How Much Does Pool Removal Cost?
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How Much Does Pool Removal Cost? and hope the blog can help you.
Thinking about removing the unused pool in the backyard? Pool removal cost ranges from $2,700 to $19,000, with many homeowners spending $6,000.
- Typical Range: $2,700 to $19,000
- National Average: $6,000
There are many reasons a homeowner may want to remove a pool, such as eliminating the ongoing cost of pool maintenance, wanting to make the area safer for children and pets, upgrading to a new pool, or making the home more attractive to prospective home buyers. If an old pool requires extensive repairs that don’t fit into a homeowner’s budget or they want to use the outdoor area as a year-round space, pool removal may be the best option. How much does it cost to remove a pool? According to HomeAdvisor, pool removal cost ranges from $2,700 to $19,000, with the national average at $6,000. Swimming pool removal cost depends on the depth, size, material, and accessibility of the pool. Above-ground pool removal cost runs from $300 to $800, and inground pool removal cost ranges from $4,000 to $16,000.
Since pool removal involves heavy machinery, earth-moving equipment, safety gear, legal permits, and debris hauling, homeowners are advised to hire a professional for this project. Homeowners can find contractors near them who specialize in pool removal services by searching online. Pool removal companies’ websites often include a pool removal cost calculator to help homeowners get a ballpark figure for how much the project will cost. To reduce the possibility of swelling or sinking and to ensure proper drainage, many locations require a licensed engineer to backfill the pool area. In order to make the area suitable to be built on in the future, an engineer’s density report and a demolition and compaction plan are required. Since some of the best pool installation companies also provide pool removal services, homeowners can ask local professionals about the cost to remove a pool.
Many pool demolition companies charge from $1,000 to $3,000 or more in labor costs to remove a pool. Removing additional features, such as decking, fencing, or other items, can increase the overall cost of the project. This guide will explore the factors that affect pool removal cost, additional costs and considerations, the cost of removal based on pool type, and some frequently asked questions about the pool removal process.
Need to remove a pool?
Leave that big project to the pros. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pool removal services near you.
+
Factors in Calculating Pool Removal Cost
There are several factors that influence pool removal cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to pool type and material, pool draining costs, fill material, project scope, accessibility, and local labor pricing.
Pool Type
The cost to remove a pool depends on the pool type and how it’s filled. Smaller pools will be at the low end of the cost range, and larger ones that require more filling material will be at the higher end. An above-ground pool is typically less expensive to remove than an inground pool.
Pool Material
The pool construction material also impacts the cost, since the removal of some materials takes more time than for others. Vinyl and fiberglass are typically the least expensive of the materials to remove, with concrete and gunite being the most expensive. Each pool material is discussed in a section below.
Pool Draining
The process of removing a pool begins with draining the water. The price to drain a pool can be as much as $175, depending on how much water needs to be removed. Homeowners who want to drain the water themselves can rent a small pump for $40 to $70 from a home improvement or hardware store. The process should take about 24 hours to drain all the water from the pool.
Fill Material
The type of fill material can influence the final cost of the project. Most of the extra cost involves local labor prices and the level of the fill (full or partial). The most common materials used to fill a pool are dirt, gravel, and concrete.
- Cost to fill a pool with dirt. The most common pool fill material, dirt costs from $8 to $12 per cubic yard. Pool fill dirt is usually a mix of gravel and dirt so it can compact easily. Some homeowners opt for gravel as a base layer and add dirt on top to cut down on costs. Professionals typically leave space on top for a layer of topsoil for landscaping purposes. To ensure the area has proper drainage and will not sink or swell over time, homeowners are advised to hire an engineer to oversee the filling process. Below are some common pool sizes and the average price ranges to fill a 6-foot-deep pool with dirt.
| Pool Size | Cubic Yards of Dirt | Cost for Dirt |
| 10 feet by 20 feet | 60 | $600 to $1,800 |
| 12 feet by 24 feet | 86 | $900 to $2,600 |
| 14 feet by 28 feet | 118 | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| 18 feet by 36 feet | 194 | $1,900 to $5,800 |
| 20 feet by 40 feet | 240 | $2,400 to $7,200 |
| 30 feet by 50 feet | 240 | $4,500 to $13,500 |
- Cost to fill a pool with gravel. At $5 to $8 per cubic yard, gravel is the most budget-friendly option for filling a pool. Because the material does not compact tightly and is at risk of forming sinkholes, it’s not recommended for a full fill. Using gravel as a base layer with dirt on top can save money and result in a properly filled pool.
