Budget Project Case Study #012

Budget-Friendly Pool Fill in Decatur ($9,200 Total Job Cost)

Reclaiming garden space on a tight Decatur lot using professional "Partial Abandonment" techniques.

Value-First Strategy

"We needed the pool gone to make room for a vegetable garden and to stop the constant maintenance costs. We weren't planning on building a structure in that spot, so the budget-friendly partial fill was the perfect solution for us." — Homeowner, Avondale border

Project Dashboard:

  • 📍 Location: Decatur, GA (near Scott Blvd)
  • 🏗️ Type: Partial Abandonment (Budget)
  • 💰 Total Cost: $9,200
  • 📅 Timeline: 3 Business Days
  • 🛠️ Constraint: Historic Lot (5ft Access)
Decatur Garden Results
COMPLETED: FEBRUARY 2026

The Transformation

Before: The Overgrown Pit

  • 20-year-old plaster pool with significant staining.
  • Structural hazard with steep drops near the back porch.
  • Breeding ground for mosquitoes in the summer.
  • Costing $2,400/year in basic filtration power.

After: The Functional Garden

  • Professionally punctured shell for zero drainage issues.
  • Flat, walkable lawn space ready for raised beds.
  • zero liability for home insurance providers.
  • Increased property curb appeal for historic home style.

Decatur Budget Transparency

A partial pool fill significantly reduces machine time and hauling fees.

Item Details Cost
Partial Demolition Breaking top 3 feet & puncturing floor for drainage. $4,800
Fill Dirt Imported clean soil for cavitation fill. $3,200
DeKalb Permits County-wide demolition filing fees. $800
Topsoil Layering Final nutrient-rich soil topping for garden. $400
FINAL PROJECT COST $9,200

Overcoming Decatur's Historic Lot Challenges

When a standard excavator won't fit, we go small.

The Issue: 5-Foot Fence Access

Standard pool demo equipment requires at least 8-10 feet of clearance. On this Decatur property, the gap between the house and the neighboring property's historic fence was exactly 62 inches.

The Solution: Micro-Machinery

We utilized a 36-inch mini-skid steer and a micro-excavator. This allowed us to ferry 80 tons of material in and out without removing a single piece of the client's fencing.

The 3-Day Decatur Sprint

1

Day 1: Shell Prep & Drill

Breaking of the tile line and drilling 2-foot diameter drainage holes in the pool floor.

2

Day 2: Fill & Lift Compaction

Ferrying soil via micro-machinery and compacting in 12-inch lifts to ensure no settling.

3

Day 3: Topsoil & Smoothing

Applying final nutrient-rich soil; raking to a smooth finish; site vacuum and gate cleanup.

Reclaim Your Decatur Garden Today

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