Fiberglass Swimming Pool

by George Braun
(Johnsburg IL)

I have had my inground fiberglass swimming pool for 20 years. I don't use it much anymore and it leaks, too much maintenance.

I'm going to fill it up with dirt and reclaim the surface area. I live in the mid-west and deal with freezing temps. in winter.

It's a 15,000 gallon pool, kidney shape, concrete bottom, with fiberglass sides, and concrete patio surrounds.

What do I have to be concerned about as far as drainage, pool popping up etc.?

Thanks for your question George

To be honest I've never been a witness to a fiberglass swimming pool "popping" out of the ground. I believe many years ago when fiberglass pools started, this might have been an issue, but I think now it's mainly other pool manufacturers perpetuating this myth.

As for draining your swimming pool, you can either use the "WASTE" valve on your filter, or get a submersible pool pump. You can probably rent one of these from your local pool supply store.

Once it's drained you should have a qualified pool tech to come out to make sure everything is in line. You don't want to take any chances.

After draining your pool you'll just have a nice hole that you can fill with dirt and as you said, you'll reclaim a large portion of your yard.

Just be sure it's what you want to do because your fiberglass swimming pool is easy to drain and fill with dirt, but if you have a change of mind later down the road you might be in for a costly refill.

Good luck and all the best

Robert