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Pool Demolition Service

An old pool fill-in service is a practical solution for homeowners looking to reclaim valuable yard space, reduce maintenance costs, and eliminate safety concerns associated with unused or deteriorating swimming pools. The process typically involves draining the pool, removing unnecessary structures like liners or plumbing, and then backfilling the area with clean fill material such as gravel, sand, and topsoil. Once compacted and leveled, the space can be transformed into a lawn, garden, patio, or other usable outdoor area. Pool fill-in services are ideal for increasing property value and improving the aesthetics and functionality of residential yards.

Do you need a permit to fill in an old pool?

Yes — you do need a permit to fill in (decommission) an old pool in British Columbia, including Vancouver and surrounding municipalities.

We leave this part of the process up to the customer to complete if they choose.


Why a permit is required

  • Building permit: Any pool with a surface area of ≥14 m² (150 ft²) and depth ≥0.45 m (18 in) is treated as a regulated structure; decommissioning it requires a building (and usually demolition) permit Sample By-Law.
  • Plumbing & electrical permits: Connected water supply, drainage, or electrical equipment (e.g. pumps, heaters) must be welded off, capped, and inspected by licensed professionals docs.dnv.org burnaby.ca.
  • Local municipality bylaws: Specific local requirements apply — for example, Surrey notes that filling in a pool requires a “Decommissioning a Swimming Pool Permit” Sample By-Law, and Burnaby requires building, plumbing and electrical inspections and permits burnaby.ca.


Typical process

  1. Submit decommissioning/demolition permit application to your local municipality.
  2. Include site plan, capped services, and professional drawings or reports as requested.
  3. Hire licensed plumber/electrician to cap or disable utilities, and schedule inspections.
  4. Fill in pool with certified clean material (gravel, sand, soil), compact, and grade.
  5. Schedule final inspection before covering the site permanently.

Bottom line: Filling in an old pool in BC isn’t just fill-and-forget—you must secure a building/demolition permit (and often plumbing/electrical permits), get inspections, and follow municipal regulations. It’s best to contact your city or district’s building department to get their specific permit forms, fees, and submission checklist before starting.

Cheapest way to fill in an inground pool…

The cheapest way to fill in an inground pool is a partial fill-in (abandonment) using local, clean fill materials and doing some of the work yourself — if permitted by your municipality. Here’s how to keep costs down:


Budget-Friendly Pool Fill-In Steps

  1. Drain the Pool Yourself (Free or ~$100)
    Rent a pump or use your own to drain the pool water legally (check for local rules about where to discharge the water).
  2. Punch Holes in the Bottom (~$0 if DIY)
    Use a jackhammer or drill to break holes in the concrete floor for drainage. This prevents water from collecting in the future.
  3. Remove Top 18–24 Inches of Pool Wall (~$0–$300)
    Most cities require removing just the top portion of the pool wall. Rent a concrete saw or hammer for this part.
  4. Fill with Free or Cheap Clean Fill (Gravel, Soil, Rubble)
    • Free/cheap options:
      • Ask local landscapers or contractors for free clean fill.
      • Post a “fill wanted” ad on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
      • Use broken concrete or bricks from other projects (no wood or garbage).
    • Compact layers every 12–18 inches to prevent settling.
  5. Rake, Seed, or Sod the Area (Optional)
    Add grass seed or sod if turning it into a lawn.


Avoid These to Stay Cheap

  • Full pool removal (demolition and haul-away is expensive).
  • Hiring full-service contractors for the entire job. At Outdoor Tasks we can complete just a portion of the project or we can manage the entire task.
  • Using non-compactable or contaminated fill (it may void your permit or cause collapse).

How to get a price quote for filling in a old pool:

Ask us to complete your entire pool fill in project or we can complete just a portion. Request a quote by completing the form below: