Virginia Rules for Getting Rid of an In-ground Pool

Guidelines

• Chesterfield County, Virginia, reports that Virginia state law requires demolition permits for pools that are more than 150 square feet, can contain more than 5,000 gallons of water or are more than 24 inches deep. Smaller pools do not require a demolition permit. The depth requirement, however, means that all but the smallest in-ground pools require demolition permits for removal in Virginia.

Notices

• Virginia law also requires you to apply for a building permit when removing most pools. The building permit regulates actions you may take after removing the pool, such as filling the hole and leveling the land. You must also provide a plat, or map, showing the location of the pool. Also required is a form called an Asbestos and Demolition Certification. It’s a standard form in demolition used to protect people from the harmful effects of asbestos. The form requires you to notify adjoining neighbors about the demolition.

Contractors

• Contractors use heavy machinery such as bulldozers and jackhammers to rip up in-ground pools. There are no special rules in Virginia for removing the pool beyond standard state guidelines for demolition. An inspector for the city or county will visit the site after the completion of the demolition to confirm filling of the home and leveling of the land.

Precautions

• It is important to hire an experienced, reputable contractor. Heavy machinery necessary for removing a pool can damage other parts of your house or lawn. A careless bulldozer operator could tear down a fence or damage a septic tank by driving over it. Before starting the job, the contractor should map out a plan including how trucks and equipment will enter your yard along with restrictions on their use to avoid unnecessary damage to your property or your neighbors’ property.

Options

• Partial removal of the pool is a less expensive alternative to removing the entire pool. Partial removal allows an experienced contractor to remove only a portion of the pool and cave in the rest. Discuss the option with the contractor and make sure the plan is thoroughly explained in your request for the building permit. Do not allow partial removal without official approval from local authorities.