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We provide complete pool demolition in Memphis, TN, removing inground and above ground pools along with spas and hot tubs. Our team breaks up concrete, hauls away debris, backfills with clean fill, and grades the area for lawn, patio, or new construction.
Memphis Demolition Company provides professional pool demolition throughout Memphis, TN, Tennessee and the surrounding area. Our licensed, insured crew delivers safe, clean, on-time work with a free estimate before anything begins. Call (901) 716-8827 or request your free quote.
Pool Demolition in Memphis Done the Right Way
If you have an old swimming pool or spa taking up space or turning into a maintenance headache, Memphis Demolition Company can remove it safely and correctly. We focus on pool demolition in Memphis and the surrounding Shelby County area, so we understand the soil, the codes, and the problems that come up in local backyards.
Most homeowners call us because a pool is leaking, rarely used, too expensive to maintain, or getting in the way of a new patio, garage, or addition. Whatever your reason, our job is to remove the pool or spa, handle the paperwork, and leave your yard stable and ready for its next use.
We routinely remove gunite and concrete pools, vinyl liner pools with steel or polymer walls, fiberglass shells, and raised spas built into decks or patios. Whether your pool sits on a tight Midtown Memphis lot or on a bigger property in Cordova, Bartlett, or Collierville, we adjust our equipment and methods to fit the space and protect nearby structures.
With Memphis Demolition Company, you get a local crew that knows how to avoid common problems in this area, such as soft backyards after heavy rain, clay soil that holds water, shallow utility lines, and tree roots close to pool walls. Our goal is not just to tear out concrete, but to leave you with a yard that drains, compacts, and passes inspection.
Full vs Partial Pool Removal: What You Need to Know
Before any pool demolition, we walk you through the two main options: partial removal (fill in place) and full removal. Each choice has cost, time, and resale considerations, and in Memphis it can also affect what inspectors and some HOAs will approve.
Partial pool demolition (also called a pool fill in) usually costs less. We break up the top section of the pool shell, typically 18 to 24 inches below final grade, punch drainage holes in the remaining bottom, and remove metal and loose plumbing. Then we backfill the cavity with clean fill and compact it in layers. Your yard ends up level and usable for grass, landscaping, or a play area. However, a filled pool area is generally not considered structural ground. If you plan to build a room addition or garage where the pool was, most engineers in our region will want a full removal.
Full pool demolition means we demo and haul away the entire shell, including walls and floor. For concrete and gunite pools, we break the shell into pieces small enough to load with an excavator, remove steel rebar, and truck all debris to an approved facility. For fiberglass pools, we cut the shell into sections and remove it completely. A full removal costs more and takes a bit longer, but you are left with native soil and engineered backfill, which is better if you want future building permits for structures on that spot.
In some parts of Shelby County, especially within Memphis city limits, inspectors may ask what type of removal was done if you apply later for a building permit. We document the process with photos and disposal receipts so you have proof of what was done. During our initial visit, we ask about your long term plans, resale goals, and HOA rules so we can recommend the right level of removal for your situation.
Our Step by Step Pool and Spa Demolition Process
Every pool demolition starts with planning. First, Memphis Demolition Company visits your property to measure access, pool size, deck materials, and how close the pool is to your house, fences, and trees. We call Tennessee 811 to mark underground utilities and, when needed, coordinate with your pool service or plumber to disconnect gas, power, and water lines to heaters, pumps, and lights.
Next, we handle permitting where required. Within Memphis city limits, a demolition or fill in permit is often needed if the pool is permanent and connected to utilities. In nearby towns, rules vary. We can work directly with the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement or the local building office to secure any paperwork before excavators ever touch the yard.
Demolition then starts with draining the pool. If the water is clean, we may be able to discharge it to the storm system at a controlled rate. If the water is dirty or has heavy algae, we arrange for proper disposal so it does not end up in your neighbor’s yard or a storm drain. Once drained, we remove railings, diving boards, slides, pumps, filters, heaters, and pool fencing if part of the scope.
