Concrete pool removal is the most labour-intensive type of pool demolition, and the most common type of job we do in the Southern Highlands. The majority of the region’s inground pool stock was built in the 1970s–1980s using poured concrete or gunite (pneumatically applied concrete) — pools that are now 40–50 years old and, in most cases, significantly past their practical lifespan.
Breaking up a concrete pool correctly requires a hydraulic rock-breaker mounted on a sufficient-sized excavator, a crew who understands the sequencing of the work, and proper management of the rubble removal. Done properly, a standard concrete pool can be demolished and backfilled in two to three days. Done poorly, you end up with inadequately removed rubble buried in unstable fill — a problem that takes years to reveal itself in surface settlement and drainage issues.
The Concrete Pool Stock in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands was a popular Sydney weekender destination through the 1950s–1980s, and many of the period’s residential and holiday properties received inground concrete pools as part of recreational development. The Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Bundanoon corridors have a high density of this vintage pool stock.
Typical characteristics of Southern Highlands concrete pools:
- Age: 1970s–1990s installation (40–55 years old in 2026)
- Construction: Poured concrete or gunite, typically 150–250mm shell thickness, with concrete block or reinforced concrete walls on some pools of this era
- Condition: Many have cracked shells (thermal cycling at Highland elevations, tree root infiltration, ground movement on clay soils), failing plumbing, and outdated or non-functional equipment
- Size: Typically 7m x 3.5m to 10m x 5m, plus filter area and equipment pad
- Coping: Concrete or sandstone coping; some pools have poured concrete surrounds
The Concrete Pool Demolition Process
Assessment and Planning
At the site inspection, we assess the pool’s construction, thickness (thicker walls take longer to break), reinforcing (older pools often have steel rebar that needs to be cut and removed), and access for equipment. We also check for any attached structures — spa, wading area, water feature — that affect the scope.
Breaking the Shell
A hydraulic breaker on an excavator systematically breaks the concrete shell into pieces. We work from the coping level down: removing coping and pool surrounds first, then breaking the wall sections, then the base. The sequence matters — breaking from the bottom up risks creating unstable conditions; working top-down is controlled and safe.
For concrete pools with reinforcing steel, the rebar is cut as the concrete is broken and pulled out for separate recycling. Reinforced concrete pools take longer to demolish than unreinforced or lightly reinforced pools.
Rubble Management
Broken concrete is either:
- Loaded into tipper trucks and removed to a licensed construction and demolition recycling facility (where it’s crushed and reused as road base or fill)
- Used as fill in the pool void to a maximum percentage specified in the applicable development standard (typically up to 50% of the backfill can be broken concrete), with the remainder being imported fill
Using some of the broken concrete as fill on-site reduces the number of truck trips (and therefore cost). We discuss this approach with each customer and include it in the fixed quote.
Plumbing and Equipment Removal
Concrete pools often have significant plumbing infrastructure — suction lines, return lines, waste lines, solar heating, and equipment rooms. All plumbing is cut and capped below the finished surface level. Equipment (pump, filter, heater) is removed and the equipment pad demolished.
Backfill and Compaction
The void is backfilled in layers with a combination of approved materials, mechanically compacted between layers. The compaction requirement depends on the intended future use of the site. If you plan to build over the area, we can provide compaction test documentation for your builder or engineer.
Asbestos in Older Southern Highlands Concrete Pools
Pre-1985 pool construction in the Southern Highlands commonly incorporated asbestos-containing materials — particularly in:
- Fibro cement pump houses and equipment sheds adjacent to the pool
- Fibro cement cladding on pool-side structures
- Asbestos cement (AC) pipes used for pool plumbing on some pre-1980s installations
- Fibro sheeting used as concrete formwork on some older pool installations (can remain embedded in the concrete)
Asbestos identification is a standard part of our site inspection process. Where asbestos-containing materials are identified, a licensed asbestos removalist handles that component of the work, and the cost is included in the overall fixed quote. See our asbestos and old pool surrounds guide.
Concrete Pool Removal Costs — Southern Highlands
| Pool Size and Type | Partial Fill-In | Full Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Small concrete pool (under 7m x 3.5m) | $5,500 – $8,000 | $10,000 – $14,000 |
| Standard concrete pool (7m–9m x 4m) | $7,000 – $10,500 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Large concrete pool (9m–12m x 4.5m+) | $9,000 – $14,000 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
| Lap pool (12m+) | $12,000 – $18,000 | $20,000 – $30,000+ |
| Pool with integrated spa | Add $2,500–$5,000 | Add $3,000–$6,000 |
| Asbestos management (if required) | Add $800 – $2,500 | Add $800 – $2,500 |
All prices include GST and the Southern Highlands regional premium. Fixed quotes based on site inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Concrete Pool Removal
How long does concrete pool removal take? A standard concrete pool (8m x 4m) takes two to three days for full removal — demolition day, rubble removal and backfill day, compaction and finishing. Larger pools or pools with significant complications (heavy reinforcing, complex plumbing, asbestos) may take an additional day.
What’s the difference between concrete and gunite pools for removal purposes? Gunite (pneumatically applied concrete) and poured concrete behave similarly from a demolition standpoint — both require hydraulic breaking. Gunite pools tend to have slightly thinner shells, which can make them marginally faster to break. The primary factor affecting demolition time is shell thickness and reinforcing, not whether it’s poured or gunite.
Can the concrete rubble be recycled? Yes. Clean broken concrete is a recyclable construction material — it goes to licensed demolition recycling facilities where it’s crushed to road base or concrete sub-base grade aggregate. You don’t pay to dispose of it at landfill; it goes to a recycling facility.
My concrete pool coping is sandstone. What happens to it? Sandstone coping from Southern Highlands pools can often be salvaged if it’s in good condition. Many customers keep the sandstone for use in garden retaining walls, paving or as feature stone. We’ll remove it carefully if you want it kept. If not, it’s generally loaded out with the concrete rubble.
Is my 1970s concrete pool likely to have asbestos? There’s a meaningful chance — not of asbestos in the concrete itself, but in the surrounding pump shed, plumbing infrastructure or any fibro cement elements. We assess for this at the site inspection.
Does a cracked concrete pool affect the removal process? Not significantly — a cracked shell actually makes it slightly easier to break up. What matters more is whether the cracks have allowed soil infiltration into the pool (which may mean the pool is already partially filled with earth), and whether structural instability poses any safety considerations for the equipment operator.
Need to remove an old concrete pool in the Southern Highlands? Request a free on-site quote.