Thinking about removing a pool? In Melbourne, pool removals are more than just breaking concrete and backfilling a hole. There are permits to sort out, utilities to locate, trucks to schedule, and compliance boxes to tick. Done right, it frees up valuable backyard space, improves safety, and can even boost resale appeal. Done poorly, it can leave soft soil, drainage headaches, and council issues. Here’s a clear guide to pool removals Melbourne, costs, permits, process, and how to choose the right contractor.
Partial Vs Complete Removal
Pros And Cons Of Partial Removal
Partial removal typically means perforating the pool shell for drainage, demolishing the top section (often 300–600mm below finished ground level), and backfilling.
Pros:
- Generally, the most cost-effective option.
- Faster turnaround: less heavy machinery time.
- Adequate for homeowners who just want lawn or garden space quickly.
Cons:
- Pool shell remains in the ground, which can limit future redevelopment (e.g., extensions, deep foundations, large trees).
- Some councils and surveyors may require disclosure on Section 32/Vendor Statements, which buyers sometimes view cautiously.
- If backfill or compaction is poor, future settlement can occur.
Pros And Cons Of Complete Removal
Complete removal involves extracting all pool materials —concrete, fiberglass/steel before engineered backfill and compaction.
Pros:
- Cleans the slate for future builds, studios, or extensions without “unknowns” underground.
- Lowest risk of differential settlement when compacted to spec.
- Often preferred by engineers and building surveyors for future works.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost and more time on site.
- More truck movements for spoil and disposal.
- May require more detailed engineering and documentation.
Permits And Compliance In Melbourne
Council Requirements And Demolition Permits
In Victoria, removing a swimming pool usually requires a building (demolition) permit issued by a municipal council or a private building surveyor. Expect to provide:
- Site plan and scope of works (partial vs complete).
- Engineer input for backfill/compaction (especially for complete removals).
- Erosion and sediment control measures.
- Proof of waste disposal and recycling facilities.
Pool safety barriers also must remain compliant until the pool is decommissioned and rendered non-hazardous. If the pool is registered, notify the relevant authority once it’s removed, so records are updated.
Utility Disconnections And Safety Standards
Before demolition, services must be identified via Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) and isolated: electrical to pumps and lights, gas to heaters, water lines, and any drainage connections. Temporary fencing, safe access, and dust/noise controls are standard. Contractors should follow EPA Victoria guidance on noise and dust: councils typically restrict noisy works to daytime hours on weekdays, with tighter weekend limits.
See also: Furniture Removal Services in Coffs Harbour
Costs And Key Factors
Typical Price Ranges In Melbourne
Costs vary with access, pool type, and scope, but these ballparks are common in Melbourne (AUD):
- Partial removal: $6,000–$14,000 for standard suburban sites.
- Complete removal: $12,000–$28,000+, depending on size, depth, and access.
- Premium/complex jobs (tight access, engineered backfill to future-build spec, or large concrete pools): $25,000–$40,000.
Allow for permit fees, engineering, soil testing if required, and tip/recycling charges. If broader landscaping, drainage upgrades, or turfing are included, budgets climb accordingly.
Site Access, Pool Type, And Disposal Variables
- Access: Narrow side entries may force smaller machinery or cranage, increasing labor and time.
- Pool type: Concrete with thick rebar takes longer to break up than fiberglass or vinyl-lined structures.
- Ground conditions: High groundwater or reactive clay demands careful dewatering and compaction methodology.
- Disposal: Concrete can often be recycled; fiberglass and mixed waste attract higher gate fees. EPA-compliant disposal and recycling dockets are worth keeping for your records and future sales.
The Removal Process
Site Assessment And Access Planning
A good contractor starts with a site walk-through: measuring access widths, checking slopes, trees, overhead power, and neighbor considerations. They’ll locate services (BYDA), discuss permit pathways, and flag risks like unstable coping or suspect materials.
Drainage, Demolition, And Waste Management
Pools are drained to sewer or stormwater strictly as permitted, with sediment controls in place. For partial removals, holes are punched in the base for ongoing drainage. Demolition then proceeds with excavators and rock breakers. Steel is separated for recycling, concrete is stockpiled for cart-off, and all waste is manifested to licensed facilities.
Backfill, Compaction, And Ground Reinstatement
Backfill uses clean, suitable fill, not just rubble. Layers are compacted in lifts with tests as specified (nuclear density or plate testing where required). An engineer may provide a compaction certificate, especially if future building is planned. Final trimming, topsoil, and turf or landscaping complete the reinstatement.
Timeline, Weather, And Noise Considerations
Most pool removals take 3–7 working days. Tight access, rain events, or large concrete shells can extend that. Melbourne’s weather can turn quickly: rain can stall excavation and increase cartage of wet spoil. Expect machinery noise within permitted hours and discuss advance notice with neighbors if access crosses shared driveways.
Choosing A Contractor In Melbourne
Insurance, Licensing, And Documentation
Look for contractors experienced in pool demolition, with:
- Public liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- Registration or appropriate licensing where required, and the ability to obtain building/demolition permits via a building surveyor.
- A clear written scope covering partial vs complete removal, backfill specs, and site protection.
- Documentation: permit copies, BYDA service plans, tip/recycling dockets, and, if applicable, engineer sign-off and compaction certificates. For broader domestic building works over the threshold, confirm whether Domestic Building Insurance applies.
Questions To Ask And Red Flags To Avoid
Questions:
- What’s included in your quote: permits, engineering, soil tests, disposal, and reinstatement?
- How will you manage drainage, groundwater, and clay soils on this site?
- What fill will you use and how will it be compacted and tested?
- Can you provide recent Melbourne references and photos of similar jobs?
- What are the contingency rates for rock, extra cartage, or access changes?
Red flags:
- Vague scopes (“remove pool and fill hole”) with no detail on compaction or disposal.
- No BYDA checks or casual attitudes to utilities.
- Cash-only quotes without documentation or insurance.
- Refusal to provide permits or engineering where required.
Conclusion
Pool removals in Melbourne aren’t one-size-fits-all. Partial removal suits quick, budget-friendly yard makeovers: complete removal sets the block up for future builds with fewer unknowns—either way, permits, utilities, engineered backfill, and proper waste handling matter. With a transparent scope, tested compaction, and the right contractor, they can regain usable space and peace of mind, without surprises later. If future construction is on the cards, lean toward complete removal and insist on the paperwork to prove the ground is ready.
