Filling an inground pool with dirt is a decision many homeowners consider for reasons ranging from maintenance issues to renovating their backyard space. But is it a good idea? What are the implications—both legal and practical—of transforming your pool into a patch of earth? This detailed guide explores the feasibility, steps, pros and cons, and everything you need to know about filling an inground pool with dirt.
Understanding What Filling a Pool with Dirt Means
When people talk about filling an inground pool with dirt, they usually mean completely covering the structure with soil after proper preparation. This is not as simple as just dumping a few truckloads of dirt into the hole—it’s a process that involves careful planning, potential structural modifications, and compliance with legal standards.
Filling a pool may be considered when:
- The pool has become too costly or burdensome to maintain.
- The homeowner wants to reclaim the backyard for landscaping or construction projects.
- There are safety concerns, especially with families with small children.
Before jumping into the process, it’s essential to explore why you’re considering this step and whether it aligns with your long-term property goals.
Is It Legal to Fill an Inground Pool With Dirt?
Checking Local Ordinances and Municipal Codes
Laws regarding pool removal or filling vary significantly depending on your city or county. Some areas allow complete filling, while others may require permits before proceeding. Ignoring these codes could lead to legal trouble, fines, or even a lien on your property.
For instance, in many parts of California and New York, you must notify local authorities and possibly submit a plan for how you intend to fill the structure and ensure safety standards are met.
Closure and Decommissioning Requirements
In some regions, you’re required to fully remove the pool rather than filling it in. Other places may allow partial or complete backfill, especially if the structure is sealed properly to prevent collapse or environmental concerns.
HOA Rules and Property Covenants
Homeowners associations (HOAs) may impose restrictions on how you handle an unused or abandoned pool. Some HOAs may require removal, while others let you fill it in, provided you maintain the yard’s aesthetic appeal.
The Safety Implications of Filling a Pool with Dirt
Risk of Pool Collapse
Inground pools, especially concrete or gunite types, are designed to be filled with water. Water counterbalances the external pressure from the surrounding soil and groundwater. Removing water without proper reinforcement can lead to catastrophic structural failures, such as walls collapsing or the shell popping out of the ground.
Therefore, filling a drained pool with dirt should be done strategically. This often involves drilling weep holes, installing relief valves, and ensuring even weight distribution to prevent dangerous shifts in structure.
Environmental and Health Risk
When filling a pool with dirt, you must ensure that:
- The pool isn’t contaminated with old chemicals or materials.
- The dirt used is free of toxic or hazardous substances.
- The filled ground isn’t prone to settling unevenly, which can cause depressions, sinkholes, or future landscaping issues.
In some areas, local environmental agencies require that you use clean fill—dirt that hasn’t been in contact with waste or pollutants.
Pros and Cons of Filling an Inground Pool with Dirt
Advantages
Eliminates Pool Maintenance: One of the most cited reasons for filling a pool is to avoid the costs and hassles associated with seasonal maintenance, repairs, and chemical treatments.
Prevents Accidents: A filled pool eliminates liability and risk for children, pets, or visitors who could fall in or accidentally disrupt the structure.
Backyard Renovation Opportunity: Once filled and landscaped, the area can become a new lawn, garden, patio, or even space for small structures like sheds, decks, or play areas.
Disadvantages
Possible Legal Consequences: As previously mentioned, failing to comply with legal filling requirements can result in fines or the requirement to fully excavate the area.
Loss of Property Value: For many homes, especially in warmer climates, an inground pool significantly boosts resale value. Filling it in could diminish that appeal.
Subsidence and Soil Instability: If the filling or drainage process isn’t properly done, you risk creating sinkholes or destabilized ground, which can threaten your home’s foundation or nearby structures.
Limited Reversibility: If you later decide to restore the pool functionality, you may find that it’s more expensive or even impossible without significant reconstruction.
How to Properly Fill an Inground Pool With Dirt
Filling a pool isn’t as simple as bulldozing dirt over it. Proper preparation, planning, and execution are crucial to ensure safety, legal compliance, and future usability of the space.
Step 1: Drain and Clean the Pool Safely
Before adding any dirt, the pool must be emptied of water. Draining an inground pool safely requires coordination, especially if the structure is deep and underground water levels are high.
It’s important that:
- The pool is drained gradually to prevent pressure damage.
- Water is released in accordance with local drainage regulations.
- The drained pool is scrubbed clean of debris, algae, and remaining chemicals.
Step 2: Prepare the Structure
Depending on the type of pool, preparation involves structural modifications to ensure that the backfilling does not create dangerous pressure shifts:
- Concrete or gunite pools often require holes to be drilled into the bottom to relieve pressure from groundwater (called “weep holes”).
- Vinyl liner pools may need additional internal bracing or partial demolition to reduce buoyancy risks.
