A partial pool removal — also called a pool fill-in — is a lower-cost alternative to full demolition that removes the immediate liability of an unwanted pool without the full expense of removing the entire shell. The pool is drained, drainage holes are punched through the base to ensure the void can drain, the walls are broken down to a specified depth below surface level, and the void is filled and compacted. The pool structure below that depth remains in the ground.
This approach is appropriate for some situations and not appropriate for others. Understanding the difference is critical before you commit to a method. Southern Highlands Pool Removal will explain both options clearly and recommend the right approach for your property and intended future use.
What Partial Pool Removal Involves
Step 1: Pool Drain-Down
The pool is fully drained by pump, typically taking 12–24 hours. The pool should be as empty as possible before demolition begins to reduce weight and improve safety.
Step 2: Service Disconnection
Pool electrical supply is isolated, plumbing disconnected and capped, and any gas supply (heaters) capped by a licensed gasfitter.
Step 3: Drainage Holes
Multiple drainage holes (typically 50–100mm diameter, drilled or punched through the pool base at regular intervals) are required under NSW building and planning guidelines. These holes are critical: they allow groundwater to drain through the remaining pool structure and prevent the pool void from acting as a bathtub and collecting water that could cause the fill to heave or settlement issues over time.
Step 4: Wall Demolition
The pool walls are broken down to a minimum depth below finished ground level — typically 300mm or more below the surface, though the exact requirement depends on the applicable development standard and your intended use of the site. For inground concrete pools, this involves hydraulic breaking of the top section of the wall. For fibreglass, the top portions are broken up and removed.
Step 5: Backfill and Compaction
The void is filled in layers with approved fill material, mechanically compacted between layers. The fill includes the demolished wall material (to approved quantities), imported fill, and/or clean concrete rubble. The surface is graded and levelled.
Step 6: Pool Register Notification
The pool is removed from the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
When Is a Partial Fill-In Appropriate?
A partial fill-in is appropriate when:
- Budget is the primary constraint. Partial fill-in typically costs $3,000–$5,000 less than full removal for a standard inground pool
- You are not planning to build over the site. The key restriction on a filled-in pool is that future building over the buried structure requires engineering assessment and may not be possible depending on the depth and quality of the fill
- The land will remain as garden, lawn or open space. Converting the pool area to a garden or lawn doesn’t require the same structural integrity as building over it
- The pool structure is intact. Partial fill-in works better where the pool walls are sound; a structurally compromised pool is often better suited to full removal
When Full Removal Is Better
A partial fill-in is NOT recommended when:
- You intend to sell the property soon. Some buyers and their solicitors will flag a filled-in pool on a property disclosure, which can affect negotiations. Full removal removes this as an issue. See our guide on selling a house with a pool for detail
- You plan to build over the site. Structures over a filled-in pool require engineering assessment and often can’t be built to conventional standards without full removal and specified compaction
- The pool is severely damaged or structurally compromised. Where the pool walls are cracked and collapsing, full removal is the safer and often more practical option
- Heritage or council requirements mandate full removal. Some council conditions on specific properties may require full removal
Partial Fill-In vs Full Removal: Cost Comparison
| Partial Fill-In | Full Removal | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical inground concrete (standard) | $6,000 – $10,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Typical inground fibreglass (standard) | $5,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Future building restriction | Yes — engineering required | No restriction |
| Property disclosure on sale | Typically required | Clean title |
| Time to complete | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Best for | Garden/lawn conversion, budget-conscious | Future building, clean sale |
What Happens After a Partial Fill-In?
Surface treatment. After fill and compaction, the site is typically finished with topsoil and prepared for your intended use — lawn seeding, garden beds, or simply graded.
Property records. In NSW, pool removal should be recorded with the NSW Swimming Pool Register. Even with a partial fill-in, the pool no longer exists as a functional water feature and should be deregistered. Your local council may also need notification.
Future building over the site. If you later want to build over a filled-in pool, you’ll need an engineer to assess the fill quality and specify any remediation required. If compaction testing was done at the time of removal, this documentation assists the engineer. If it wasn’t, further investigation may be needed. See our guide to building over a filled-in pool for detailed information.
Southern Highlands Partial Fill-In Costs
| Pool Type | Typical Partial Fill-In Cost |
|---|---|
| Small inground fibreglass (under 7m) | $4,500 – $7,000 |
| Standard inground fibreglass (7m–9m) | $5,500 – $8,500 |
| Small inground concrete (under 7m) | $5,500 – $8,000 |
| Standard inground concrete (7m–10m) | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| Large inground concrete (10m+) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
All prices include GST and reflect the Southern Highlands regional premium. Fixed quotes provided after site inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Partial Pool Fill-In
What’s the main difference between partial and full removal? In a partial fill-in, the lower portions of the pool shell remain in the ground. In a full removal, everything — including the base and all wall material — is excavated and removed from site. Full removal leaves you with an unrestricted site; partial fill-in leaves restrictions on building over it.
How deep are the drainage holes in a partial fill-in? Drainage holes are typically punched through the pool base — at the lowest point of the pool shell — and through the sidewalls near the base. The goal is to prevent the old pool void from holding groundwater. Multiple holes (typically six to twelve for a standard pool) are the minimum.
Can a partial fill-in cause drainage problems in my yard? Done properly — with adequate drainage holes and good compaction — a partial fill-in should not cause drainage problems. Done poorly (inadequate drainage holes, poor fill quality, inadequate compaction), it can create a low-lying wet area or surface settlement. This is why the quality of the fill and compaction process matters.
Do I need to tell buyers if the house has a filled-in pool? In NSW, vendors have disclosure obligations regarding defects and known issues. A filled-in pool is a material fact that should be disclosed. See our selling a house with a pool guide for the details.
Is a partial fill-in visible at the surface after completion? No — the surface is graded and levelled, and over time (especially with lawn growth), the filled area is indistinguishable from the surrounding yard. The only indicator would be in the title documentation or any building plans submitted to council.
Considering a partial fill-in for your Southern Highlands pool? Get a free on-site quote and we’ll recommend the right option for your situation.