Our Unique Pool Demo and Removal Process
Pool demo regulations in San Diego county varies from city to city and we have developed a unique pool demo and removal process that works for all cities. Every demo company has their way of demoing a pool or spa, however we have found it takes a minimum of 12 separate steps to properly demo or remove a pool or spa.
We have developed this unique program from our more than 20 years of experience and of fixing other demo companies poor work. Our process involves a minimum of 12 steps however each project is different and may require more steps to complete the demo properly. Some of the major mistakes other companies make are not installing enough or any drainage in the floor of the pool or spa, using too large of rubble to backfill, using FREE fill dirt that can not achieve proper compaction and lack of experience.
Develop a Plan for Phase 2: This step of the demo process is the most crucial to the demo and/or removal of your existing pool or spa. What are you going to do with space when the pool or spa is gone? We spend the time to discuss the next phase of your project so we can determine how much of the pool or spa needs to be demoed. If you are going to plant real grass, or install synthetic turf or pavers we need to know this so we can prepare the area properly for these different products. Also, if you are going to build a structure like a room addition the demo process is more extensive and requires a different approach. We have the experience to help you design the perfect landscape that will replace the pool and make the new space enjoyable to use. Give us a call or use our online estimate process to request a consultation.
Permit Process: Every pool in the county of San Diego requires a permit for removal and each city has different rules and requirements. We are experts in this process and we make getting the permit as simple as a signature. We handle the notary, document collections, permit fees, permit submission and all inspections out in the field.
Draining the Pool or Spa: This step is a very important process as the City and County of San Diego have strict rules for draining the water. It’s mandatory that the water is tested for toxicity prior to draining. Based on the test results the pool water may need to be drained into the sewer system rather than the storm drain system. If the water is not disposed of properly it can set you and us up for a major water pollution fine. To learn more about the city of San Diego’s Stormwater regulations please visit the city’s website – Storm Water Regulations. It’s our job to protect you from any liability.
Project Set Up: When we start the pool demo process we do a few initial set up tasks that get the job ready and protected during the process. We set up a porta potty so our work force has basic bathroom facilities to use during the project. We Unload all the equipment and secure the area with caution cones and tape to keep the workplace safe for everyone, including your neighbors. We install the storm water prevention items to help manage run off water and to protect the city storm drains. This is the most important step of the project and help avoid fines or environmental accidents.
Disconnect Utilities: One of the very first things we do is disconnect any of the pool utilities like the gas line, electrical or solar water heaters. This allows the work space to be safe and free of any accidents during the demolition. This step is also required to follow permit regulation.
Concrete Cutting: We determine the areas of concrete that will remain as well as the areas that will be removed. We then carefully cut the concrete and/or other hardscape areas making a clean separation for the demo process.
Demo for Drainage: The drainage phase of pool & spa demo separates us from the competition. Most companies and the various cities throughout San Diego County do not have a clear understanding of how much drainage is needed when demoing a pool. We demo a minimum of 30% of the pool floor and use a 2 step technique to ensure proper drainage. When back filling a pool or spa it is VERY important to have the right amount of drainage or the consequences could be catastrophic.
Demo Walls: Depending on what is going to happen in phase 2 of the project will determine how far down the walls of the pool or spa must be lowered. Currently there is no rule for the depth of the walls so it’s our job to explore and examine the use for the space once the pool is gone. If you are going to install real grass the walls are suggested at a cretin depth but if you plan on synthetic turf that measurement is very different. The process is completely different if you plan on building a room addition or build on top of this space. We will advise you on the best depth.
Concrete Demo: Patios, Walkways, decking, driveways and more can be demolished during a pool demo. This concrete aka hardscape can be deposited into the pool during the back fill phase. The most important requirement is for this material to be the proper size. It is our policy to break these materials down to the size of 6″ or less. This size requirement offers the best compaction rate without the liability of excessive settlement in the future.
Proper Back Fill: This step of a pool or spa demo or removal is very important and many companies fail to use the right materials during the backfill process. We always import clean, compatible fill dirt, and 95% of the time it has been purchased. If we have clean fill material from another one of our projects we will use it however, we are very mindful of it being mostly free of roots or other organic matter, trash, and/or a high clay content. Many contractors will advertise requesting FREE fill dirt, and while this saves the contractor money, it puts the entire project at risk of settling or turning into a swamp later. It’s our policy to NEVER use free fill dirt from an unknown source and to always use the best fill dirt that we can find. Our soil compaction reports always range between 94 & 98 percent which insures our work will not fail in the future.
Restore Access: Every job requires some kind of access preparation so when we complete the job we will restore the access to the way we found it. Our goal is to not have to remove any gates or walls, and we have specialty equipment to help achieve this, however, if we do need to remove anything it will be restored.
Clean up / Final Inspection: The very last step is to clean up your project and call for final inspection. Are crews are very thorough at cleaning up the job site and finalizing the project. During the clean up phase we call in the final inspection so when we are done cleaning the project is complete. All inspection documentation is handed over when the final payment has been made, and that’s it, the project is complete.
Now it’s time to rebuild your backyard to meet your needs. We are a fullserivce landscape construction company and we can help you build your dream yard. Check out www.thelandscapecompanysd.com for more details.
