Many homeowners who choose to fill in their pools often wonder if they can build on top of the newly reclaimed space. Whether you’re considering a garden, patio, or even an extension of your home, understanding the complexities involved is crucial for a successful project.

The short answer is: yes indeed you can build over a filled-in pool. But you need to remember that over time, everything has a tendency to shift and move, especially in our dynamic climate in Ontario. If you intend to build a structure on top of the filled-in pool, you will still need to adhere to the foundational requirements for that structure, just as if you were building on regular ground. 

Having said that, with proper planning, and a clear understanding of the structural requirements for what you intend to build, it is possible. 

Types of Structures Suitable for Building Over a Filled-In Pool

Lightweight Structures

• Sod lawns: This is probably the most common application for outdoor pool removals. Most of our customers will decide to make their pool areas into beautiful green lawns. 
• Patios and Decks: These are also great for filled-in pool areas as they exert less pressure on the ground.
• Gardens and Landscaping: Planting gardens or creating landscaping features are excellent ways to repurpose the space.

Heavier Structures

Building Additions: Constructing rooms, garages, or other heavy structures requires more thorough preparation and potentially professional engineering advice. The reality is, even with professional-grade compacted, clean fill-in materials like what we use at TPFIP, where will always be additional settling and shifting, especially if the pool enclosure had sustained any damage prior to fill-in. 

Foundations: Ensure that any heavy structure has a proper foundation that extends beyond the filled-in area to stable ground.

If you intend to build a heavier structure over your filled-in pool area, you should hire a geotechnical engineer to evaluate the stability of the space. You may also want to conduct soil tests to determine the load-bearing capacity and identify any issues that need addressing. Everyone’s situation is different—sometimes you’re dealing with a backyard of clay, soil, sand, or a mixture of these and other things. 

Permits and Regulations

When planning to build over filled-in pools, it is essential to check with your local municipality regarding specific building codes and regulations that may apply. Additionally, make sure to obtain all necessary permits before starting any construction to ensure compliance with local laws.

Construction Considerations

When starting a construction project over a pool fill-in, it’s crucial to prioritize foundational aspects to ensure long-term stability. Key considerations include extending foundations and using pilings for heavy structures, implementing effective drainage solutions to prevent water accumulation, and ensuring proper soil compaction to avoid settling issues. This section highlights these essential construction factors for creating a durable and safe structure.

Foundation Requirements

• Extended Foundations: For heavier structures, foundations should extend beyond the filled-in area to undisturbed soil for added stability.
• Piling: In some cases, pilings might be necessary to ensure stability.

Drainage Solutions

• Proper Drainage: Implement effective drainage solutions to prevent water accumulation, which can compromise the stability of the filled-in area.
• Grading: Ensure the site is properly graded to direct water away from the structure.

Compaction and Soil Stability

Ensuring the soil is properly compacted during the fill-in process is critical to avoid future settling issues. The Pool Fill-In People uses properly compacted soil that assists with minimal settling and shifting. Even so, as stated earlier, climate conditions and other factors can cause any foundation to shift and move. Just be mindful of this if you plan to build a structure that needs additional reinforcement as a proper foundation. 

Benefits and Drawbacks

Building over a filled-in pool presents several advantages, notably maximizing space. This approach allows homeowners to reclaim and repurpose valuable outdoor areas that might have otherwise gone unused. Additionally, adding structures or features can not only enhance the functionality of your property but also increase its overall value, making it a worthwhile investment.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. One significant concern is the potential for settling issues, particularly if the pool has not been properly filled in. Such settling can undermine the integrity of any new structures built on top. To mitigate this risk, it’s essential to collaborate with experts like The Pool Fill-In People, who utilize the right materials and ensure the project is set up correctly from the start. Moreover, while enhancing your outdoor space can be beneficial, it’s important to be aware that ensuring stability and obtaining the necessary permits may lead to additional costs in the overall project budget.

Building over a filled-in pool is possible with careful planning and professional guidance. Homeowners can successfully repurpose their pool area into valuable, functional space by ensuring proper compaction, conducting thorough assessments, and adhering to local regulations. For expert advice and assistance with pool fill-ins, contact The Pool Fill-In People today!