For concrete and gunite pools, we use hydraulic breakers on compact excavators to break the shell. We work from the shallow end to the deep end, controlling where debris falls so we do not damage your patio or home. We separate metal rebar and steel wall panels for recycling. With vinyl pools, we cut out and roll up the liner, cut or unbolt the wall system, and demolish any concrete collar or deck. For fiberglass pools, we cut the shell into large sections using concrete saws and specialty blades, lift each section, then remove any remaining concrete collar.
Once the structure is open, we punch drainage holes in the remaining floor if doing a partial removal. For full removals, we take everything down to soil. We then bring in compactable fill, usually a mix of clay and select fill appropriate for Memphis soil, place it in 8 to 12 inch lifts, and compact each layer with a plate compactor or jumping jack. This step is critical to prevent future settling. We finish with a top layer of screened topsoil, grade for drainage away from your home, and leave the area ready for seed, sod, or future hardscape.
What Affects Pool Demolition Cost in Memphis
Pool demolition costs are not one size fits all. When Memphis Demolition Company prices a job, we look at several practical factors that drive your final number so there are no surprises.
Access is usually the biggest driver. If we can get a full size skid steer or excavator into your backyard through a wide gate, work goes faster and costs less. Many older Memphis neighborhoods have narrow alleys or tight side yards. In those cases we may bring in mini excavators and smaller loaders, which take longer and involve more labor. Sometimes we remove a section of fence and rebuild it when we are done. We explain these options up front.
Pool construction type is next. Thick gunite or heavily reinforced concrete shells take more time and larger breakers than a vinyl liner pool with a simple concrete collar. Fiberglass shells are often quicker to remove, but may have heavy concrete decks around them that add demolition time. Attached spas, raised walls, and water features also add complexity.
Disposal and hauling affect cost as well. Local disposal sites charge by weight and material type. Concrete with rebar, mixed debris from patios, and contaminated soils are all handled differently. When possible, we recycle clean concrete. If your pool has old plaster that may contain older coatings, we factor in safe handling.
Site conditions matter. Soft yards after heavy Memphis rain can limit equipment access and sometimes require temporary matting to protect your lawn. Steep grades, close property lines, nearby trees, or retaining walls all change how we stage equipment and debris. If your yard has limited room for stockpiling broken concrete, we may haul more loads in smaller trucks rather than waiting to fill a large container.
Finally, scope choices affect the price. Full removal costs more than partial. Adding deck removal, fence relocation, or new grading over a larger part of the yard will add time and material. During your estimate, we break down these items so you can decide what is worth including now and what can wait for a landscaper or builder later.
What Memphis Homeowners Should Ask Before Hiring
Removing a swimming pool or spa is permanent. Before you hire anyone, there are a few key questions every Memphis homeowner should ask so you get a safe, code compliant job.
Ask how the contractor will handle permits and inspections. Some small outfits skip this step, which can cause trouble later when you sell or try to build on the area. Memphis Demolition Company confirms what the local building office requires for your address and includes that process in writing. We can also meet inspectors on site if an inspection is needed at the end of the project.
Ask exactly what type of removal they are quoting: partial or full. Get it in writing, along with how deep the shell will be removed, whether they will punch drainage holes, and what kind of fill they will use. For Memphis clay soils, proper drainage and compaction are important. You should not end up with a buried concrete bowl that holds water and causes a soggy spot every time it rains.
Ask how they protect surrounding structures. Pools in East Memphis and Midtown are often close to older homes, garages, and fences. A careful contractor will plan equipment paths, may use plywood or mats to protect grass and concrete, and will control vibration when breaking concrete near foundations. We also ask about your irrigation lines and any low voltage lighting before digging.
Finally, ask about documentation. A legitimate demolition company should provide a clear proposal, proof of insurance, photos of similar projects, and, when finished, a summary of what was removed and where it went. At Memphis Demolition Company, we can provide a simple letter for your records stating whether the pool was partially or fully removed, what materials were used for backfill, and that utilities were properly disconnected. This paperwork is helpful if a home inspector or future buyer has questions about the filled pool area.
