Pool removal costs average $6,000. However, your total can fall anywhere between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on the type and size. Your pool removal pro can write a custom quote.
Pool removal costs average $6,000, but aboveground pool removal costs as little as $15,000, and removing an in-ground pool can cost $300 or more. Removal requires heavy machinery, permits, and professional expertise. Pool size is a major cost factor, with removal averaging $13.50 per square foot.
Pool removal can be the best option for improving safety, reducing maintenance costs, or increasing home appeal. In this guide, we’ll explain the average pool removal cost and what goes into it to help you get an estimate for your project.
The cost of removing or filling a swimming pool depends on the method. You can completely demolish the pool or partially break it up before filling it in.
Type of Pool Demolition | Average Cost | Pros and Cons |
---|---|---|
Full | $4,000–$16,000 | Takes longer, increases property value more, and the area is backfilled and prepared for new construction |
Partial | $4,500–$6,250 | Illegal in some regions, can decrease property value, leaves a part of the pool in the ground, not suitable for new buildings due to settling and drainage issues, and must disclose partial removal to buyers |
Like many projects, the bigger a pool, the more expensive pool removal tends to be. However, a smaller pool with a more complex design may be more expensive to demo than a larger pool with a simple shape and fewer features. Built-in steps or spas, waterfalls, and large decks and patios all add to removal costs.
For pool removal, expect to pay around $13.50 per square foot. The table below includes average costs based on pool dimensions.
Pool Dimensions (Feet) | Average Removal Cost |
---|---|
6x8 | $650 |
8x10 | $1,300 |
8x12 | $2,200 |
8x20 | $1,100 |
12x20 | $3,200 |
16x32 | $6,900 |
18x36 | $8,700 |
20x40 | $10,800 |
Whether your pool is located above the ground or in the ground also makes a big difference. Here’s why:
Aboveground pool: Much like the cost to install an aboveground pool, removing an aboveground pool is less costly ($300–$800) and faster (less than four hours) than removing an in-ground pool. Excavating base sand costs more, but you might get a discount if your metal pool frame is recyclable.
In-ground pool: Expect to pay $2,500–$8,100 for a partial fill-in of an in-ground pool or $4,100–$13,400 for a full removal. Removing an in-ground pool requires heavy machinery, soil for backfilling, and engineering expertise to make the land safe for reuse.
Pool Type | Average Removal Cost Range |
---|---|
Aboveground | $300–$800 |
In-ground | $2,500–$13,400 |
In-ground pool removal costs are much higher than aboveground pool removal. Here’s what to expect based on the size of your in-ground pool and whether you partially fill it in or fully remove it.
In-Ground Pool Size (Feet) | Partial Fill-In (Average Cost) | Full Removal (Average Cost) |
---|---|---|
10x20 | $2,000–$6,200 | $4,300–$10,800 |
12x24 | $2,300–$7,700 | $4,600–$11,600 |
14x28 | $2,300–$7,700 | $4,900–$12,900 |
15x30 | $2,500–$8,100 | $4,100–$13,400 |
18x36 | $2,800–$9,300 | $5,600–$15,100 |
20x40 | $3,000–$10,300 | $6,100–$16,400 |
30x50 | $4,100–$14,700 | $8,000–$22,500 |
Pool material is a major cost factor during removal. Materials like gunite and concrete require additional demolition and disposal steps, making the labor more expensive. Below are the most common pool materials and their removal costs.
Pool Material | Typical Removal Cost Range |
---|---|
Concrete | $3,000–$15,000 |
Fiberglass | $5,000–$15,000 |
Gunite | $3,000–$15,000 |
Vinyl | $3,000–$10,000 |
Vinyl: Removing a vinyl-lined pool costs $3,000–$10,000. Full removal is required because a partial fill-in won’t work in this scenario. Before demolition, an engineer needs to inspect the vinyl liner's backing and declare it safe for removal.
Fiberglass: Fiberglass pools cost $5,000–$15,000 to remove. They require full removal since fiberglass pieces cannot be left in the ground, unlike concrete. However, the fiberglass shell may come out in one piece, making removal less expensive. If the shell comes out in sections, the removal cost increases.
Concrete: Concrete pools are the most expensive to remove in full, so they're typically partially removed for $3,000–$15,000. In most cases, a pool removal contractor will break apart the concrete and combine it with dirt to fill the pool cavity.
