Location
Rio Vista, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Service
Full Pool Removal
Pool Removal
in South Florida
Full demolition or partial abandonment. We handle the permits, the drainage engineering and the compacted backfill. Licensed pool removal since 1992.
Since 1992 License CGC1540779 Fully Insured OSHA Certified Family Owned & Operated
Pool Demolition & Fill-In
Full Removal or Partial Abandonment
Pool removal in South Florida is a permanent fix for homeowners who are done with maintenance costs, insurance liability and the liability that comes with an unused pool. South Florida Demolition Services has handled pool demolition and fill-in since 1992. We manage the permit, engineer the drainage and compact the backfill in layers so your yard stays flat for years.
There are two ways to remove an inground pool: full removal or partial abandonment. The right choice depends on what you plan to do with the land. Full removal costs more but leaves a clean site you can build on. Partial abandonment is faster and more affordable, but the footprint can only support landscaping. We'll walk you through both options on the site visit.
Quick Facts
| Removal Options | Full structural removal or partial abandonment (fill-in) |
|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes — permit pulling and closing handled in-house |
| Site Restoration | Engineered backfill and compaction provided on full removals |
| Debris Handling | Concrete hauled to recycling facilities (full removal) or crushed in place (partial) |
| Contractor License | CGC1540779 (Florida Certified General Contractor) |
| Equipment Used | Company-owned excavators and loaders (No rentals) |
| Service Area | Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Collier, Pinellas, Hillsborough |
| Timelines shown are typical ranges and vary by project scope, site conditions, and municipal processing times. | |
Scope of Work
What We Handle
Full Pool Removal
-
Complete Structural Removal
The entire concrete shell, rebar and plumbing hauled away and disposed at a licensed facility. Full removal is the only option if you plan to build on that footprint later.
-
Rebar & Plumbing Extraction
All steel and underground piping pulled from the ground. Nothing buried to rust, shift or create problems for future construction.
-
Equipment Disposal
Pool pump, filter, heater and associated electrical disconnected, removed and disposed. Equipment pad cleared to grade.
Partial Removal & Abandonment
-
Wall Demolition
Top two to three feet of pool walls broken and collapsed into the shell. Required by code for proper fill settlement and load distribution.
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Drainage Perforation
Bottom of the shell punctured to prevent the structure from floating in South Florida's high water table. Skipping this step is how pools end up rising out of the ground after heavy rain.
-
Engineered Backfill
Clean fill dirt compacted in controlled layers. We build the fill to prevent settling, not just dump and grade.
Deck & Enclosure Removal
-
Concrete & Paver Decking
Pool deck broken and hauled. We match the surrounding grade so the area drains correctly and ties into the rest of the yard.
-
Screen Enclosures
Aluminum frame and screen panels stripped and hauled. Footings pulled and holes filled to grade.
-
Equipment Pads & Fencing
Any remaining above-grade structures around the pool cleared. We leave a clean, level yard ready for sod, pavers or new construction.
How It Works
The Removal Process
Permits
We pull the demolition permit from your city or county building department and manage every inspection through project close-out. The removal gets recorded on the property.
Utility Disconnects
Electrical and water lines disconnected and capped to code before any equipment touches the pool. No shortcuts on utilities.
Demolition
Full removal: entire shell broken and hauled. Partial: top walls collapsed, bottom perforated for drainage. Both follow the permitted method.
Hauling
All concrete, rebar and debris loaded into our own trucks and hauled to a licensed disposal facility. Nothing left on your property.
Backfill & Compaction
Clean, engineered fill dirt placed and compacted in controlled layers. We verify compaction at each lift. No sinkholes, no settling.
Final Grading
Yard graded flat with correct drainage slope. Ready for sod, pavers or new construction (full removal only).
Why Work With Us
What Sets Us Apart
We Know the Water Table
South Florida's high water table is a real engineering problem in pool removal. A partial abandonment done wrong (specifically, a bottom that isn't properly perforated) leaves the shell sitting in groundwater like a boat. After the first heavy rain, it rises. We've been working in this environment since 1992. We know how to handle the drainage so it stays down.
Engineered Fill, Not Debris
Some contractors dump crushed concrete back in the hole to cut costs. We use clean, engineered fill dirt compacted in controlled lifts. The difference shows up years later when your yard isn't full of sinkholes and the permit inspector isn't calling you about a failed compaction test.
