Swimming Pool Removal — Toronto / GTA / Thornhill
What swimming pool removal actually involves
Swimming pool removal is not just breaking concrete and filling a hole. It is a controlled demolition of a reinforced concrete structure integrated into soil, drainage, and often nearby foundations.
We treat pool removal as a concrete demolition and ground engineering task, not as basic excavation work.
Where swimming pool removal is typically required
Swimming pool removal is usually necessary in the following situations:
- Site preparation for new construction or additions
- Drainage failures and soil movement around the pool
- Aging concrete pools with cracks and leaks
- Change of land use or redevelopment plans
- Engineering or inspection requirements during renovation
In Toronto and the GTA, the main challenges are soil conditions, underground services, and compaction standards, which are often ignored in fast, non-professional removals.
Main risks of improper swimming pool removal
When pool removal is handled without engineering planning, common problems include:
- Soil settlement appearing months or years later
- Poor drainage and water accumulation
- Damage to nearby foundations or hardscape
- Incorrect backfilling and compaction
- Issues during future inspections or property sale
In many cases, the pool looks “removed,” but the real problem is simply delayed.
DRM Team engineering approach
We approach swimming pool removal as a concrete and structural task:
- Evaluation of pool type, thickness, and reinforcement
- Demolition planning with drainage and soil conditions in mind
- Controlled demolition of the concrete shell
- Proper removal of concrete and steel
- Layered backfilling with compaction
- Preparing the area for its future structural or landscape use
Concrete cutting is used when required to control demolition zones and avoid damage to nearby structures.
Types of projects we typically handle
- In-ground reinforced concrete swimming pools
- Older concrete pool structures
- Pools located close to building foundations
- Projects requiring engineered removal methods
- Sites planned for future construction or load-bearing use
We do not perform partial or cosmetic removals intended only to quickly cover the excavation without addressing long-term risks.
Clear limitations and realities
- There will be noise and heavy equipment on site
- Full removal is a staged process and takes time
- Some projects require inspections or approvals
- Fast and cheap solutions usually create future problems
These limitations are explained upfront to avoid unrealistic expectations.