Before the removal process, close your pool and drain the water. This takes about 24 hours and costs as much as $175, depending on the pool's size. You can save by DIY draining your pool with a small pump rental from a home improvement store for $40 to $70.
Check with a local pool removal company or your municipality for instructions on draining your pool in accordance with local regulations. Many municipalities allow drainage to the ground or street without permits. For areas requiring a permit, it’s best to leave the work to a pro to ensure you don’t violate local laws.
Pool removal labor averages $1,000 to $3,000. Pros calculate labor rates based on the time it takes to complete the project, the complexity of the job, and the cost of materials. Expect labor costs to be higher for heavy materials, like concrete, and full demolition. Vinyl pool removal costs are on the lower end of the range.
Local building codes may require an engineer to oversee the pool removal and filling process. An engineer can ensure that your pool area has proper drainage, won't sink or swell, and will be buildable after pool removal. The cost to hire a structural engineer is $100 to $200 per hour.
Like many services, pool removal costs vary based on where you live. Expect removal labor to be more expensive in areas with a higher cost of living.
State | Average Removal Costs |
---|---|
Arizona | $3,000–$7,000 |
California | $3,500–$8,000 |
Colorado | $7,000 |
Connecticut | $5,000 |
Florida | $3,900–$4,200 |
Georgia | $3,200–$6,000 |
Illinois | $6,000 |
Indiana | $4,800 |
Kentucky | $5,000 |
Maryland | $4,200 |
Massachusetts | $4,500–$6,000 |
Michigan | $3,000–$9,000 |
Minnesota | $6,000 |
Depending on the specifics of your pool removal project, you may also need to budget for the following cost factors. If you have questions, talk to your pool removal specialist before they start the job.
Whether you're doing a full or partial fill, the cost to fill in your pool will depend on the material you’re using to fill the space. To ensure the fill area settles and has proper drainage, have a structural engineer oversee the filling process.
Gravel: This is the least expensive fill material at $5–$8 per cubic yard. However, it doesn’t compact easily and can form sinkholes. It also isn’t good for support, so you won’t be able to build over it. Some homeowners use it as a base material to save on the cost of dirt.
Dirt: Dirt costs $8–$12 per cubic yard. You can opt to fill your pool with dirt alone, but it’s often mixed with a gravel base. Leave space on top of the dirt fill for landscaping topsoil.
Concrete: This isn’t a common fill material due to its high cost. However, you can use broken-up concrete from a partial pool removal to help fill the space along with dirt.
Pool removal requires the use of heavy machinery such as excavators, which are large and need plenty of space to maneuver. If your pool or property is hard to access, removal time and costs can increase. To save on costs, remove or temporarily move obstacles like fencing, pool enclosures, and outdoor playsets.
You may need permits or inspections before starting your pool removal project, which can cost about $200. Pool removal contractors usually handle this and bundle the fees into a flat rate for the project. However, it's still smart to contact your local building department so that you know which permits you’ll need. This way, you'll have peace of mind that your pro hasn’t missed any legal steps.
Many in-ground pools have a pool deck that you’ll also need to remove with the pool. Expect to pay $2 to $5 per square foot for deck removal. Prices can vary based on the material, with concrete and pavers tending to be more expensive than a wooden deck.
In some places, a pool fence or other type of pool enclosure is required by law. If you have one installed around your pool, removal costs range from $800 to $2,000, with larger enclosures and harder materials, like steel or structural aluminum, falling on the higher end of the range.
Expect to pay $5,000 or more to remove a large pool enclosure, like a pool cage or a full glass enclosure.
Disposal fees for a pool removal project can cost $150 to $500. Check your project quote to see if they are included. Costs depend on the size and weight of the debris, dumping costs, and the number of trips required. You may be able to reduce this cost if you volunteer to pay the cost of a dumpster rental yourself.
Removing a pool is a big endeavor, and homeowners often choose to have additional work done at the same time. Below are some pool removal add-ons that you might want to consider. Your pool removal contractor can also give you suggestions for ways to get the most out of the project.
Wooden deck removal: $1,000–$2,000, depending on the size
Electrical component removal: $75–$150 per hour to hire a pool electrician to remove any pool lighting or in-ground pumps
Paver or concrete patio removal: $1,000–$2,000 or more, depending on the size
Soil compaction: $250–$1,000
Seeding: $0.10–$0.20 per square foot
Sod installation: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot
Professional landscaping: $100–$200 per hour
If you have an older pool and are considering removing or remodeling it, know that each approach has its own set of advantages, disadvantages, and associated costs.
