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Removing an in-ground pool in Ontario means choosing between a full removal, where the entire shell is broken up and hauled away, or a partial removal, where the top is collapsed into the bottom and backfilled. The job comes down to demolition, excavation, and backfilling, which is exactly the work a compact excavator and a track loader are built for. This guide walks through the process, the equipment you need, permit considerations, and what drives the cost, for homeowners across Georgina, Durham Region, Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, and York Region.
Your first decision is how completely to remove the pool. Both are common; the right one depends on your budget, your plans for the space, and local requirements.
| Approach | What Happens | Cost | Future Use of Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full removal | Entire shell broken up and hauled away, hole filled with clean fill and graded | Higher | Buildable, fewer disclosure issues |
| Partial removal | Top section collapsed into the deep end, holes punched in the bottom for drainage, then backfilled | Lower | Landscaping and lawn; may require disclosure on sale |
Full removal costs more because of the extra demolition and disposal, but it leaves the cleanest site and avoids the settling and disclosure questions that can come with partial removal. Partial removal is faster and cheaper and works well if you simply want the pool gone and the area returned to lawn or garden.
Pool removal is a demolition-plus-excavation job, so it leans on two core machines.
For tight backyards where access is the challenge, the Kubota U17 mini excavator (from $250/day) fits through gates as narrow as about three feet, though larger pools are usually faster with the U35. Because Titanium Equipment Group delivers across the region, the machines arrive ready to work, no trailer required.
1. Check permits and locate utilities. Many Ontario municipalities require a demolition or fill permit to remove a pool, and you will need to deal with electrical and gas to the pool equipment. Always locate buried utilities before you dig.
2. Drain the pool. Pump the water out according to local rules for where it can be discharged. Drainage and disposal vary by municipality.
3. Disconnect services. Cap and remove plumbing, and have electrical to the pool disconnected safely.
4. Demolish the deck and walls. Use the excavator to break up the concrete deck and the pool walls. For partial removal, you collapse the upper walls into the deep end; for full removal, you break the shell into haulable pieces.
5. Punch the bottom (partial) or remove the shell (full). For partial removal, holes are punched in the pool floor so water drains and the area does not become a bathtub. For full removal, the entire shell is excavated and removed.
6. Backfill with clean fill. Bring in clean fill in lifts and compact each layer to limit future settling. The track loader moves and spreads the fill efficiently.
7. Grade the site. Shape and level the surface, ready for sod, seed, or landscaping. Proper compaction and grading now prevent dips and drainage problems later.
8. Haul away debris. Load and remove the broken concrete and material. A track loader makes loading trucks fast.
Renting the machines and running the job yourself is the most economical route if you are comfortable with demolition and have the access for it. For a clean, properly compacted result, or if the pool is large or access is tight, an operated rental puts an experienced operator at the controls.
Often, yes. Many municipalities require a demolition or fill permit and have rules for draining the pool and disconnecting services. Check with your local building department before you start, and locate utilities before any excavation.
Full removal breaks up and hauls away the entire shell, then fills and grades the hole, leaving a buildable site. Partial removal collapses the top into the bottom, punches drainage holes, and backfills, which is faster and cheaper but may need to be disclosed when you sell.
A Kubota U35 compact excavator to demolish and excavate the shell, and a Kubota SVL75-3 track loader to move debris, bring in fill, and grade the site. For tight access, a Kubota U17 mini excavator can reach where larger machines cannot.
A partial removal of an average pool with good access can often be done in a couple of days, while a full removal takes longer because of the added demolition and disposal. Pool size, construction, and access all affect the timeline.
Ready to reclaim your backyard anywhere in Georgina, Durham Region, Simcoe, Kawartha Lakes, or York Region? Titanium Equipment Group delivers the Kubota excavators and track loaders that make pool removal straightforward, with operated rentals available when you want a pro at the controls. Call or text 437-907-0671 or request a quote.
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