How Much It Costs to Fill In Your Pool With Dirt [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,500 - $8,500
The cost to fill in a pool with dirt ranges from $2,000 up to $19,000. On average, most homeowners will spend $5,000, but the final cost will depend on the size of the pool, type of fill, and type of pool.
Whether it’s for safety, space, or maintenance reasons, filling in an inground swimming pool with dirt can be a smart move. Before embarking on the project, understand the costs associated with the process. The average cost to fill in a pool is $5,000, but it depends on your pool's size. Here we cover how much it costs to fill your pool with dirt or concrete, depending on the size and how you approach the project.
- Average
- $5,000
- Low end
- $2,000
- high end
- $19,000
Filling In a Pool Cost Factors
Here’s a breakdown of the main expenses associated with filling in an in-ground pool.
Pool Size
To figure out how much it’ll cost to fill your pool, it’s best to start by calculating your pool size. Knowing the size will help you plan for the amount of fill you need, which can range widely from $200 all the way up to $2,000 or more.
Cubic Yard Formula
Pool length in feet x pool width in feet x pool depth in feet
Divide the total by 27 (the number of cubic feet in a yard).
And presto! The final amount is the number of cubic yards of dirt you need to fill your pool.
Here are the cubic yards and fill dirt prices for standard residential pool sizes:
| Dimensions | Volume | Price for Fill Dirt |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet x 20 feet x 5.5 feet deep | 41 cubic yards | $205–$615 |
| 15 feet x 30 feet x 5.5 feet deep | 92 cubic yards | $460–$1,380 |
| 20 feet x 40 feet x 5.5 feet deep | 163 cubic yards | $815–$2,445 |
Pool Type
Removing an above ground pool costs $300 to $800, while filling in an inground pool ranges from $2,000 to $16,400. The considerable price range varies depending on factors like fill material, pool size, and whether you opt for partial or full removal.
Pool Drainage
Before demoing your inground pool and filling it in, you’ll need to drain it of water. Motorized submersible water pumps cost anywhere from $55 to $100 on average. Your local municipality code might also require you to disconnect and remove all pump and lighting wiring and any gas lines.
Dumpster Rental and Disposal
Dumpster rental costs $380 on average, or between $200 and $800 per week, depending on the size. The rental usually includes hauling and disposal.
Fill
Fill dirt ranges from $5 to $15 per cubic yard, plus $150 or more for delivery. If you opt to fill your pool with a mix of concrete and dirt (also known as a partial removal), you can expect to pay an average of $5,000.
Gravel
Gravel costs $5 to $8 per cubic yard, and it’s the most affordable fill type. Typically, you would fill the pool partially with gravel—to the halfway mark—and then fill the rest with dirt. If you use gravel alone as a fill, you’ll find that the gravel settles over time, which can lead to sinkholes.
Dirt
Structural fill dirt costs $8 to $12 per cubic yard. You'll need to leave 18 to 36 inches free at the top for space for the topsoil. Some people fill the pool entirely with dirt and topsoil, or you can use a mixture of gravel and dirt.
Concrete
Although you can’t fill a pool with concrete, you can pour a concrete slab on top of a filled pool area. Concrete costs $100 to $200 per yard.
Topsoil
Topsoil costs $12 to $55 per cubic yard. It has all of the nutrients and organic materials to help your filled pool area come back to life.
You’ll need to add at least 18 to 36 inches of topsoil, depending on what you plan on doing with the space. If you only want nice green grass, you need about 18 inches of topsoil. However, if you’re planning on landscaping, consider adding 36 inches of topsoil.
Labor
You can hire a local demolition service or a pool services company to help with your pool demo project. Labor rates vary by location and depend on your pool size, difficulty accessing the pool, and geographical region. Reach out to at least three local contractors to get quotes for your specific project.
Tools, Vehicles, and Equipment
If you decide not to order dirt for delivery, you'll need a truck to haul it. You'll also need a jackhammer or heavy-duty drill, an excavator with rubber tracks, and a sledgehammer for the demolition. A contractor typically includes these charges in their project cost, but costs could reach up to $2,000 to rent equipment for a few days if you're doing it yourself.
Landscaping
You can hire a professional landscaper at $50 to $150 per hour to lay down grass, shrubs, and other plants. You can also tackle landscaping as a DIY, but be sure to factor in costs for tools, plants, and any other supplies.
Permits
Cities and towns generally require permits for swimming pool removal. They cost anywhere from $50 to $250. Your contractor will typically handle this as a part of their project process and price.
Licensed Engineer
Some local codes require you to work with an engineer when removing a pool, especially if you plan to build another structure on top of where the pool was. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price to hire an engineer is $500.
Cost to Fill In a Pool: Full vs. Partial Removal
Compare the costs of a full versus partial pool removal service.
Full Pool Removal Cost
A full pool fill-in (or removal) costs twice as much (or more) than a partial pool fill-in; you can expect it to run somewhere between $9,000 and $19,000. The high pool demolition costs account for all of the work that’s required.
Every piece of the pool is demolished and hauled off, and workers fill the empty hole with dirt and gravel. You can have a layer of topsoil installed so your yard can be as good as new. The extra investment for a full pool fill-in is worthwhile for two reasons: you can always build something new on the land, and you won’t devalue your property.
