How Much Does Aboveground Pool Removal Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for aboveground pool removal is $900. Most homeowners spend between $475 and $2,500, with pool size, accessibility, and add-ons like decks driving the spread.

Aboveground Pool Removal Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several factors shape the cost to install a pool and those same variables carry over when it's time for removal, so understanding them upfront helps you budget accurately. Pool size is the most significant driver, but location, add-ons, and disposal choices all play a role. Given how much you likely invested through the cost to install an aboveground pool, it's worth reviewing every cost factor before scheduling removal.

Size

Pool size is one of the most significant factors in aboveground pool removal pricing, since larger pools have more parts and require more time to dismantle than smaller ones.

Location

A pool's location has little effect on cost when it's easily accessible, but a hard-to-reach placement or a site far from the road can prompt your pro to charge extra for the additional time required.

Pool Draining

If your pool still holds water at the time of removal, draining it is a required first step, typically costing $175 to $225, though many professionals fold this charge into the overall removal price.

Labor

Labor is the largest single cost in any aboveground pool removal project, ranging from $300 to $5,000 depending on the pool's size, features, and whether additional services such as landscaping are needed.

Landscaping

Removing an aboveground pool often leaves bare ground behind, so many homeowners choose to hire a local landscaper to restore the area. The cost of landscaping typically runs $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on the scope of work.

Excavating

Excavation is rarely needed for aboveground pool removal, but if your pool sits partially below ground level, you should budget for it. Residential excavation costs typically range from $50 to $200 per cubic yard.

Backfilling

Backfilling applies when an aboveground pool sits slightly below grade and the area needs to be leveled after removal. Filling a pool costs between $2,000 to $20,000 depending on the materials used and the pool's size, so it's worth confirming whether your pool's depth makes this step necessary before finalizing your budget. You can learn more about the tradeoffs by reviewing what it means to fill your pool with dirt.

Additional Materials to Remove

Accessories and features surrounding your pool add to the overall removal cost, so talk with your pro about whether it's more cost-effective to remove or keep each one.

Deck

If your aboveground pool has a deck, you'll need to pay extra to remove it. Removing the deck usually adds an extra $700 to $1,700 to pool removal costs, depending on the deck's size and materials. If you just have a simple concrete pool patio, concrete removal costs average around $1,200.

Fence or Enclosure

Any enclosure or fence around your pool will also affect your costs if you decide to remove it. To remove an enclosure, you'll want to budget for an extra $800 to $2,000 depending on its size and materials.

Stairs

Pool stair removal is typically included in pool removal costs and doesn't greatly impact the overall cost of pool removal. However, generally speaking, the more materials you need to remove during this project, the longer it'll take and the more it will cost. If you have large, heavy pool stairs, your pro may charge a little more to take them away.

Dumpster Rental

Renting a dumpster is a straightforward way to handle pool debris disposal once your pro completes the removal. The cost to rent a dumpster ranges from $300 to $500 based on size and type.

Disposal Fees

A junk removal service is a convenient alternative to dumpster rental for disposing of your pool and debris. Junk removal costs range from $60 to $600 depending on volume, though for a typical aboveground pool removal you should plan on budgeting around $300.

Why You Should Hire an Aboveground Pool Removal Pro

Removing your old pool on your own can save you anywhere from $300 to $5,000 in labor costs, depending on the pool size. However, disassembling a pool is harder than it looks. Local pool removal pros have the required equipment and experience to complete the job effectively, plus they'll haul away and dispose of your unwanted pool.

Here's why it's ideal to hire an aboveground pool removal pro

Getting your aboveground pool professionally removed saves time and removes hassles:

• Fully disassembling a pool is a time-intensive task that requires separating recyclable materials.

• You may need to rent a dumpster to hold all the pieces of your old pool after DIY dismantling.

• Local pool removers have insurance that covers any damage that may occur during the process.

• They’ll be familiar with local regulations regarding safe disposal of leftover pool chemicals.

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. 

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