The Benefits of Filling in a Pool in the Winter

Updated November 17, 2021

If you’re a homeowner with a pool that you’d like to have removed, you may be worried that it's too late into the season to hire a contractor.

As the winter season approaches and the ground begins to freeze, many projects must be put on hold.

You might be surprised to learn, however, that some northern regions are still able to accommodate pool removal well into the winter months.

Many experts argue that this time of year is the best time to tackle inground pool removals.

We'll discuss...

Determining Factors for Winter Pool Removal
Benefits of Demolishing Your Pool in the Winter
Preparing for Your Pool Demolition

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Determinants for Winter Pool Removal

Frost Depth Line

The first term that needs to be explained when discussing winter pool removal is "frost depth line."

It is easy to assume, if you’re from a colder region, that the ground beneath all of the accumulated snow and ice must also be frozen.

While this would, in fact, be true, the depth at which the ground freezes is what is important.

Frost depth line is the maximum depth at which ice or frost penetrates the soil.

This information is key to understanding when pool removal is feasible in your location.

Pool Depth

If the depth of your pool extends beyond the frost depth line, most pool removal experts will have the tools necessary to complete the job.

For example, if you have a pool that is 5 feet deep (60 inches), and you live in Wisconsin where the average frost depth line is 48 inches, it is likely that there are contractors in your area that would be able to remove your inground pool.

Accumulative Days with Below Freezing Temperatures

Extreme weather conditions are not suitable for some types of demolition.

Many professional demolition companies will happily take on projects during months where below-freezing temperatures are prevalent, depending on the size and scope of the project.

Because inground pools are, indeed, in the ground, accumulative days of below-freezing temperatures and extreme weather conditions can increase the length of your frost depth line to extend beyond the depth of your pool.

In these instances, you will have to wait until the weather conditions, and ground, softens.

Keep reading about pool removal:

Benefits of Demolishing Your Pool in the Winter

Less Intrusive

If you're from a northern region, you know that in the warmer months, backyards tend to get a lot of usage.

Add in these unusual times of social distancing, and it is safe to say that homeowners want the ability to utilize their backyard.

Filling in or demolishing your pool during the winter months is a great alternative if you are worried about the inconvenience of not having access to your backyard during the process.

Fewer Obstacles

In the process of winterizing homes and properties, it is common practice to put outdoor furniture, equipment, and toys into storage.

Not only does this protect these items from weather damage, but it makes navigating a project site much easier for your demolition contractor.

Fewer obstacles mean easier navigation, and that results in your job getting finished sooner.

Prepare for Spring Landscaping

Removing your pool in the winter provides a blank slate for you to work with when planning your landscaping construction in the spring.

With this major task checked off the to-do list, you won't feel rushed when designing what you will do with the spacious new yard you've just uncovered.

Preparing for Your Pool Demolition

As with every job that requires hiring a professional, there are many questions you should ask contractors to ensure you hire the right person and don't waste money or get taken advantage of.

Determining whether it is in your best interest to do a partial pool removal versus a complete pool removal is a great place to start.

You will want to make sure to avoid common mistakes when hiring a new contractor, like paying your contractor upfront or signing a contractor's estimate without fully understanding it first.