How to Close in an Unwanted In Ground Pool

Co-authored by Sina Kamran and Eric McClure

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

Filling an in-ground swimming pool can lead to all sorts of unexpected problems. Once the pool is empty, it may become buoyant while sitting in the ground. If the soil conditions are right, the pool can actually begin to "float" up out of the ground, which can cause soil erosion or even foundation problems for a nearby house. Here is an inexpensive and easy method to rid yourself of an unwanted in-ground swimming pool.

Steps

1
Drain the pool.^{[1]
X
Research source} Do this when the soil is dry so it will be unlikely for the pool to float out of the ground. If the water contains chlorine or other harmful chemicals, make sure it's not going into storm drains or other places it could cause environmental damage.
2
Use a jackhammer, sledgehammer, or other tool to smash holes into the bottom of the pool. This will allow water to drain out of it in the future.

Advertisement
3
Remove any top decking concrete walkways, coping tiles and any other concrete around the pool that you don't want anymore. Toss it into the pool over the holes you have made.
4
Cover the old cement with a layer of crushed rock. Then cover this with a layer of sand, or just fill it up the rest of the way with dirt. If possible, tamp it down as you go so you will have less settling over time. Be sure that the last foot of dirt is quality topsoil if you want to plant anything on top of it.

Community Q&A

Question

How much would it cost to fill in a 20X40 ft pool that is 5 ft deep?

Community Answer

20x40x5divided by 27 will give you the cubic yardage. Multiply that number by the cost per cubic yard of fill dirt, stone or concrete and add the delivery fee.
Question

How much would it cost to close in my in-ground pool?

Community Answer

Several thousand dollars.
Question

Does $13,450.00 sound a little high to fill a 25,000 gallon pool?

Community Answer

Absolutely. My guy is doing mine for $100 an hour, and he predicts 12 hours max. The materials for filling the pool are cheap if you use crushed concrete. Dirt would be a little more expensive, but nowhere near the number you're talking about.

Warnings

Check local bylaws and building codes in regard to what you can leave in the ground. You may not be able to leave the vinyl or the concrete.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
If you put in a lot of concrete and do not use crushed rock and sand, you'll get a lot more settling than you otherwise would.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Be sure to drill lots of holes (or even break up the bottom of the pool) in order to facilitate drainage.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0