Above Ground vs In Ground Pool Removal
These two projects produce very different amounts and types of debris. An above ground pool typically comes apart into metal or resin wall panels, a liner, and a frame. All of these are relatively light and straightforward to load. An in ground pool involves much more. Concrete or fiberglass shell material, decking, and sometimes fill dirt once the hole is closed in. The two projects aren’t comparable in scope.
For example: a homeowner removing an above ground pool might expect a job similar to disassembling a large piece of outdoor furniture. Someone tackling an in ground pool removal is looking at something closer to a small demolition project. Concrete and structural material needs to be broken up before it can be hauled away.
What Materials Come From an Above Ground Pool Removal?
Above ground pool removal typically produces a few consistent materials:
- Metal or resin wall panels
- Vinyl pool liner
- Frame components and support posts
- Sand or a base layer, if the pool sat on one
What Materials Come From an In Ground Pool Removal?
In ground pool removal involves heavier and more varied debris:
- Concrete or fiberglass shell material
- Pool decking, often concrete or pavers
- Plumbing and equipment like pumps or filters
- Fill material used to close the hole afterward
Do I Need a Dumpster for Pool Removal?
For an above ground pool, a dumpster is almost always the practical choice. The panels and liner take up real space even though they’re not especially heavy. For an in ground pool, a dumpster is typically necessary given the volume of concrete and decking material involved. Larger in ground projects sometimes need multiple containers or a swap out partway through.
Why Concrete Changes the Sizing Math
Concrete from an in ground pool shell or decking is dense enough that weight becomes the main sizing factor rather than visible volume. A dumpster that looks far from full can already be at its weight limit if it’s loaded mostly with broken pool concrete. Mention the pool type and approximate size when booking. This helps account for weight rather than sizing based on the pool’s footprint alone.
Sizing a Dumpster for Pool Removal
A 15 or 20 yard dumpster typically covers an above ground pool removal. In ground pool removal, especially one involving concrete decking, often needs a 30 yard container or multiple loads depending on the pool’s size. Anyone comparing dumpster rental Lawton OK options for a pool project should mention the decking material, since larger in ground pools with extensive decking may require a swap out to handle the full volume.
What Can and Cannot Go in the Dumpster
Most pool removal material is accepted: metal panels, vinyl liners, concrete, and decking material. What’s typically not allowed includes pool chemicals, which need separate disposal rather than going into a standard dumpster load. Pumps and filters with certain components may also need to be checked before loading.
Permits and Local Rules for Pool Removal
In ground pool removal, in particular, sometimes requires a permit depending on local building codes, since filling in a hole of that size can involve inspection requirements in some areas. Above ground pool removal typically doesn’t need the same level of permitting, since there’s no excavation involved. Checking with the city before starting an in ground project avoids running into a compliance issue partway through.
Final Thoughts
Pool removal debris varies enormously depending on whether it’s an above ground or in ground structure. In ground removal produces far more material and far more weight. Know which type of project you’re dealing with. Size a dumpster around the concrete and decking involved rather than the pool’s footprint. This keeps the removal from running into a container that fills up faster than expected.