Options include:
- Pool construction companies – not widely advertised as a service, but many/several pool construction companies also remove pools
- Pool excavation companies – these probably do a majority of pool removals; some report this is a growing business area for them
- Demolition companies – several claim to specialize in pool exhumations
- Pool removal specialists – a relatively new but apparently growing option
- Do-It-Yourself – this is rarely done, although the quick fill approach is straightforward; demo and fill can also can be a DIY project if you have the right skills
The following local companies remove pools
| Company | Phone | Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Pool Busters | 520-906-4079 | 2071 W Jim Howard Pl | azpoolbusters.com |
| Custom Saw Cuts | 520-624-2191 | 2502 E Benson Hwy | customsawcuts.com |
| Omni Pool Builders and Design | 520-222-8503 | 3655 N Oracle Rd #110 | tucsonpoolbuilders.com |
| PRO Trenching | 520-690-9833 | 1220 W Las Lomitas Rd | protrenching.com |
Companies on this list are NOT endorsed or recommended by any of the site sponsors. Being listed only means that the company has confirmed that they offer pool removal services in Pima County.
Permitting
Is a permit required to remove your swimming pool? In general, yes. The requirements are determined by where you live, NOT by who your water provider is. For example, if you live in the Town of Oro Valley but your water provider is Tucson Water, then Oro Valley’s permitting requirements apply. Note that nearly all of Metro Water’s service area is unincorporated Pima County.
Assuming you hire a company to remove your pool, that company typically handles the permitting. Also note that the permit is how Pima County Assessor’s office knows to update their data, which may lead to a reduction in your property taxes.
City of Tucson Requirements:
A City of Tucson demolition permit is needed for swimming pool removal. This permit fee is $91.50 as of 2023.
The basic demolition permit process is that the customer will apply through the online portal:
https://tdc-online.tucsonaz.gov/
The City of Tucson will review, once approve the customer will pay fees and once the work is completed the customer will schedule an inspection to finalize the permit. Once the work has been completed, the customer will need to contact the Pima County Assessor to update property records to indicate their swimming pool has been removed.
Pima County (unincorporated):
The county’s permitting process is as follows:
A permit shall be obtained for all demolitions of structures regulated by the Building Code. The following items shall be reviewed:
If the site is in the floodplain, it shall require RFCD review
Verify pool equipment and connection to service have been removed
Verify pool drains water accumulations
Break out pool drains
Drill/jackhammer a 4” hole in the lowest point of the pool (typically where drains are located)
Upon successful verification that the structure has been removed, that the utilities remain secured, and that the site is left in a safe and clean condition, the inspection item may be approved and the permit closed.
The fee for the demolition permit is $170, $85 for all permits requiring an inspection, and $85 for the special investigative inspection fee
The accessor’s office is notified about every permit the County issues, so they will be aware of the pool demolition, which will reduce the property value. However, in many cases this does not immediately affect the limited value on which property taxes are based.
City of Marana:
The Town of Marana requires a demolition permit. To apply for a demolition permit, please visit the Do I Need a Permit? section of the Town of Marana’s website. You will find a link to the permit application there.
Town of Oro Valley:
A demolition permit is required for removal of an existing in-ground pool or spa. When applying for a pool or spa demolition permit, a Site Plan is required as part of the online application process. The following information is generally required to be identified on the Site Plan:
- Parcel location with property lines depicted. Aerial maps for this purpose (e.g., PimaMaps, Google Maps, etc.) are acceptable.
- Location of pool or spa to be removed within the property
- For Pool removal, information indicating how much of the pool will be demolished:
- In some instances, the demolition may be a full removal of the pool.
- In some instances, the demolition may be a partial removal, e.g., pool deck and top two feet of the pool wall.
- For partial removals, openings through the pool bottom will be required to allow drainage to percolate through.
- Information indicating how any pool related electrical connections will be safely removed.
Please visit the Town’s website for information on how to Apply for a Permit and be aware that all permit applications to the Town are done electronically via the online Customer Portal. And before emptying your pool, we recommend reading these Drain Your Pool Guidelines. If there are any questions, please call (520) 229-4800.