How Much Does Pool Removal Cost in 2025?

Pool removal costs average $6,000, with aboveground pool removal costing as little as $300, and in-ground pool removal costing up to $15,000. This project involves tearing out the existing pool, hauling away debris, and filling in the area. In this guide, we’ll explain the average pool removal costs to help you get an estimate for your project

Type of Demolition

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.

Pool Size

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 Removal Cost by Type

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 expensive ($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–$10,000 for a partial fill-in of an in-ground pool or $4,000–$16,000 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. 

In-ground pool removal costs are higher than aboveground pool removal costs. 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.

Pool Removal Cost by Material

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.

• 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.

• Gunite: Gunite is a type of sprayable concrete. Removing a gunite pool also involves several steps, and the price range falls between $3,000–$15,000.

Pool Removal Pro Costs

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. 

Pool Removal Costs by Location

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.

Additional Costs to Consider 

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 local pool removal specialist before they start the job.

Pool Draining or Emptying

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 draining the pool yourself 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.

Type of Fill Material

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 ensure the fill area settles and has proper drainage, a structural engineer should 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.

Accessibility

Pool removal requires the use of heavy machinery such as excavators, which need plenty of space to maneuver. If your pool or property is hard to access, removal time and costs can increase. To save money, remove or temporarily move obstacles like fencing, pool enclosures, and outdoor playsets. 

Permits

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.

Deck Removal

Many in-ground pools have a pool deck that you’ll also need to remove. 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.

Fence or Enclosure Removal

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

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.

Common Pool Removal Add-Ons

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 

Pool Removal vs. Pool Remodeling 

If you have an older pool, you might consider whether to remove or remodel it. Know that each approach has its advantages, disadvantages, and associated costs.

Pool Removal Pros and Cons

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.

Pool removal eliminates ongoing expenses related to 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.

Pool Remodeling Pros and Cons

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.

Why You Should Hire a Pro to Remove a Pool

While it may be physically possible to save between $1,000 and $3,000 in labor costs by removing a pool yourself, several factors keep it from being a realistic goal. Local building codes will still require you to pay for the input of a structural engineer to remove an inground pool, and you'll still need to pay for disposal. However, the most significant factor is your safety. Local pool contractors have the equipment and knowledge to safely handle the work. 

Here’s Why It’s Ideal to Hire a Pool Removal Pro

Pool demolition and backfilling are complex and potentially dangerous tasks, so here’s why hiring a pro makes sense:

• Hiring a professional keeps you safe and the job legal. 

• Professional pool contractors obtain the correct and necessary permits and manage the subsequent inspections. 

• They can confirm underground utility structures and protect them, as well as your home, during the process.

• Experienced pros can determine and execute the proper demolition and removal method.

• Pool companies have access to the heavy equipment often necessary for the job. 

• Pros have the necessary experience to backfill correctly to avoid future and costly drainage and settling issues. 

• Experts can complete the job in a fraction of the time a DIYer can.

If You Want to DIY an Above-Ground Pool Removal

DIY is only suitable for some aboveground pools, but your safety is still a primary concern. If you want to be a part of your aboveground pool removal, here are some ways you can be involved: 

• Drain the pool following local rules

• Shut off power to the pool pump and any lighting or other fixtures

• If necessary, clear any furniture or debris from around the pool

• Plan your landscaping design after the pool removal

Ways to Save on Pool Removal Costs

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 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.

• Compare multiple contractors: Get quotes from multiple contractors so you can compare their rates. 

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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