Pool Removal in Scarborough, ON | OCM Excavation

OCM Excavation & Construction removes inground and above-ground pools across Scarborough, with concentrated work in the suburban inventory of Bridlewood, L’Amoreaux, Agincourt, and the Bluffs. A lot of those 1970s gunite pools are now past their 50-year service life. We break the shell, haul the debris, backfill with engineered fill, and restore the yard. Full removals typically run five to ten working days. Call 416-317-3090 for a written quote or book a Scarborough site visit through our online form.

Why Scarborough Owners Are Removing Pools

Scarborough has one of the largest concentrations of 1970s and 1980s inground pools in the GTA. A 50-year-old gunite shell that has been patched twice is rarely a good long-term investment. Annual maintenance runs $3,000 to $5,000. Pool-home insurance premiums are up 20 to 40 percent in recent renewals. Bridlewood and L’Amoreaux families whose kids have grown often find the pool now occupies space that could be lawn, garden, or a paver patio. We also hear from new owners who bought into Scarborough specifically for the larger lots and inherited a pool that no longer suits their needs. Removing it is often the cleanest path to using the yard.

Three Removal Options

Full removal — roughly $15,000 to $25,000. Complete shell demolition, haul-away of all material, backfill with engineered fill in compacted lifts (typically Granular B with topsoil cap). A full removal typically avoids a “former pool” disclosure on land title.

Partial removal — roughly $8,000 to $15,000. Top three to four feet of shell broken out, drainage holes drilled in the base, void filled with cleaned demolished material plus topsoil. Cheaper, but the lot carries a former-pool area that typically must be disclosed at resale.

Above-ground pool — roughly $1,500 to $5,000. Disassembly, haul-away, light grading. Usually one day.

Aging Gunite — What to Expect

The Scarborough gunite pools we see in 2026 share a common profile: heavy steel rebar inside thick gunite walls, often with a tile band at the waterline. Breaking them down takes a mini-excavator with proper attachments. We run a Yanmar SV40 with a thumb attachment for controlled demolition, and a GEHL skidsteer to keep material moving through standard backyard gates. We separate the rebar at the dump-truck stage for proper steel recycling, which keeps disposal cost down. If the pool was previously patched with epoxy or hydraulic cement, we will find evidence of it during demolition — that is normal, not a problem. Call 416-317-3090 to talk through what is likely under your specific pool deck.

Process and Timeline

Typical Scarborough full removal: days one to two, shell demolition. Days two to three, haul-away. Days four to seven, engineered fill in compacted lifts using a vibratory plate compactor so the area does not settle. Days eight to ten, finish grading and topsoil. Pool deck removal is included in the same scope.

Permits and Records

Scarborough pool removals are administered through Toronto Building. A pool removal permit is typically required (separate from a building permit). Confirm the current fee schedule before budgeting. We handle the application on your behalf when asked, and we provide written documentation of the fill type, lift depths, and compaction approach so you have a clean record for future buyers or insurers.

Why Scarborough Owners Choose OCM

One crew, one schedule, one accountable contact. As a local excavation contractor we run the demolition of the pool deck and shell together. If you are removing one pool and considering a new pool excavation in a more usable spot, we can sequence both. See related service areas or nearby Toronto pool removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Scarborough pool removal take?

A full inground removal typically takes five to ten working days. Above-ground pools are usually one day. Older gunite shells with heavy rebar may extend the demolition phase slightly. We confirm timing in writing before mobilizing.

What does it cost?

Full inground removals generally run $15,000 to $25,000 in Scarborough. Partial removals run roughly $8,000 to $15,000. Above-ground pools land between $1,500 and $5,000. Pool size, shell material, deck scope, and access drive the final number.

Will I have to disclose a former pool on resale?

A full removal with engineered fill typically does not trigger a former-pool disclosure. A partial removal usually does, because shell material remains in the ground. Disclosure rules are a real estate legal matter — confirm with your lawyer.

Can you remove old gunite pools?

Yes — gunite, concrete, and vinyl-lined inground pools are all standard work for us. We separate rebar for recycling, which controls disposal cost. Older Scarborough pools with patched walls or compromised tile bands are typical and not a complication.

Book a Scarborough Pool Removal Quote

Call 416-317-3090 or visit our free quote page. We will walk the Scarborough yard, measure the pool, talk through your end goal, and put a written quote in your hands.