Licensed Through Final Inspection
Pool removal requires a permit and a final inspection in every jurisdiction we work. We pull the permit, manage the inspections and close it out so the removal is on record with the county. That matters when you sell. CGC1540779. Fully insured through Admirals Insurance Group.
Field Work
Recent Pool Removal Projects
View All Projects →South Florida Demolition Services has completed pool removal work across Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Collier counties since 1992 — fully licensed under CGC1540779 and insured through Admirals Insurance Group.
Location
Boca Raton, FL
Service
Commercial Pool Removal
Location
Rio Vista, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Service
Full Pool Removal
Location
Boca Raton, FL
Service
Commercial Pool Removal
Common Questions
Pool Removal FAQ
- Do you handle the pool removal permit?
- Yes. We manage the entire permit process with the city or county building department. We pull the permit, schedule the required inspections and close it out when the job is done. The removal is recorded on the property, which matters when you go to sell.
- Can I build a house or addition where the pool was?
- Only if we do a full removal. With a partial abandonment, the remaining shell is not a stable structural base. You can put sod, pavers or a non-permanent patio over it, but you cannot build a structure on top. If there's any chance you'll build in that area later, do the full removal now.
- How long does pool removal take?
- The physical work typically takes three to five days from mobilization to final grade. The permit process runs three to six weeks depending on the city and county. We begin the permit paperwork as soon as the project is confirmed.
- Can a pool really float out of the ground?
- Yes. In South Florida, the water table is high enough that an empty pool shell (or a partial removal where the bottom wasn't properly perforated) can be pushed upward by hydrostatic pressure after heavy rain. We drill drainage holes in the correct locations and verify before backfill begins.
- What kind of fill do you use?
- Clean, engineered fill dirt. No crushed concrete debris, no trash. We compact it in controlled layers and verify compaction so the yard stays flat. The fill material and compaction method are specified by the permit. We follow it.
- Are you licensed for pool demolition in Florida?
- Yes. Florida Certified General Contractor license CGC1540779, held by Rebecah O'Connor. We carry full general liability and workers' compensation insurance through Admirals Insurance Group. Pool demolition in Florida requires a licensed contractor. Verify ours at the Florida DBPR website.
- Can you access a pool in a tight backyard?
- Yes. We operate compact equipment sized to fit through standard gates and narrow side yards. We assess site access on the initial estimate walk before any equipment is scheduled. If the access is tight, we plan for it. We don't show up and figure it out on the day.
- Do you remove the pool deck and screen enclosure too?
- Yes. We handle complete site clearing: deck, enclosure, equipment pad, fencing and any other above-grade structures around the pool. You can request the full scope or just the pool itself. We'll cover all options on the site visit.
- How much does pool removal cost in South Florida?
- The cost of pool removal varies based on the method you choose and your yard's specific layout. Your final price depends on whether you need a full structural removal or a partial abandonment, the pool's size, access for our heavy equipment, extra deck or enclosure teardown, and local permit fees. Call us and we can give you a ballpark quote over the phone. Final pricing is confirmed after a free on-site estimate.
- Do I need to drain the pool before you start?
- No, you do not need to drain the pool before our crews arrive. We handle the entire pumping process to make sure the water is routed legally according to local municipal codes. For partial abandonments, we also break holes through the bottom of the shell to manage long-term drainage, accounting for South Florida's high water table so groundwater does not lift the remaining concrete.
Where We Work
Serving South Florida and the Tampa Bay Area
Broward County
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hollywood
- Pompano Beach
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Lighthouse Point
- Pembroke Pines
- Coral Springs
- Miramar
- Plantation
Miami-Dade County
- Miami
- Coral Gables
- Coconut Grove
- Brickell
- Hialeah
Palm Beach County
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Boynton Beach
Collier County
- Naples
- Marco Island
- Bonita Springs
Pinellas County
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Largo
- Dunedin
Hillsborough County
- Tampa
- Brandon
- Plant City
- Riverview
Don't see your city listed? We service all of South Florida. Anywhere south of Orlando. Call us and we'll confirm your area in 60 seconds.
Ready to Get Your Yard Back?
Get an on-site estimate from a licensed pool removal contractor. We'll walk the site, explain both options and give you a fixed price. No obligation.