If you have a fiberglass pool, you’ll have to get a full pool fill-in. If the fiberglass is in good shape, you may be able to salvage the liner for re-use; if the fiberglass shell is in bad shape, then the shell will be cut up and hauled off.
Parital Pool Fill-In Costs
A partial pool fill-in costs $5,000 on average. Workers demolish the edges and sides of the pool, and use it as backfill. Then, they fill the hole with dirt and gravel and top it off with a layer of topsoil. The company will completely remove all the steel during this process.
Although you’ll save money, the area will be considered non-buildable—and you’ll have to disclose the partial pool fill-in to future buyers.
Cost to Fill In a Pool by Pool Type
The cost of filling in your pool depends mainly on your pool type. Here are some cost ranges you can expect to pay.
Inground Pool
You can expect the cost of removing an inground pool to range from $2,000 to $19,000, depending on what you decide to do. The partial pool fill-in option is on the lower end of the price range, which costs $2,000 to $10,300.
If you opt for a full removal, it’ll cost $9,000 to $19,000. If your pool has a metal frame, your only choice will be full removal. On the other hand, if your pool has a wood or concrete frame, you could go with a partial fill-in.
Above Ground Pool
Generally, the cost to remove an above ground pool is $300 to $800. Unlike inground pools, above ground pools require removal rather than a dirt fill-in. However, in some cases, you may have installed your above ground pool partially underground, which would require a fill-in.
Cost to Fill In a Pool by Material
Check out the cost of filling in a pool by its material.
| Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Vinyl | $3,000–$10,000 |
| Concrete or gunite | $3,000–$15,000 |
Additional Pool Removal Cost Factors
Depending on the pool fill company, you may have additional costs to consider. Also, you’ll need to account for extra costs if your pool has special add-ons.
Removing the Pool Deck
Most demolition companies include the cost of pool deck removal in their quotes. However, if it’s considered an added expense, you can expect to pay $500 to $1,700 to remove a concrete deck.
Removing Pool Enclosures
Removing a pool enclosure costs $800 to $2,000. You can expect to pay the higher end of the scale if your pool enclosure is aluminum or steel.
Planting Grass
After the workers finish filling the pool, you’ll have lots of options for what you can do with the space. But if you plan to keep it simple, your best bet is to reseed your yard. This costs about $400 to $1,600.
Restore a Partially Filled Pool
The cost to restore a partially filled pool depends on how much of the original pool is salvageable. It ranges between $28,000 and $55,000, but it could be as low as $11,000 if you DIY. Pool excavations cost $400 to $1,500. If the pool had a concrete liner, workers drilled holes on the bottom during the fill-in process. Assuming that there is no other damage to the original shell, patching the holes will get you on track to restoring your pool.
If the pool had a vinyl liner and steel walls, you’re likely looking at starting from scratch. If the fill was done properly, workers removed all of the steel. If the pool had a vinyl liner and polymer walls, you might be able to salvage the original walls with some repairs.
In the worst-case scenario, you won’t be able to salvage any of the pool lining. In these cases, the cost of restoring your pool will be close to the cost of installing a brand new pool: $38,000 to $67,000.
Install a New Pool
If you had a full pool fill-in done, the cost to install another pool will be the same as starting from scratch. An in-ground pool will cost $38,000 to $67,000, depending on whether you opt for a concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined pool.
Pros and Cons of Filling In a Pool
Weigh the pros and cons of filling in your pool.
Pros
Save money on your home insurance premiums
Get rid of pool maintenance costs
Spend less on water bills
Remove potential for pool-related accidents
Cons
Partial pool removals mean the land is non-buildable
Potentially lowers your home’s resale value
It’s costly to install a new pool if you change your mind
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
You may consider DIYing this project if you have the experience, know-how, and time to get the job done. Filling in a 12-by-12 pool costs around $3,000 to $11,900. Of these costs, labor is about $1,000 to $4,000.
However, DIYing the job will likely save you less than the labor costs because you’ll need to rent heavy machinery. It’s also a dangerous job if you don’t have experience handling this equipment. Based on your county codes, you may have to hire a local structural engineer for your pool removal. You may also consider hiring a local landscaper to cover the area with lush green grass or other landscaping.
In most cases, it’s best to call a pool removal company near you to get the job done. That way you can save yourself time and make sure the project gets done right. An experienced pro will follow any local codes regarding demolition and disposal of pool materials. Your pro can handle all the permits, inspections, equipment, and labor if you decide against the DIY route.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've decided to fill in or remove your pool, begin by researching local, reputable pool removal companies to take care of the job for you. There are a variety of companies and contractors that can handle the work. You can start by looking for demolition or construction companies. Also, some pool builders will handle fills and removals.
It’s a good idea to call in a pro to fill in your pool, because there are many potential hazards to doing it yourself. Unless you’re careful, you can damage your septic tank, plumbing pipes, and sprinkler lines. It’s also possible to damage your sewer connections, utility lines, driveway, landscaping, and sidewalk.
If you’re considering whether to restore or fill your pool, you have a big decision to make. Depending on the damages, restoring a pool could cost $2,000 to $100,000, while replacing a vinyl liner costs $100 to $1,600. Resurfacing a pool costs about $6,500, and re-grouting can run $3 per square foot.
On the other hand, if you don’t see the value of having a pool in your backyard, you can pay an average of $5,000 to fill in your pool. You can say goodbye to the pool maintenance costs and get your yard back.