Presidential Swimming Pool Demolition in Alexandria VA

One of our earlier and more memorable projects was the demolition and removal of the former swimming pool at the Alexandria, Virginia residence of President Gerald Ford. Before beginning the work, I spent time reading about President Ford, the Alexandria property, and the pool itself. Many accounts described him as a simple man whose most cherished possession was his swimming pool—which made it a surreal experience when I placed the hydraulic breaker on the pool floor and initiated the first crack in the concrete.

The pool was demolished in June 2009, and even though President Ford was not in office when it was built, there was no doubt it was constructed to presidential standards. To this day, it remains one of the most solid and well-built swimming pools we have ever demolished.

One particularly memorable feature was the original pool filtration system, which was still on site. It consisted of a massive, rounded cast-iron filter weighing several hundred pounds—something that looked more like a witch’s brewing pot than modern pool equipment. I haven’t seen another one like it since.

President Ford was known to be an avid swimmer, and it’s often said that neighbors could hear splashing in the pool nearly every day before he became president. After moving into the White House, he even had the same company that built his Alexandria pool construct a pool at the White House.

The neighborhood itself is a unique and historically proud community. Homes are well maintained in their original character, and the properties reflect the residents’ appreciation for their connection to presidential history. Understandably, not everyone was thrilled to see demolition activity on such a historic site.

One elderly neighbor—whom I suspect may have been an original homeowner—asked me, “What are you doing to this historic property?” While some neighbors were more accepting, others expressed their disapproval with looks as they passed by. Still, the reality is that swimming pools—like everything else—have a lifespan. Eventually, they require demolition or removal, or they demand costly renovations and repairs to remain functional.

If you’re considering swimming pool removal in Alexandria, VA, experience matters—especially when working on properties with unique histories and tight neighborhood settings.

👉 Ready to get your Alexandria, Virginia swimming pool removal project underway? Click here and let’s get to work.