- Cost to fill a pool with concrete. Pool demolition companies will not fill a pool with concrete because the price is significantly higher than the cost of filling it with dirt. A partial pool removal can use the broken-up concrete from the pool demolition to fill the space and then dirt to fill the remainder. If a homeowner is interested in building a new structure where the pool was located, a complete demolition of the pool is required. After the pool is filled, concrete slab installation can cost from $4 to $8 per square foot.
Project Scope
When a homeowner decides they no longer want to maintain a pool or they want to use the space for a different function, they have two ways to remove the pool: a full fill or a partial fill.
- Full pool removal. The cost of a full pool removal can range from $4,000 to $16,000, with many homeowners spending about $9,000. This process involves removing everything from the pool cavity and hauling away all the materials. After the area is cleared, the space is filled and compacted, leaving it ready for new construction or landscaping. A full fill takes between three and seven days and costs more because of the time it takes to remove all traces of the pool.
- Partial pool fill-in. A partial pool fill-in costs from $4,500 to $6,250. Instead of every piece of the pool being removed, the pool is collapsed in on itself while the bottom portion is left intact in the ground. To prevent soil movement, soil stabilization fabric is placed over the pool remains, and dirt is placed on top and compacted firmly so it will not settle. A partial fill takes about one to three days to complete, but there is the risk of improper drainage or sinking in the area. Before deciding on a partial pool fill-in, homeowners should consider that they need to disclose the partial pool removal when it’s time to sell the house.
Accessibility
The specialized equipment and tools that are needed for a pool removal are included with the removal estimate, but the pricing can increase if the area is difficult to access. For pool areas that have fencing or another type of enclosure, removal costs can increase. If a space is inconvenient for large equipment to access, smaller machinery may need to be used, which will increase the time spent removing the pool.
Pool removal is no DIY job
Leave that big project to the pros. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pool removal services near you.
+
Labor
It’s common for labor prices to run between $1,000 and $3,000 or more to remove a pool. The time it takes for the removal project depends on the pool material, size of the pool, project scope, and fill material. Removal of decking, fencing, and other enclosures can increase the labor costs. Labor pricing is usually more expensive in densely populated areas that have a higher cost of living and expensive materials compared to pricing in more rural areas.
Additional Costs and Considerations
When homeowners are budgeting for pool removal cost, it’s helpful to have information about any additional costs and considerations before they make any decisions. Some factors that can impact the final project price are the cost of hiring a structural engineer, pool deck removal, pool enclosure removal, landscape repair, dumpster rental, debris removal, and permit fees.
Structural Engineer
While some local building codes may require a structural engineer to be part of the pool removal and filling process, it’s recommended that homeowners hire one even if it’s not required. Hiring a structural engineer costs from $100 to $200 per hour, on average. For the area to be buildable after the pool is removed, an engineer’s density report and a demolition and compaction plan are necessary. The density report will show that the filled area is satisfactory for building and construction. Hiring a structural engineer can also ensure that the filled area has proper drainage and won’t sink or swell over time.
Pool Deck Removal
If an inground pool has a concrete deck surrounding it, it will also need to be removed. On average, the cost to remove and replace a concrete pool deck is $2 to $5 per square foot and, if needed, $4 to $8 per square foot to pour new concrete.
Pool Enclosure Removal
Removing a pool enclosure can cost from $800 to $2,000, depending on the enclosure material, size, local disposal fees, and accessibility. Removal of sturdy enclosure materials, such as steel or structural aluminum, will be on the higher end of the cost range.
Landscape Repair
Since removing a pool will damage the surrounding landscape, replacing the lawn, plants, and shrubs may be necessary. Some homeowners opt to protect what plants they can by moving them to a different area and using a protective covering on the grass. When the project is completed, the plants can be replanted and a landscaper can clean up the area. Hiring a landscaper costs between $100 and $200 per hour.
Dumpster Rental
The cost to rent a dumpster ranges from $220 to $500 per week. Having a dumpster is important to hold and haul away the debris from the pool removal. A pool removal company may include dumpster rental in its overall cost, though homeowners can also take this task on themselves if they can find a cheaper option.
