[johnkeegan]

We're installing pavers up to and around an inground pool that's probably been in for 15 years or so. The original concrete 3' wide apron has heaved a little bit (but not too bad) but the customer wants to replace it with pavers, as well as add on a patio area.
I originally wanted her to have someone remove the concrete first but it's been a bit of a hassle for her coordinating that with my timeframe (late fall). Besides most of the contractors try to take the whole job because they're short on work.
Question is.. Is it tricky to remove this concrete or is it a no-brainer? We removed plenty of concrete before but working near all the piping/electrical etc. and near the pool edge made me a little hesitant.
Any related tricks, tips or horror stories?

[AZTLANLC]

We are in the process to do the same sometime next month my idea is to saw cut the concrete 1' from the coping I hope is not thicker than 5" and hopefully no lines are embedded in it, and then hammer the rest.
Let me know what you do and how it works

[pavermanusa]

If you have a bobcat, saw up into manageable pieces and lift with the machine, cart away. Otherwise use comb of saw and jackhammer. Only pipe to be wary of is the electrical to the pool light. Locate this, it should be in a sleeve but not always. If you can ask the homeowner or pool guy to drain the pool below pipe level, say 9" from coping so that if you break a pipe it won't get too messy. Pool plumbing is relatively easy to repair so don't fret too much but expect some hand digging around plumbing lines. Good luck.

[HardScaper26]

I'm assuming that you did this already but if you haven't another crew that works for the company I work for cracked a skimmer...this was no cheap repair.....be very careful around the edge....it was an old pool, but if they were more careful it would not have been a problem

[Fine Edge]

John, I'm assuming this is a concrete pool and not vinyl liner?
As stated above, be very careful around the skimmer. Every pool company I've worked around has the skimmer filled around all sides with concrete, sometimes with rebar cage.
It just takes a little bit longer to grind the concrete down to paver depth and I've even cut my pavers down before and mortared them because it was quicker. I would saw cut as much as possible and just be careful. Pipes should be below concrete. Most companies I work for throw the plumbing and electrical in the same trench and by code, electrical has to be 18" below finished coping.

[johnkeegan]

Thanks for the heads up.