Do You Need a Permit to Fill in a Pool in Arizona?

Owning a swimming pool is common in Tucson, but sometimes, it's time to get rid of it. You may not want it anymore, it might be too old to fix, or you may simply want more space in your yard because you don't use the pool as much as you used to. Whatever the reason, filling the pool often seems like a good idea.

But, is it? Do you need a permit to fill in a pool in Arizona?

In Tucson, yes. You do need a permit. The City of Tucson requires a permit to demolish, fill in, bury, or otherwise remove existing residential pools and spas. It's important to note that other areas in Arizona may have different requirements, so it's a good idea to check and see if you need a city permit if you are not in Tucson.

Whatever you need to do, it's also important to know that filling a pool involves a lot more than dumping dirt into the shell. There are other important steps like demolition, drainage, fill, and documentation that must also be done if you want to get rid of your backyard pool. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies can also help with questions like Do you winterize a salt water pool?

Why Does Tucson Require a Permit to Fill in a Pool?

When you do pool construction to install a pool, it is understood that it is a permanent structure. So, when you remove a backyard pool, it changes the property.

Tucson requires a swimming pool demolition permit for both the complete removal of the pool structure and projects involving filling or burying the pool. The city also requires a site plan that shows the location of the buried pool, which will be filed with the property's record.

A pool permit helps to ensure that the project is completed in a safe way, and that any future property owners have a record of what might be underground. This is especially important if someone later wants to get a building permit to put an addition on their home, a patio, an accessory structure, or any other improvement.

What Is Involved in Filling in a Backyard Pool?

Pool removal generally is much more detailed than simply draining out water and filling the hole with soil. The exact process depends on the pool, the site conditions, and whether or not the structure is completely or partially removed.

Some of the things that may need to be done include:

• Draining the pool

• Disconnecting and capping utilities

• Removing pool equipment

• Breaking or removing portions of the pool shell or pool barrier

• Creating adequate drainage

• Adding appropriate fill material

• Compacting the fill

• Grading the area

• Completing required inspections

Tucson specifically requires the structural modification of a pool or spa being filled to provide positive drainage. For more information, Tucson Pool Service may be recommended.

Can You Just Fill a Pool With Dirt Without Going Through the Permit Process?

If you simply fill a swimming pool with dirt, it can create a lot of problems. An empty pool shell essentially just forms a large, underwater container. It can't drain, and water will definitely get in from rain. Once it's in there, there is no place for it to go. The ground won't settle correctly and the fill could cause low areas, uneven surfaces, drainage problems, or other issues in the yard.

Partial vs. Complete Pool Removal

There are generally two approaches to removing an in-ground swimming pool. You can partially remove it or completely remove it.

When the pool is partially removed, portions of the pool are demolished. However, some of the structure will remain. What remains will be prepared, filled, and compacted.

When the pool is completely removed, the shell and any other materials or existing structures are removed, and the area is backfilled. This includes things like plumbing systems, electrical wiring, water features, etc.

For standard residential pools, the best option depends on the property lines, your budget, pool dimensions, what you want to do with the space, and local requirements. You also might need to get HOA approval in some cases.

If you are thinking about building something over where the pool is in the future, this may also influence how the removal is done.

What Happens to the Pool Plumbing and Electrical Systems?

Pools typically have plumbing, electrical connections, pumps, filters, heaters, and other equipment that must be addressed during demolition.

These systems shouldn't simply be buried along with the pool.

Utilities may need to be properly disconnected or capped as part of the project. For example, a current City of Tucson pool-fill permit specifically describes work involving capping or canceling plumbing before filling the pool.

The exact work required depends on the pool's equipment and configuration.

Properly handling these systems can help prevent leaks, electrical hazards, and complications with future construction or landscaping.

What Happens After the Pool Is Filled?

Once the pool has been properly demolished and filled, the area can potentially become usable yard space.

Depending on how the project was completed and your plans for the property, you might use the space for:

• Landscaping

• Artificial turf

• A garden

• Outdoor seating

• Play space

• Other backyard improvements

However, don't assume that filling in a pool automatically makes the land suitable for constructing a new building or other heavy structure.

If you have plans for future construction, discuss them before the pool is removed. The demolition method, fill material, compaction, and remaining underground structures can affect what can safely be built in that location.

What Happens if You Fill in a Pool Without a Permit?

Skipping the required permit may save time initially, but it can create headaches later.

Unpermitted work may be discovered during a property sale, future remodeling project, or another permit application. You may then need to demonstrate how the pool was removed or perform additional work to bring the property into compliance.

Tucson's permitting process creates a permanent record of the buried pool's location, which is one reason completing the process properly can be valuable when the property eventually changes hands.

A permitted project also provides required inspections. Recent Tucson pool-demolition permits show progress and final inspections as part of the process.

Planning a Pool Project in Tucson

If you're ready to fill in an existing swimming pool in Tucson, obtaining the proper permit is an important part of the process. The City of Tucson requires a swimming pool demolition permit when an existing pool or spa is demolished, buried, filled in, or otherwise removed. Code violations are expensive, so code compliance is necessary.

Before committing to removal, however, it may be worth exploring whether your existing pool can be repaired or transformed into a space you'll enjoy again.

E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies serves homeowners throughout the Tucson area with swimming pool & spa services, equipment, repairs, and backyard solutions. Whether you're dealing with an aging pool or considering changes to your outdoor space, working with experienced pool professionals can help you understand your options and choose the right approach for your property.