To maintain this balance and keep the water healthy through the winter months, it is recommended to use a winterizing liquid chlorine shock, clarifier, and algaecide.
Additionally, you will want to use a quality metal sequestrant and a pool surface protectant to help protect any metal components, like ladders, from corrosion.
Depending on whether you have a saltwater system or a chlorine-based filter and sanitizer, you may also need to add additional chemicals, like shock treatments specifically designed for saltwater systems or granular chlorine for chlorine systems.
Lastly, make sure to use a pool cover to keep the water clean throughout the winter and to prevent water loss through evaporation.
In conclusion, the exact chemicals you need to close an inground pool will vary, however, the staples are winterizing liquid chlorine shock, clarifier, algaecide, metal sequestrant, and pool surface protectant.
Additionally, you may need additional treatments and a pool cover is necessary to keep the water clean and prevent evaporation.
What kind of dirt do you use to level a pool?
When it comes to leveling a pool, the most important part is to use the right kind of dirt. The ideal dirt should be grade 8 or better, meaning that it contains no organic matter and is almost entirely clay or rock.
The soil should be firm and able to maintain its shape when compacted. When selecting soil for pool leveling, it should also be free from debris, such as rocks, weeds, roots, and twigs. The dirt should also be screened several times, preferably with a 1⁄4-inch mesh, to remove any fine particles, such as dust.
It is also important to check the soil’s pH level in order to ensure it is compatible with pool maintenance and chlorine levels. Finally, make sure to compact the soil until it is flat and level before installing the pool.
