Can You Keep Landscaping When You Remove an In-Ground Pool?

In Michigan, an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to remove their in-ground pools due to the state’s challenging climate, with freeze-thaw cycles accelerating pool aging and maintenance issues.

Once you’ve decided to remove your in-ground pool, the next big question is: what happens to your landscaping?

It’s a common concern we hear at Pool Busters of Michigan. Our job is removing your in-ground pool — it’s all we do, and we’re the best at it!

What you do with the yard afterward is up to you. After our work is finished, you’ll have a blank canvas ready for whatever you envision.

Leave it to our experts to explain why it’s best to make it look like there was never a pool in the first place — rather than trying to preserve pool-specific landscaping, concrete, etc.

Taking Out the In-Ground Pool Means Clearing the Surroundings

Taking out your in-ground pool means removing everything connected to it, including surrounding structures like pavers, concrete decking, borders, specialized plantings, and nearby landscaping. These features were designed to complement the pool, not stand alone.

After over four decades of excavation experience, we know that skipping this step leaves an obvious imprint of what was there.

For the best result, the entire in-ground pool area has to go, leaving you with a smooth, consistent space to use however you want. By fully removing all traces of the pool, you avoid awkward patches of mismatched concrete or landscaping that can limit your options for the future.

This approach also prevents potential issues with settling or drainage that can arise if old pool materials are left behind. Most importantly, it gives your yard a fresh start, making it easier to design, landscape, or build without being limited by the footprint of the old pool.

Ultimately, a thorough removal adds value and flexibility to your property, ensuring the transformation looks intentional and seamless.

What Happens to Your Yard After Pool Removal?

Getting rid of an in-ground pool opens the door to countless new landscaping options, but realizing that vision starts with doing the groundwork properly.

Many homeowners fill the space with soil and grade it themselves, only to find the area looks flat and uninspired. Worse, poor compaction can cause uneven settling, making future projects difficult.

The right prep makes all the difference!

What to Expect During In-Ground Pool Removal

Getting rid of your in-ground pool is the start of something new — but it’s more involved than most expect. At Pool Busters, we specialize only in in-ground pool removal, not above-ground pools.

Here’s how the process works.

Heavy Equipment & Excavation

We bring in specialized machinery, such as excavators with jackhammer attachments and skid steers, to break apart the in-ground pool structure and haul away the debris.

Using the right equipment is crucial for both efficiency and safety — smaller machines can slow down the process and even pose risks to operators. Larger, well-maintained machines help us get the job done faster and with less impact on your property.

At Pool Busters, we own all of our equipment, so our customers never have to worry about us having the right equipment or experiencing delays with rentals!

Permits & Preparation

Before any demolition begins, we handle all the necessary permits and site preparations, ensuring compliance with local regulations and safety codes.

We’ll also safely drain the pool, neutralize chemicals, and remove all pool equipment, pumps, and filters, taking care to protect your yard and the environment.

Professional Backfilling

Once the pool is removed, we use high-quality materials and precise techniques to backfill the area. The backfill is applied in layers and compacted thoroughly to prevent future settling or instability, creating a solid foundation for whatever you plan next.

Our team selects the right soil mix for optimal drainage and stability, documenting compaction levels to ensure long-term results.

Proper Grading

Ensuring the area is graded for drainage prevents pooling and water issues down the line. With years of hands-on experience, we handle every step of prep with precision, leaving you with a clean, level yard ready for what's next.

Our excavation experts will establish a gentle slope away from structures to guide water runoff and avoid future drainage problems.

Want to see more results? Check out our gallery.

Planning for Yard Restoration After Pool Removal

Your in-ground pool is out, and the space is clear, so what’s next? Planning your yard’s comeback takes vision and the right help.

While Pool Busters of Michigan doesn’t do landscaping, our services will create the perfect foundation for any project you have in mind. With the right yard expert on your side, you’ll be ready to bring your vision to life.

After in-ground pool removal, our past clients have transformed their yards into:

• Lush Lawns: Reclaim space for play and relaxation by leveling the area and planting fresh grass. Perfect for kids, pets, or weekend gatherings.

• Thriving Gardens: Plant a flower or vegetable garden to bring color and life to your yard. With a proper soil foundation, the backfilled area can make for fertile planting ground.

• Entertaining Patios: Imagine a beautiful stone or brick patio with outdoor seating and a grill. It's the ideal space for dinner parties or cozy hangouts.

• Outdoor Features: Install a fire pit, water fountain, or gazebo to create a focal point and enhance your outdoor living.

• Decorative Landscapes: Think shaped shrubs, trees, and walkways to give your yard structure, privacy, and charm.

Why Choose Pool Busters for Removal Services in Michigan?

Taking out your in-ground pool isn't just about more space — it's a fresh start for your backyard. From a peaceful garden to a stylish outdoor living area, the possibilities are endless. And as a trusted family business, we've delivered five-star results for Michigan homeowners for over a decade.

Concerned about costs? We offer simple financing options.

With Pool Busters, you get expert advice, a free estimate, and experts who will make it look like there was never a pool!