Deciding to get rid of a pool is often about reclaiming space, saving money, or simplifying maintenance. But there’s more to swimming pool removal than digging a hole and calling it a day. That’s because once the pool is gone, a few important environmental questions remain – like where the materials go, how to dispose of the chemicals, and whether the process harms the surrounding land or waterways. Understanding what happens next can help you make greener, more informed choices.
Dealing With the Leftovers
A backyard pool is made up of several parts, each with its own disposal challenges. Concrete, fibreglass shells, vinyl liners, plumbing, pumps – none should go straight to landfill. These materials can be recycled through local centres; for example, concrete is best crushed and reused as fill or road base, whilst fibreglass can be broken down and repurposed. Even plastics and metals from pool equipment are suitable for recycling if handled correctly.
TIP: Working with the professionals at Reverse Pools helps ensure your old pool doesn’t leave a lasting environmental footprint.
Chemical Clean-Up Matters
Pool chemicals don’t belong in your household bin or poured down a stormwater drain. Chlorine, bromine, algaecides, and acids can cause serious harm if they leach into soil or waterways. The best approach is to use any leftover chemicals according to their instructions or take them to a certified recycling or hazardous waste depot.
TIP: Empty chemical containers need special care – rinse them out and recycle through local centres to keep them out of landfills – and out of the water table.
The Risk to Groundwater
Draining a pool may seem simple, but water laced with sanitising agents can harm local ecosystems. Dumping water into a creek or your garden might seem harmless, yet it can lead to erosion, slope failure, or contamination of groundwater supplies.
TIP: To minimise risk, water should be dechlorinated before draining, and the outflow carefully managed. Avoid sloped areas, storm drains, or places where run-off could reach natural water bodies.
Draining and removing a pool can cause structural issues if not done carefully. Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater can push upwards on an empty fibreglass or concrete shell, leading to cracks, shifting, or even a full “pop-up” where the shell lifts out of the ground. In partial removals, leftover structures may move over time, causing soil instability.
TIP: Working with professionals ensures the pool is removed safely, preventing long-term damage and providing a stable area once the pool is gone.
Thinking Bigger Than Just the Pool
Taking out a pool doesn’t just mean clearing space – it also stops the ongoing environmental impact of owning one. That’s because pools use a lot of electricity to power pumps, filters, and heaters. They also lose large amounts of water through evaporation, and the chemicals used to keep them clean can affect nearby soil and waterways if not managed carefully.
TIP: Once the pool is gone, you’ll save energy, reduce water waste, and remove the risk of chemical run-off – all meaningful steps toward a more sustainable backyard.
Build a Greener Future With Every Step
Whether you’re retiring your pool to create a garden, entertainment area, or low-maintenance yard, doing it thoughtfully makes all the difference. Choosing responsible removal methods, safe chemical disposal, and recycling wherever possible helps protect your property and the planet.
