Full pool removal is the complete demolition and removal of a pool, the shell, all plumbing and electrical infrastructure, the equipment pad, and all resulting rubble, followed by proper backfill and compaction of the void. It is the cleanest, most complete option and the one that leaves your site with the fewest future restrictions. If you intend to build over the area, plan to sell the property, or simply want the job done properly once and never again, full removal is the right choice.
Southern Highlands Pool Removals refers enquiries for full pool removal across the Wingecarribee Shire to independent local excavation and demolition contractors. Work is carried out to specification, and your contractor can supply compaction testing documentation on request.
What Full Pool Removal Involves
Step 1: Site Preparation and Service Disconnection
Before any demolition begins, the pool’s electrical supply is isolated and the connection terminated. Pool plumbing is assessed and disconnected from the home’s water supply. If there’s a gas heater, the gas line is capped by a licensed gasfitter. The pool is drained fully, this typically takes 12-24 hours by pump.
Step 2: Shell Demolition
This varies by pool type:
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Concrete/gunite pools: A hydraulic rock-breaker (fitted to the excavator) breaks up the shell systematically. The concrete is broken into manageable pieces, typically 300-600mm, for removal. Reinforcing steel (rebar) is cut and removed with the concrete or separately recycled. This is the most time-intensive phase, particularly for thick-walled older concrete pools common in the Southern Highlands.
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Fibreglass pools: Where access and geometry allow, a large excavator lifts the fibreglass shell intact. This is faster and generates less material than concrete demolition. Where the shell can’t be lifted whole, it is broken up in place, fibreglass is cut with an angle grinder or crushed by the excavator bucket and removed in pieces.
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Vinyl-lined pools: The vinyl liner is removed and disposed of (not recyclable in standard streams). The underlying structure (typically steel or concrete) is then demolished using the appropriate method.
Step 3: Plumbing and Electrical Removal
All plumbing penetrations through the pool shell are exposed and capped or removed below finished surface level. Underground electrical conduit and cabling is traced as far as practically accessible and removed or capped. Equipment (pump, filter, heater, automation controls) is removed and the equipment pad demolished.
Step 4: Rubble Removal
All demolished material is removed from site:
- Concrete rubble is transported to a licensed construction and demolition recycling facility. Clean concrete is a recyclable material, it’s crushed and reused as road base and fill
- Fibreglass goes to landfill (fibreglass is not currently recyclable in most NSW jurisdictions)
- Steel reinforcing and equipment is recycled through metal recyclers
Step 5: Backfill and Compaction
The void left by the pool is backfilled in layers (typically 200-300mm compaction lifts) using approved fill material, either the original excavation material (if suitable), clean imported fill, or clean concrete rubble to approved quantities. Each layer is mechanically compacted using a plate compactor or vibrating roller before the next layer is placed.
Compaction is the most critical step in the entire job, inadequately compacted fill will settle over time, creating surface depressions, drainage problems and, if you build over it, structural issues. Your contractor compacts to specification and can provide compaction test results if required.
Step 6: Finished Surface
The completed surface is graded for drainage, levelled to match surrounding ground levels, and left ready for your chosen surface treatment, lawn, garden, paving, or preparation for a building slab.
Step 7: Pool Register Deregistration
After work is complete, the pool is removed from the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Your contractor provides confirmation documentation for your records.
When Is Full Pool Removal the Right Choice?
| Scenario | Full Removal | Partial Fill-In |
|---|---|---|
| Planning to build over the site | Always | Not recommended |
| Selling the property soon | Preferred | Possible, disclose to buyers |
| Concrete pool in poor structural condition | Always | Risk of future issues |
| Fibreglass pool, good access for lifting | Yes, efficient | Possible |
| Budget is the primary constraint | Higher cost | Lower cost |
| Converting to garden, no future building | Either option suitable | Either option suitable |
For the vast majority of Southern Highlands property owners who are removing a pool once and want it done right, full removal is the right choice. See our partial vs full pool removal comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.
Southern Highlands Full Pool Removal, Cost Guide
| Pool Type and Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Small fibreglass (under 7m), full removal | $8,000 to $11,000 |
| Standard fibreglass (7m, 9m), full removal | $10,000 to $14,000 |
| Large fibreglass (9m+) or with spa | $13,000 to $18,000 |
| Small concrete (under 7m), full removal | $10,000 to $14,000 |
| Standard concrete (7m, 10m), full removal | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Large concrete (10m+) or lap pool | $18,000 to $28,000+ |
| Above-ground pool (steel frame/resin) | $2,500 to $4,000 |
These are typical market ranges for the Southern Highlands region, which carries a 15-20% regional premium over Sydney metro rates. Prices include GST. Your contractor confirms a firm figure in writing after the site inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions, Full Pool Removal
Why choose full removal over a partial fill-in? Full removal gives you an unrestricted site, you can build over it, there are no buried structures that future owners need to declare, and there’s no ongoing risk of partial fill settlement. It costs more than a partial fill-in, but the difference is often smaller than people expect, and the long-term benefits are clear. See our partial vs full pool removal guide.
How long does full pool removal take in the Southern Highlands? Typically: above-ground pools, one day; small fibreglass inground, one day; standard inground fibreglass, one to two days; standard inground concrete, two to three days; large concrete, three to five days. These include backfill and compaction.
Can I watch the work as it happens? Yes. Plenty of homeowners watch the job or check in during the day. The contractors working in this region are used to it and are happy to explain what’s happening at each stage.
What do I need to do before removal day? Not much, the contractor handles service disconnection and the drain-down. You should clear any furniture, fencing panels or garden elements you want to protect near the pool area. They’ll confirm any preparation requirements at the time of booking.
Is full pool removal covered by home insurance? Pool removal is generally not covered by home insurance (it’s not damage, it’s elected removal). Some home and contents policies may cover demolition costs in specific circumstances (e.g., structural failure). Check with your insurer.
Do you provide written confirmation for the pool register? Yes. After completion, your contractor provides documentation confirming the pool has been removed. You then lodge the deregistration with the NSW Swimming Pool Register (or the contractor can do this on your behalf, confirm at time of booking).
Ready to remove your Southern Highlands pool? Get a free on-site quote.