Debris Removal
Removing debris from the project site can cost from $150 to $380, on average. The final cost depends on the weight of the materials, the size of the pool, and dump costs. If several trips need to be made, the more expensive the price of the debris removal. Contractors will often include the cost of debris removal in their project quote.
Removing a pool?
Leave that big project to the pros. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pool removal services near you.
+
Permits
As with the installation of inground pools, a permit may be needed to remove a pool. On average, a permit can cost approximately $200, depending on the local regulations and type of pool removal. It’s always good to double-check with the local building codes to see what types of permits are needed and the total permit fees. Many pool demolition contractors will secure the permits, but it’s a good idea for homeowners to know the requirements to ensure that all permits are obtained for the project. Some permits may take up to 3 weeks to get, so planning ahead is vital. An encroachment permit may be required if a public right-of-way is used to access the pool area, and a dumpster permit can cost from $10 to $75.
Removal Cost by Type of Pool
The type of pool being removed can also have an effect on the total cost. Common pool types include above-ground, inground, concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Above-Ground
A homeowner may have installed their pool in the past because of the relatively low cost of an above-ground pool. Once they decide it’s time to remove or replace it, the removal costs can run from $300 to $800. Removing an above-ground pool with a deck can cost from $1,000 to $5,000, with many homeowners spending about $2,500. The range in pricing is influenced by additional costs related to backfill, landscaping, or any necessary excavation. Some professionals may charge less if the metal pool frame can be recycled.
The process of removing an above-ground pool begins with draining the pool; unhooking hoses, electrical connections, and pumps; disconnecting the pool walls and posts; removing the base sand; and hauling away the debris. It can take between one and four hours to remove an above-ground pool. Below are above-ground pool removal costs based on the type of removal.
| Removal Type | Average Cost |
| Above-ground pool only | $300 to $800 |
| Above-ground pool and deck | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| Semi-inground pool, deck, and backfill | $1,500 to $5,000 |
Inground
How much does it cost to remove an inground pool? That depends on whether the removal is a partial fill-in or a full inground pool removal and fill-in. Like the initial inground pool cost, the cost to remove an inground pool can be expensive. While a partial fill-in is more budget-friendly than a full removal, the costs can run from $4,000 to $16,000 to remove a pool, and the cost to cover a pool permanently can range from $4,500 to $6,250. The reason for the wide span of pricing is the pool size. Below are some average pool removal costs based on the size of the pool.
| Pool Size | Partial Pool Fill-in | Full Pool Removal |
| 10 feet by 20 feet | $2,000 to $6,200 | $4,300 to $10,800 |
| 12 feet by 24 feet | $2,100 to $6,700 | $4,600 to $11,600 |
| 14 feet by 28 feet | $2,300 to $7,700 | $4,900 to $12,900 |
| 15 feet by 30 feet | $2,500 to $8,100 | $5,100 to $13,400 |
| 18 feet by 36 feet | $2,800 to $9,300 | $5,600 to $15,100 |
| 20 feet by 40 feet | $3,000 to $10,300 | $6,100 to $16,400 |
| 30 feet by 50 feet | $4,100 to $14,700 | $8,000 to $22,500 |
Homeowners will want to keep in mind that while a partial fill-in costs less than a full removal, the area will not be suitable for new construction and they will need to disclose the fill-in project when they sell their home. A full removal can make an area buildable again, and homeowners do not have to disclose at selling time that the area once had a pool.
Concrete
Removing a concrete pool is typically the most expensive pool removal project. It’s common to use a partial fill-in for a concrete pool, since it reduces the overall cost. The price to remove a concrete pool runs from $3,000 to $15,000, with a full removal at the higher end of the price range. A full concrete pool removal costs more because it takes more time and effort to break apart and remove all the concrete debris.
Fiberglass
How much does it cost to remove a fiberglass pool? A fiberglass pool requires a full removal, since the material can’t be broken apart and left in the ground like concrete can. The cost to remove a fiberglass pool ranges from $5,000 to $15,000. If the fiberglass shell is in good condition and can be removed in one piece, it will cost less than the removal of smaller pieces. If the pool shell is in a bad condition, it will need to be broken up into more sections, which will increase the cost of removal.
Vinyl
Similar to a fiberglass pool, a vinyl pool cannot be partially filled. Removal of a vinyl pool costs from $3,000 to $10,000. The aluminum, plywood, steel, and concrete backing of a vinyl-lined pool can be removed only when it’s declared safe by a structural engineer.