- Some local codes require breaking up the pool floor to allow natural settling or prevent entrapment.
Step 3: Plan for Drainage and Stability
Filling a pool with dirt must account for water flow. Without proper drainage, groundwater can seep in and cause the dirt to shift or rise. Adding gravel in a layer beneath the soil and including French drains or drain tiles can control this.
Proper drainage layers, often 6 to 12 inches of crushed stone, help to:
- Dissipate water pressure uniformly.
- Allow gradual integration of groundwater, avoiding heaving.
Step 4: Add Clean Fill to the Pool
Clean, non-expansive fill dirt is essential. You should:
- Avoid using debris, trash, or treated lumber scraps.
- Use soil that’s compactable and won’t expand too much when wet.
- Add in layers, compacting each layer with heavy equipment, such as a plate compactor or a trench roller, ensuring settlement is controlled and predictable.
Step 5: Grade and Landscape
After filling the pool with dirt, grading the land is important for a seamless blend into your property’s terrain. This includes:
- Topdressing the filled area with high-quality topsoil for planting.
- Adding grass, shrubs, or other landscape features to integrate the new structure into your yard.
- Sprinkling a layer of mulch, stone, or sod to provide a finished look and reduce erosion.
Cost Considerations for Pool Filling
Filling a pool with dirt isn’t necessarily the cheapest removal option. The costs can fluctuate based on pool size, type, and how elaborate the preparation steps are.
Filling vs. Removal
When estimating the total investment, many homeowners weigh:
- Filling: Costs usually range from $2,000 to $6,000, depending on prep work, materials, and labor.
- Complete Removal: This often costs $8,000 to $15,000 because it involves removing everything and restoring the backyard to its original state (e.g., replanting grass).
DIY vs. Professional Help
While some enthusiastic DIYers tackle smaller projects themselves, large pools can be a significant undertaking. Equipment rental (e.g., trenchers, compactors), dirt delivery, and proper preparation can add up quickly.
Professionals bring value by:
- Handling permits and legal notifications.
- Following best practices for structural safety.
- Delivering finished results without long-term hazards.
Impact on Property Value and Marketability
Real Estate Considerations
Depending on your region, inground pools can add considerable value to your home. However, filled pools present a mixed bag:
- In warm, pool-friendly markets like Florida or Texas, removing a pool could reduce your home’s resale value by thousands.
- In cooler climates where pool usage is seasonal, the impact might be less significant.
The filled area, if done properly and attractively, can serve as a positive feature in the backyard, especially if transformed into a lush lawn, sitting area, or garden. But potential buyers may still view the filled pool as a lost opportunity, so consider how this impacts your local real estate trends.
Disclosing the Filled Pool to Buyers
Legally, you’re usually required to disclose whether a pool was removed or filled. Misrepresentation could lead to disputes or liability after the sale. Full transparency helps establish trust and can prevent legal entanglements.
Alternative Uses for a Filled Pool Space
Filling the pool doesn’t have to mean losing that space forever. There are many creative uses homeowners have implemented after filling their inground pools.
Filling an inground pool with dirt opens up the space for:
- Garden: Fruit-bearing trees, raised beds, or native plants thrive in the newly accessible ground area.
- Outdoor Living Areas: Durable wooden decks, stone pavers, or pergolas can be installed to create a new entertaining space.
- Backyard Storage or Parking Pad: The solid base of a filled pool can be ideal for storing tools, off-road vehicles, or recreational equipment.
- Play Area: Replacing pool fun with playground fun by installing a swing set, sandbox, or outdoor play equipment is another popular route.
Each option can maximize the use of the area while maintaining the value of your home.
Final Thoughts on Filling an Inground Pool with Dirt
Filling an inground pool with dirt is a viable option for many homeowners looking to eliminate safety hazards, maintenance burdens, or outdated features. However, the decision must be informed by legal considerations, safety requirements, and future property goals. Whether this act represents a fresh start for your backyard or a bittersweet farewell to swimming memories, the transformation should be handled responsibly and with foresight.
If you’re considering this route, take the time to consult with local code experts, pool contractors, and landscapers to weigh all your options. In the end, a properly filled inground pool can lead to a new and exciting backyard layout—with the same safety, beauty, and functionality you once enjoyed in another form.
By making an informed, strategic choice, filling an inground pool with dirt can turn a liability into a long-term asset for your property and lifestyle.
Why would someone consider filling an inground pool with dirt?
Homeowners often consider filling an inground pool with dirt when they no longer wish to maintain the pool or when it becomes a safety hazard, especially if there are young children or pets around. Removing the pool entirely can be costly and labor-intensive, so filling it in with dirt offers a more affordable and practical alternative. Additionally, some people choose this option if they want to reclaim the space for landscaping, gardening, or expanding their yard for recreational use.
