Demolition Services by Bronco Demolition

Removing a swimming pool is a major project, but it’s often the best long-term decision for homeowners looking to reduce maintenance costs, reclaim valuable square footage on their property and it increases value prior to a sale. Understanding the pool demolition and removal process helps set expectations and ensures the job is done safely and legally. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the process typically works.

Pool Demolition projects we've completed can be seen here.

Initial Assessment and Planning

Every project begins with a site evaluation. If you contact us a representative from Bronco Demolition LLC will inspect the pool’s structure, access points for heavy equipment, drainage concerns, and proximity to utilities or structures.
Key questions answered during this phase include:

• What type of pool is it (concrete, fiberglass, vinyl)?
• Can heavy machinery access the yard?
• What are the local regulations, permits, or engineering requirements?
• Should the pool be partially removed or completely removed?

This step ensures the project is feasible and prevents unexpected complications later.

Permits and Local Regulations

Most cities and counties require a permit for pool demolition because the process can impact soil stability, drainage, and future land use. Most jurisdictions will require a:

• A demolition permit
• An engineering sign-off (especially for full removals)
• Inspections before and after backfilling

Skipping permits can cause legal issues—especially if you plan to sell the home—so a reputable contractor like Bronco Demolition LLC will handle this paperwork for you.

Draining the Pool

Before demolition begins, the pool must be completely drained. A crew from Bronco Demolition LLC will:

1. Pump the water out to an approved location or storm drain.
2. Follow local environmental rules to avoid flooding or contamination.

Once the water is removed, demolition can safely begin.

Disconnecting Utilities

For safety, all electrical, gas, and plumbing lines connected to the pool must be properly capped or removed. This includes:

• Pool pump and filter systems
• Electrical lines
• Gas lines for heaters
• Automatic filler lines (if present)

Improper disconnection can lead to leaks or hazards later.

Demolition (Partial vs. Full Removal)

There are two main approaches, and each has pros and cons:

Partial Pool Removal (Also called “abandonment in place”)

• 2 x 2 foot holes are created at the pool bottom for drainage 
• The top portion of the pool shell—usually 18–36 inches—is demolished.
• Concrete and rebar are broken into small pieces. In most instances the broken-down      concrete will be placed in the bottom of the pool and the rebar will be      recycled offsite.
• The cavity is filled with organic free soil and compacted in 1-foot layers.

Pros:

• Faster and more affordable
• Good for homeowners staying long-term

Cons:

• You generally cannot build structures on top of the filled area
• Some municipalities don’t allow this method

Full Pool Removal

• The entire pool shell, floor, and surrounding structures are completely      demolished and removed.
• All debris is hauled off-site for disposal.
• The cavity is filled with clean backfill soil and compacted.

Pros:

• Considered the “cleanest” option
• Allows full use of the land, including building additions, patios or ADUs
• Better for resale value

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Longer project timeline

Hauling and Debris Removal

If the pool is fully removed—or in partial removal where debris must be reduced—contractors load concrete, steel, and materials into trucks and transport them to an approved recycling or disposal facility.

Backfilling and Soil Compaction

Proper backfilling is critical to avoid sinking or soil movement in the future. Bronco Demolition will typically:

1. Bring in clean fill dirt and compact it in stages
2. Grade the area to match the yard’s natural slope
3. Perform a final compaction test (required in some jurisdictions)

When done correctly, the pool area becomes fully usable for landscaping or future construction.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Most residential pool demolition projects take 7-10 working days after permitting, depending on:

• Pool size and materials
• Access for machinery
• Permitting requirements
• Whether it’s partial or full removal

Cost Considerations

While prices vary by region, typical cost factors include:

• Type of pool (concrete removal is most expensive)
• Access and equipment needed
• Disposal and landfill fees
• Soil requirements for backfilling
• Permit and inspection fees
• Labor complexity

On average, homeowners spend anywhere from $12,000–$20,000, with full removals on the higher end.

Final Thoughts

Pool demolition is a significant undertaking, but with the right contractor like Bronco Demolition LLC and planning, it can dramatically improve your property’s usability and value. Whether you want a low-maintenance yard, more space, or better resale prospects, understanding the process helps ensure you make the right decisions every step of the way. 

