Removing built in spa

Sn00py · Saturday at 6:59 PM

An old 28k pool with a built in spa (no heater anymore). We are planing to replace concrete and coping around the pool and would like to eliminate the spa. Spa has 2 drains and 5 returns)
Can we just fill it up (cap the returns to spa)? Main pool has 3 returns

HermanTX · Saturday at 9:51 PM

You can remove the plumbing at the pad to completely eliminate all flow to and from the spa.
Do you wish to fill the spa with cement?

Have you considered just removing the wall between the spa and the pool? That would require to redo plaster and it would be some work to cut the wall out.

ajw22 · Saturday at 9:54 PM

Why bother filling in the spa? Let water circulate through it and call it a kiddie pool.

Sn00py · 2025-04-29T19:37:44-0400

We were considering removing the wall, but trying to keep our cost down and just fill it up.

My wife wants to remove spa (because of space) . They say happy wife happy life

ajw22 · 2025-04-29T19:41:52-0400

Sn00py said:
My wife wants to remove spa (because of space) . They say happy wife happy life

I think your wife is opening up a can of worms.

Sn00py · 2025-04-29T19:56:34-0400

And that’s what I’m afraid off:/

ajw22 · 2025-04-29T20:03:48-0400

Sn00py said:
And that’s what I’m afraid off:

Relationship issues are beyond the scope of TFP.

Sn00py · 2025-04-30T01:07:47-0400

But seriously now…can I just fill it up with cement and remove plumbing? Will 3 returns be enough for the pool?
How would you approach this ‘project’?

HermanTX · 2025-04-30T08:18:54-0400

Sn00py said:
But seriously now…can I just fill it up with cement and remove plumbing? Will 3 returns be enough for the pool?
How would you approach this ‘project’?

If you disconnect the plumbing at the equipment pad that lead to/from the spa, then that will prevent any bacteria growth from entering the pool. After cutting - then cap and note it as a dead end pipe. I don’t think you need to dig it up unless you wish to.

Your pool has 3 returns now so that is sufficient and will be fine for just the pool itself. Just ensure whoever does the plumbing work at the pad caps the lines properly. Maybe post a picture of the equipment pad and specifically the suction pipes to the pump and the return lines after the heater or filter.

I would ask the company you selected to fill the spa to ensure that the wall between the spa and pool is not damaged in the process. The only connection between the spa and pool is that spillover area. It appears that section will need to be built up 6 inches or more to make it all level. You also may want to put coping and tile on that section to match the pool perimeter. So it is not just filling up the spa but make that new wall facing the pool to be consistent. It will take some work by the contractor and may even need some plaster in addition to waterline tile and coping. It is hard to see in the photo you shared earlier. Are you engaging a pool builder or just a general contractor for this?

So if you isolate the spa, ensure no damage to the wall facing the pool and it is sealed properly and cut the pipes at the pad then it should work.