Removing a pool involves demolishing and extracting the existing structure, followed by filling and landscaping the area. Depending on your needs, you can do a full or partial removal.
The upside is that removal eliminates ongoing expenses related to pool upkeep, such as maintenance, chemicals, filtration, and repairs. It also gives you back usable outdoor space for other purposes, like gardening, a bigger patio, or a play area.
On the other hand, pool removal can be expensive, with full removal costing double the average cost of a partial removal. The process is also time-consuming and can take several days to complete, depending on the pool size and the complexity of the job. Removing a pool can decrease the value of your property in some circumstances, such as when the pool you’re removing is in good condition or pools are common in your neighborhood.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Reduced maintenance and costs | Time-consuming process |
Reclaimed yard space | Can lower home value in some cases |
Pool remodeling involves updating your current pool to improve its appearance, functionality, or safety. This can include resurfacing, updating or repairing tiles, adding modern features, and improving energy efficiency.
The most obvious perk of pool remodeling is having a modern pool that looks great and can boost property values. However, if you opt for extensive pool renovations, the costs will be higher and the project can take several weeks. You’ll have to weigh the pool renovations you want against your budget and timeline to know if it’s the right choice for you.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Better aesthetics and functionality | High initial cost |
Can boost property value | Time-consuming process |
While it’s possible to remove an in-ground pool yourself, it’s not safe to do so without the necessary skills, equipment, and experience. In some regions, it’s illegal to remove a pool without oversight from a structural engineer. Hire professionals if you plan to use or build on top of the removal site.
Removing an aboveground pool is less dangerous but labor-intensive. You’ll need a heavy-duty metal cutter to dismantle the frame and a plan for disposing of the old pool. You’re likely looking at $250 to $500 in dumping fees, meaning you could save between $50 and $300. However, you might not save if you need to buy or rent tools to cut the metal.
We highly recommend hiring a pool contractor. Demoing an aboveground pool yourself is possible in most cases, but removing an in-ground pool is more involved and may not be legal as a DIY project.
Removing a pool can get expensive, and while DIY removal might not be in the cards for safety reasons, there are some other ways to save.
DIY as much of the project as you can: Removing fences or lightweight enclosures ahead of time as a DIY project can save $1,000 or more, depending on the size and material of the enclosure you’re removing.
Couple your project with add-ons: If you know you’re going to finish the space in the future, like converting your pool to a deck, consider coupling the prep work with the removal. Most companies offer discounts if you also hire them to do landscaping, add a fire pit, install a new deck, or otherwise complete the area to your specifications.
Rent a dumpster: You may save on dumping fees by renting a dumpster rather than paying your pool removal company to haul away the material.
Drain your pool yourself: If local laws allow, you could save around $100 or more by draining your pool yourself.
Choose your fill material carefully: You’ll pay more to fill the excavated area with straight soil than a mix of concrete and soil or gravel and soil. If you don’t plan on building over the area, consider a less expensive fill option.
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.
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Removing a pool can decrease home value under certain circumstances. If the pool is less than 15 years old and all the equipment is in good condition, a pool can increase property value. This is especially true if several of the neighbors have pools. On the other hand, there are reasons a pool might decrease home value:
It’s more than 30 years old or vinyl-lined
It needs significant repairs
It takes up the majority of your backyard
Your area has a short swimming season
You have no safety fence or pool enclosure
It takes one to seven days to remove and fill an in-ground pool. The project timeline will depend on the size of the pool and the removal process required in your local area. A partial fill-in may only take up to three days, while a full pool removal may take an entire week.
The steps to fill a swimming pool will depend on your local building codes. However, it starts with draining the pool of all water using a submersible pump. Then your pro will lift the pool shell from the ground or break it into pieces for individual removal. The next step is filling the cavity with dirt and gravel and topping it with topsoil. Once a structural engineer deems the site safe, landscaping can start.
It is possible to restore a filled-in pool. If you want to dig up and repair a filled-in pool in your backyard, the process will cost about the same as the cost of installing a new in-ground pool. You might do this if the filled-in pool is causing sinking, swelling, or drainage issues in your yard. A new pool may resolve these problems and increase your property value.