Here’s exactly what happens between your first enquiry and walking out to a finished, level yard where the pool used to be. There are no secrets in this process, it’s straightforward, predictable work with a clear sequence.
Phase 1: Initial Enquiry and Site Inspection
Day 1-2: You Contact Us
You submit a quote request through the form on this site. There is no phone line. Your enquiry is reviewed personally, and if an independent contractor is confirmed for your area, they arrange a site visit time with you directly.
What we need from you at this stage:
- Property address
- Your availability for a site visit
- Any notes on what you know about the pool (type, approximate age, access concerns)
You don’t need to know anything about the pool construction or removal process, that’s what the site inspection is for.
Day 3-7: Site Inspection
One of our local contractors visits your property. This typically takes 30-60 minutes and covers:
- Pool assessment: Type (concrete, fibreglass, vinyl, above-ground), approximate size, estimated construction era, visible structural condition
- Access assessment: Truck and excavator access from street to pool, gate width measurements, proximity of structures and vegetation, slope considerations
- Utilities check: Location of power, plumbing, gas connections to the pool; any connections to the house that need to be assessed
- Soil assessment: Visual assessment of soil type (relevant to backfill specification and compaction)
- Council check: Heritage status, zone classification, your contractor verifies whether exempt development applies before quoting
- Scope discussion: We discuss your preferred outcome, full removal vs partial fill-in, what you want to do with the site afterward, any specific requirements
You’re welcome to be present during the inspection (most homeowners are). Your contractor will explain what they’re looking at and answer questions on the spot.
Day 5-10: Written Quote
Within 48 hours of the site inspection, you receive a written, fixed-price quote by email. The quote includes:
- Scope of work in plain language
- Price broken down by major components (demolition, disposal, backfill, compaction)
- Any optional add-ons (compaction testing, concrete pad removal, additional structures)
- Payment terms and deposit requirement
- Estimated timeline for the work
The quoted price is the price you pay. A properly scoped quote shouldn’t grow extras on the day.
Phase 2: Booking and Preparation
Accepting the Quote and Paying a Deposit
When you accept the quote (by email or call), the contractor arranges any deposit and start date directly with you. Start dates in the Southern Highlands typically run 2-4 weeks from booking during busy periods (late summer/autumn), and 1-2 weeks in quieter periods.
What You Need to Do Before Work Starts
Pool water management: If the pool is currently holding water, pool draining is arranged in advance, either by pump (best) or gravity drain if an appropriate drainage point exists. Pool water should be de-chlorinated or neutralised before discharging to any drainage system. We advise on the appropriate approach.
Clear the area: Remove furniture, potted plants, garden ornaments and any other items from the pool surrounds and the expected path of equipment access. If you have items you specifically want to protect (valuable plantings, garden structures), flag these when booking.
Notify your electricity provider: If there’s a dedicated pool circuit on your meter, the energy distributor needs to be notified before the electrical connection is terminated. We guide you through this process.
Pets and children: Arrange for pets and children to be secured or away from the site on work days. Plant and machinery operation creates noise, debris and hazards.
Neighbours: Professional courtesy, give neighbours a heads-up that work is starting. Concrete pool demolition with a hydraulic breaker generates significant noise and vibration during breaking. Work is done within normal construction hours (7am, 5pm Monday, Friday, 8am, 2pm Saturday where applicable).
Phase 3: The Removal Work
Concrete Pool Removal (2-4 Days)
Day 1: Services, Drain and Initial Setup
- Electrician attends (if required) to formally terminate pool electrical supply
- Pool draining confirmed (pump has been running for 24h+)
- Excavator and truck(s) mobilise to site
- Equipment pad and associated structures demolished and removed
- Initial excavation around pool perimeter
Day 2: Shell Demolition
- Hydraulic breaker breaks up pool walls and coping systematically
- Rebar cut and removed for recycling
- First truck loads of concrete rubble removed from site
- Base broken up and removed
Day 3: Backfill and Compaction
- Drainage holes confirmed/punched through base remnants (partial fill-in) or base fully removed (full removal)
- First layers of fill placed and compacted
- Imported fill brought in as required
- Progressive compaction in layers
Day 4: Finishing (if required)
- Final fill and compaction
- Surface grade and level
- Site clean-up
- Topsoil placement if included in scope
Fibreglass Pool Removal (1-2 Days)
Day 1: Services, Extraction and Backfill
- Pool draining confirmed
- Services disconnected
- Excavator opens up around shell perimeter
- Shell lifted whole (best case) or broken up
- Shell loaded and truck departed
- Backfill commences, first fill layers placed and compacted
- If extraction and fill complete by mid-afternoon: job may be finished day 1
Day 2 (if needed): Finish Backfill and Compaction
- Complete remaining fill and compaction layers
- Surface grade and clean
Above-Ground Pool Removal (Half Day to 1 Day)
- Pool drain confirmed
- Equipment (pump, filter) removed
- Liner removed and disposed
- Frame disassembled and sorted for recycling/disposal
- Materials loaded and removed
- Concrete pad removed if included in scope
- Site left clean and level
Phase 4: After the Work
Compaction Testing (Optional)
If you’ve requested compaction test documentation, a geotechnical tester attends within 1-2 days of backfill completion (when the fill is ready for testing). Test results are provided in a report format suitable for building certification purposes.
Pool Register Deregistration
The NSW Swimming Pool Register needs to be updated. If you’ve asked us to handle this, we submit the deregistration notification after job completion. If you’re doing it yourself, your contractor provides the completion documentation you’ll need.
Final Invoice
The balance of the job value is invoiced on completion. Payment is typically due within 7-14 days of completion (confirm in the quote).
Site Treatment
After removal, the site is left compacted, level and ready for your intended surface treatment. Most homeowners arrange lawn seeding or turf, topsoil and garden beds, or hard surface treatment independently, or ask us to include this in the scope.
Typical Total Timelines
| Pool Type | Enquiry to Quote | Booking to Start | Work Duration | Total Enquiry to Done |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Above-ground | 1 week | 1-2 weeks | 1 day | ~3-4 weeks |
| Fibreglass inground | 1 week | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 days | ~4-6 weeks |
| Concrete inground | 1 week | 2-4 weeks | 2-4 days | ~4-6 weeks |
| Large concrete (complex site) | 1-2 weeks | 3-5 weeks | 3-5 days | ~5-8 weeks |
During peak periods (late summer/autumn), lead times may be 6-8 weeks from enquiry to start date. Booking early if you have a target completion date is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions, Process and Timeline
Can I be at home during the pool removal? Yes, though you don’t need to be. Many homeowners go about their day and check in periodically. The site is safe and the crew is self-managing. We ask that you be contactable by phone in case any questions arise during the job.
What if the weather is bad on the scheduled removal day? We proceed in most weather conditions. Heavy rain on the day of concrete demolition or backfill creates some practical complications (wet concrete rubble is heavier; compaction on saturated soil is less effective). If the job needs rescheduling due to weather, you’ll be contacted and rebooked at no cost.
What happens if the job takes longer than estimated? Fixed-price quotes absorb normal variability in job duration. A fixed-scope quote shouldn’t change if the job takes half a day longer than estimated. If an unforeseen issue significantly changes the scope (e.g., asbestos discovered during demolition that wasn’t identified in the inspection), your contractor will discuss this before proceeding with any variation.
When can I start landscaping after pool removal? After the surface is compacted and finished, you can begin landscaping immediately. Lawn seeding or turf can go down the same week. If you’re building any structure over the site, wait for the compaction test results first.
Ready to start the process? Contact us for a free site inspection and quote.