On average, it costs between $1750 to $2500 to demolish a bathroom. Demolition does involve several factors that will influence the cost. Demolition estimators will factor; the location of the bathroom, is it on the first floor? Is it a full bath, materials being demolished, dimensions, special equipment needed, and cost of dumping fees.

The permits required for a demolition project vary depending on the location and scope of the project. We will work with you to obtain all necessary permits and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Yes, we offer emergency demolition services for situations such as natural disasters, fire damage, or unsafe structures.

A professional kitchen demolition is more than just tearing out old materials—it’s the foundation of a smooth remodel. With the right planning, safety measures, and expertise, most homeowners can expect to spend $1,500 to $4,500 depending on kitchen size, material types and site access. If you’re preparing for a remodel, understanding these factors ahead of time will help set expectations and avoid surprise costs. And if you want the job done safely, cleanly, and efficiently, hiring a qualified licensed demolition contractor is always the best place to start.

Some projects are straightforward. Others… not so much. A memorable kitchen job in Costa Mesa produced an unexpected mountain of debris due to several mid-project scope changes from the client. Experiences like that are why no two demolition quotes look the same. In this guide, I’ll break down the real factors that determine kitchen demolition costs, the hidden issues homeowners don’t see coming, and the safety and prep steps that make a kitchen demolition go smoothly.

What keeps costs on the lower end

• Small to midsize kitchens
• Basic materials (laminate countertops, simple cabinets)
• Easy access for debris removal
• No plumbing or electrical surprises

What pushes costs higher

• Large kitchens or open-concept spaces
• Heavy materials (tile, thick countertops, stone, older framing)
• Second-story or difficult access locations
• Outdated, damaged, or incorrectly installed utilities
• Large debris volumes requiring multiple hauls

Demolition isn’t just “breaking stuff.” It’s controlled removal that protects the space, prevents utility damage, and ensures the remodel starts with a clean, safe space.

Why DIY Kitchen Demolition Usually Isn’t Worth It

I always recommend hiring a professional for kitchen demolition. Here’s why:

• Water lines can burst or flood rooms if you don’t know what you’re cutting into
• Electric lines need to be made safe before walls and cabinets come down
• Gas lines must be capped properly to prevent leaks
• Debris adds up fast. Homeowners almost always underestimate the volume—once it fills the workspace and progress slows dramatically.
• Proper disposal matters. Appliances, tile, wood, metal, and drywall may all need separate disposal methods depending on your region.
• Our efficiency allows you to come home to a clean workspace ready for the next phase of the project

Even if you’re handy, one mistake can cost far more in expenses and time than hiring a professional from the start.

Hidden or Unexpected Costs

Based on real projects, these are the issues that most often impact the final demolition price:

1. Utilities in the wrong place or out of code

It’s common to find plumbing lines routed through walls they don’t belong in, or electrical work that isn’t up to code. Fixing these issues often becomes part of the demolition phase.

2. Underestimating the hauling costs

Most people underestimate how much material comes out of a kitchen. Cabinets, countertops, tile, drywall, flooring, and old appliances add up quickly. The Costa Mesa project I mentioned earlier required far more debris removal than anticipated, which extended labor time and disposal fees.

3. Structural surprises

Occasionally, walls that were supposed to be simple partitions turn out to carry mechanical lines or are part of the structural framing. This can require a more careful teardown or steps to preserve the site integrity.

How Homeowners Can Save Time and Money Before Demo Starts

Your preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly the demolition goes. I recommend:

• Removing all personal items from cabinets and drawers
• Clearing nearby rooms or hallways for easier access
• Having a plan for the duration of the demo—an outdoor cooking area or temporary kitchen setup
• Confirming where pets or kids will be during work hours
• Reviewing the timeline so you know exactly what to expect

A little prep goes a long way in keeping the project efficient and minimizing delays.

Tools and Safety Practices I Use on Every Kitchen Demo

Every demolition is different, but my standard toolkit includes:

• Standard hand tools such as crowbars, pry bars, hammers, drill motors, etc.
• Some not so standard tools - Rotary hammer (especially for tile floors or      tougher materials)
• And always gloves, eye protection, masks, and other PPE

Safety always comes first. After utilities are secured, I focus on removing the large items—appliances, cabinets, and countertops—before moving on to tile, backsplash, and flooring. If an appliance can be salvaged or donated, I always prefer that approach.