Successfully Filling In an Inground Swimming Pool: A Client’s Experience

Filling in an inground swimming pool can be a highly effective way to reclaim yard space and eliminate maintenance concerns associated with unused pools. Here’s a detailed account from a client who successfully tackled this project, offering valuable insights and practical advice.

The Preparation Process

Dealing with Different Pool Types:

• Fiberglass Pools: For one-piece fiberglass pools, creating drainage holes at the bottom is crucial to prevent water buildup. This was achieved by slicing several holes in the pool’s bottom using an axe.
• Cement or Masonry Pools: If you have a cement or masonry pool, similar drainage holes can be created using a sledgehammer.

Reducing the Pool’s Profile:

Trimming the top edge of the pool sides about a foot down ensures it remains well below the finished ground surface, facilitating a seamless blend with the yard.

Filling the Pool

Choosing the Right Equipment:

A “Bobcat” skid loader with a front loader bucket is highly recommended for the job. This allows for efficient transportation and distribution of the fill dirt into the pool.

Access Considerations:

Removing a section of the backyard fence might be necessary to provide the skid loader with access to the pool area.

Compaction and Settling

Minimizing Settling Issues:

• Water Tamping: Consistently soaking the fill dirt with water helps compact the soil, reducing the amount of settling that occurs after the project is completed. This method, known as “water tamping,” is preferred for its effectiveness.
• Overfilling Strategy: Slightly overfilling the pool area (about 6 to 8 inches above the desired level) and then heavily watering for about a week ensures the soil is fully settled before any final landscaping work.

The Finishing Touches

Soil Quality Management:

To optimize resources and ensure a quality finish, common fill dirt was used for the majority of the backfill, with high-quality topsoil applied for the upper two feet. This approach ensures the top layer of the yard is fertile and suitable for planting.

Landscaping After Compaction:

Only after the backfill soil is completely settled should sodding, seeding, or the installation of artificial turf commence. This prevents any new grass from being ruined by subsequent soil settlement.

Key Takeaways

1. Ensure Adequate Drainage: Prevent water retention in the filled-in pool to avoid creating a bog.
2. Properly Compact the Backfill Soil: This is crucial to avoid future “sagging” or settling in the area where the pool was located.

This client’s experience, backed by over 50 years in construction and DIY projects, highlights the importance of thorough preparation, the right tools, and detailed attention to the compaction and settling process for a successful pool fill-in project.