What Happens to “Clean Fill” Left Over From a Pool Installation?

Pool installation is an exciting undertaking for any homeowner. It adds value to your home, brings endless enjoyment during the summer, and transforms your backyard into a serene oasis. However, pool installation also raises a practical question: What happens to all that leftover dirt, specifically the “clean fill,” unearthed during the process?

If you’ve recently had a pool installed or are planning to, understanding what clean fill is and how to manage it can save you time, effort, and potential headaches. Plus, properly handling this resource can benefit your home, garden, and even the environment. 

If you want to know what you should do with the clean fill left over from your new pool, Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas has some tips and advice for what you can do.

What Is Clean Fill?

Before you decide what to do with leftover clean fill, it’s essential to understand what you’re dealing with. 

Clean fill is a type of dirt or soil that has been screened and tested to ensure it’s free from contaminants, debris, and hazardous materials. Unlike regular soil, clean fill doesn’t contain large rocks, organic matter, or pollutants. Instead, it typically consists of a mix of clay, silt, sand, or fine gravel. 

Why Is Clean Fill Important?

Clean fill plays a crucial role in construction and landscaping projects. It provides a stable, compactable base, making it ideal for applications such as backfilling, leveling land, improving drainage, or filling in gaps. 

Using clean fill ensures safety, environmental compliance, and long-term stability for your project. Poor-quality soil or contaminated dirt can lead to unstable foundations or environmental issues. Clean fill is a reliable material that’s both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

It’s essential to note that clean fill is different from topsoil. While topsoil is nutrient-rich and full of organic material used to nourish plants, clean fill is not suitable for growing vegetation. Instead, it’s a functional material used for structural purposes.

How Do Pool Installations Use Clean Fill?

During the pool installation process, clean fill comes into play several times. First, when excavating the pool area, the removed soil is evaluated to determine if it qualifies as clean fill. This material may later be used for backfilling around the pool structure or for grading the surrounding area to ensure proper drainage.

Proper compaction and grading are essential for the effectiveness of clean fill in pool installations. The fill must be compacted in layers to prevent settling over time. Poor compaction can result in uneven surfaces or pool water around the structure. Using clean fill ensures a stable environment for your pool and its surrounding landscaping.

What Should You Do With Leftover Clean Fill?

With a typical pool excavation generating a large amount of leftover dirt, you might be wondering what to do with it. Here are a few practical and eco-friendly options.

1. Repurpose It for Landscaping

Leftover clean fill doesn’t have to go to waste. It can be repurposed in various landscaping projects around your property. 

• Fill Low Spots: Use the dirt to level uneven areas of your yard that tend to collect water. Smooth, leveled ground enhances the aesthetics of your lawn and decreases the likelihood of future drainage problems.
• Create Raised Garden Beds: Clean fill is a great base for raised garden beds. Simply layer organic material like compost and nutrient-rich soil on top to create a gardening space perfect for flowers, vegetables, or shrubs.
• Build Berms: Have you considered adding berms (earth mounds) to your landscape design? These can be used for decorative purposes or as a barrier for controlling water runoff.
• Prepare Planting Bases: Clean fill can be used as a base layer for planting trees or shrubs before adding richer soil and organic material. 

By repurposing leftover clean fill in your backyard, you’ll not only save time and money but also give your outdoor space an upgrade.

2. Dispose of It Safely

If you can’t find a use for the clean fill on your property, the next step is safe disposal. 

• Local Disposal Facilities: Many municipalities accept clean fill at designated facilities. Before you haul it away, check your local regulations to ensure compliance. Some facilities may offer free drop-off depending on the size of the load. 
• Dumpster Rental: For larger quantities of clean fill, renting a roll-off dirt dumpster is another option. This ensures that your clean fill is collected and disposed of properly. 
• Hazardous Waste Protocols: If you suspect your leftover dirt contains contaminants, avoid reusing or donating it. Instead, call a hazardous waste disposal company to handle it responsibly. 

3. Recycle or Donate

Clean fill is in high demand for various construction and landscaping projects, so consider donating or selling your surplus. 

• Offer It Locally: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are great places to connect with people who might need clean fill for their own projects. 
• Garden Centers and Nurseries: Check with your local garden centers or nurseries — many will gladly accept clean fill for use in their landscaping projects. 
• Construction Companies: Reach out to local builders or contractors. High-quality clean fill is often a key resource for development projects.

Ensuring the Quality of Clean Fill 

If you plan to reuse or donate your leftover clean fill, it’s essential to verify its quality. Low-quality or contaminated fill can harm your landscaping projects or compromise the safety of others who use it. 

Here’s how to ensure your clean fill is up to standard:

• Inspect It: Visually check for debris, pollutants, or suspicious odors that might indicate contamination. 
• Test for Contaminants: You can work with a soil testing facility to confirm the safety and quality of your clean fill. Soil testing will ensure it’s free from harmful materials like heavy metals or chemicals. 
• Store It Properly: If you need to store your clean fill temporarily, make sure it’s covered or kept in a secure area to prevent contamination or waterlogging. 

Talk to Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas For Help Managing Leftover Clean Fill

Managing leftover clean fill from a pool installation may seem like a minor detail, but properly handling it can positively impact your home, your budget, and the environment. Whether you repurpose it for landscaping, dispose of it responsibly, or donate it to someone in need, there are plenty of ways to use clean fill for good. 

Need more information about how to utilize clean fill and install a safe and stable inground pool? Contact the closest Aqua Leisure Pools and Spas for more information. We have several locations and areas that we serve, including but not limited to Allentown, Bloomsburg, Doylestown, Dickson City / Scranton, Tannersville, Wilkes-Barre, and Lake Wallenpaupack.

Posted by Aqua Leisure Pools & Spas in Pools