Filling a pool with dirt can also be a way to avoid the legal and safety liabilities associated with an abandoned pool. Local municipalities may require that unused pools be properly decommissioned, and filling them in can be a compliant solution. However, it’s important to follow local codes and regulations before proceeding, which might require permits or specific methods of demolition and backfilling to ensure structural safety and environmental responsibility.
What are the steps involved in filling an inground pool with dirt?
The process begins with getting the necessary permits and consulting local building departments to ensure compliance with zoning laws and safety regulations. Once cleared, the pool must be properly drained, and all mechanical systems such as filters, pumps, and heaters removed. Safety covers or fences should also be taken down, and the surface should be thoroughly cleaned to remove debris and contaminants before proceeding.
Next, professionals typically drill holes in the pool floor and add gravel or crushed concrete to aid with drainage and prevent water accumulation. Then, the pool is gradually filled with dirt or suitable fill materials, compacting each layer to prevent future settling. In some cases, a layer of geotextile fabric and topsoil is added before planting grass or landscaping. It’s strongly recommended to hire professionals to inspect and supervise the process to prevent structural collapse or soil contamination.
Is filling an inground pool with dirt safe for the environment?
Filling an inground pool with dirt can be environmentally safe if proper procedures are followed. It’s important not to dispose of hazardous materials such as old pool liners or unused chemicals into the fill. These should be handled according to local waste regulations. Using clean fill dirt or recycled construction debris can help reduce the environmental footprint, and managing drainage properly can prevent water from pooling and attracting pests.
Failure to follow proper guidelines, however, could result in environmental issues. For example, improperly sealed pools can collect rainwater and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. In addition, using contaminated fill material could leach harmful substances into the soil and groundwater. Therefore, consulting with environmental experts or licensed contractors can ensure that the fill process remains eco-friendly and safe for the surrounding ecosystem.
What are the risks of filling a pool with dirt instead of removing it?
One of the primary risks of filling a pool with dirt instead of removing it is future ground settling. If the material used isn’t compacted properly or if water accumulates inside the filled pool, it could lead to surface depressions or sinkholes in the yard. These issues may damage landscaping, patios, or even the foundation of the home over time, requiring costly repairs.
Another concern is the long-term impact on property resale value. Potential buyers may be wary of filled-in pools due to the hidden structural risks and lack of visibility into how the process was handled. This could lead to additional scrutiny during home inspections and possibly affect the selling price or timeline. Therefore, homeowners should document the process, keep proper records, and possibly disclose the action during future property sales.
Can you plant on top of a filled-in inground pool?
Yes, it is possible to plant on top of a filled-in inground pool, but some considerations should be taken into account for successful growth. Using quality topsoil and ensuring adequate compaction of fill material beneath can support a lawn or even planting gardens. However, if deeper-rooted plants or trees are desired, homeowners should proceed with caution, as root systems may reach unstable layers or old pool materials, leading to uneven growth or structural concerns.
It’s also important to be aware of the pool’s dimensions and layout, as large plants or trees could affect the filled area if removal is ever required in the future. Proper irrigation planning is recommended to avoid excess water accumulation in the former pool space. If landscaping is the goal, consulting with a local landscaper or arborist can provide insight into which plants will thrive and how to manage the site for long-term stability.
Do you need a permit to fill in an inground pool?
In most jurisdictions, yes, you do need a permit to fill in an inground pool. This is because the process can be seen as a form of demolition or land alteration and thus falls under local building or zoning codes. The permit process helps ensure that the work is done safely and in a manner that complies with structural, environmental, and liability standards. Failing to get a permit can result in fines, legal complications, or problems when selling the home later.
To obtain a permit, homeowners typically must submit plans detailing how the pool will be decommissioned, filled, and stabilized. The local authority may also require inspection at various stages of the process. In some areas, filling the pool completely and restoring the area may involve working with licensed contractors who can provide documentation of proper backfilling, drainage setup, and land grading to prevent future water issues on the property.
What are the alternatives to filling an inground pool with dirt?
One popular alternative to filling the pool with dirt is partial removal, also known as “pool sanding.” This involves lowering the pool walls and filling the basin with sand and gravel rather than dirt, then covering it with soil and sod. This approach reduces the risk of settling while restoring the yard surface more efficiently than full dirt fill. Another option is complete pool removal, which involves demolishing the entire structure and restoring the yard, although this is more expensive and disruptive.
Other creative alternatives include repurposing the pool into a decorative feature such as a koi pond, garden bed, or outdoor entertainment space like a courtyard or patio. This allows homeowners to retain the existing structure while giving it new life. Each method has its own set of advantages and drawbacks in terms of cost, effort, and time, so it’s essential to evaluate your needs, local regulations, and budget before choosing an appropriate method.