Need to know what pool resurfacing costs in Minneapolis, MN? Use this handy guide to get an accurate estimate for your project and see what factors can affect your total.
How Much Does Pool Removal Cost in Minneapolis, MN? [2026 Data]
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Cost Insights
Full pool removal averages $4,200 to $16,750 in Minneapolis, MN.
Your pool material impacts removal costs, with vinyl being more affordable to remove than materials like concrete and fiberglass.
Draining can add $185 to your total.
Hiring a local pool removal company ensures a safe, compliant removal that boosts curb appeal and creates more usable yard space.
Minneapolis, MN’s higher cost of living drives the cost of removing a pool above the national average. The average pool removal cost in Minneapolis, MN, is $6,288, with most projects ranging from $5,240 to $8,384. Below, we’ll explore how factors like your project scope, material choices, and local labor rates affect your total so you can budget accordingly.
Pool Removal Cost Factors
When budgeting for pool removal in Minneapolis, MN, you’ll need to consider the type of demolition required, along with your pool size, type, and material. Draining, emptying, and your fill material choice will also impact your total.
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.
| Demolition Type | Average Cost | Pros and Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Full | $4,200–$16,750 | Takes longer, increases property value more, and the area is backfilled and prepared for new construction |
| Partial | $2,600–$10,500 | 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 |
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 $14.15 per square foot. The table below includes average costs based on pool dimensions:
| Dimensions (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 6x8 | $680 |
| 8x10 | $1,150 |
| 8x12 | $1,350 |
| 8x20 | $2,300 |
| 12x20 | $3,350 |
| 16x32 | $7,250 |
| 18x36 | $9,100 |
| 20x40 | $11,300 |
Pool 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 ($315 to $840) 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 $2,600 to $10,500 for a partial fill-in of an in-ground pool or $4,200 to $16,750 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 Cost |
|---|---|
| Aboveground | $315–$840 |
| In-ground | $2,600–$16,750 |
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.
| In-Ground Pool Size (Feet) | Partial Fill-In (Average Cost) | Full Removal (Average Cost) |
|---|---|---|
| 10x20 | $2,100–$6,500 | $4,500–$11,300 |
| 12x24 | $2,200–$7,000 | $4,800–$12,150 |
| 14x28 | $2,400–$8,050 | $5,150–$13,500 |
| 15x30 | $2,600–$8,500 | $4,300–$14,050 |
| 18x36 | $2,950–$9,750 | $5,850–$15,800 |
| 20x40 | $3,150–$10,800 | $6,400–$17,200 |
| 30x50 | $4,300–$15,400 | $8,400–$23,600 |
Pool 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.
| Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $3,150–$15,700 |
| Fiberglass | $5,250–$15,700 |
| Gunite | $3,150–$15,700 |
| Vinyl | $3,150–$10,500 |
Vinyl: Removing a vinyl-lined pool costs $3,150 to $10,500. 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 $5,250 to $15,700 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 $3,150 to $15,700. 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 $3,150 and $15,700.
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 $185, 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 $75.
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 $5.25 to $8.50 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 $8.50 to $12.50 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 Pro Costs
Pool removal labor averages $1,050 to $3,150. Minneapolis, MN, pool removal pros calculate labor rates based on the time required to complete the project, the job's complexity, and material costs. 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 $105 to $210 per hour.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Many homeowners hire a landscaper once their pool removal is complete to transform the space into a yard or garden. Landscapers in Minneapolis, MN, charge $45 to $75 per hour, or $0.02 to $0.08 per square foot for larger projects.
Does Pool Removal Increase Home Value?
Pool removal can offer a 30% to 50% return on investment (ROI) for homeowners in Minneapolis, MN. Converting your pool into usable yard space can help attract more buyers and help your home stand out in the city’s competitive housing market. With a short swim season and long winters, many homeowners prefer the low-maintenance, lower-cost yard over an outdated or aging swimming pool.
How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data
To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.
Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Excavation services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Minneapolis, MN
4.7★ avg. • 99 total reviews
- Maureen B.
Greg did a wonderful job. He planned and executed installing steps and a retaining wall/curb alongside the back of our garage. It helps us move from the front to the back of our property without having to tiptoe down a hill and cracked wall. Also, it looks great.
Van Buren Landscape - Antonia H.
Efficient and kept area clean.
The Glass Guru of West Minneapolis - Anna J.
We had a fairly small project of finishing off the fencing in our yard, about 25 feet of fence. Northland was able to give a better quote and a much better timeline for my project (2 months sooner than other companies). The work was timely and well done. The office was very responsive and...
Northland Fence Minnesota - Shawna C.
This was not an easy project. We bought a 113 year old house in Minneapolis while still living in Denver, so we did all our communication by phone and email. Paul was so patient and knowledgeable! I knew I'd found someone special when he talked me into the less expensive 'screen and coat'...
Northstar Hardwood Floors, Inc. - Jim W.
The job was finished in two days. Suggest clarifying exactly what surfaces to be included, eg wood doors.
Angel JR Painting - Don M.
Very good communication with owner Joe Olson during all phases of project. Setup of scaffolding, brickwork & cleanup very efficient and on schedule. The chimney repair looks great - better than original. I would definitely hire again.
Metro Chimney & Masonry - Stephen K.
I contacted Cichy's after repeatedly having our basement in our 100yr old home back up over the span of 10 years. Rotorooter came out and cleaned out the line, did a camera inspection showing an offset pipe in the main to the street and gave us an estimate for repair. I contacted Cichy's to...
Cichy's Water & Sewer - Deborah R.
BEAUTIFULLY! I had been looking for remodelers to do my kitchen for 4 years. When I found Northrup I felt like half my journey was done. I worked with Bob Nentl as my contractor throughout the process. This house is over 100 years old so bringing the kitchen up to date proved to be a design...
Northrup Remodeling, Roofing & Exteriors - Eric F.
North Road Excavation helped me with little notice on two projects (one disposal, one lawn) that were time-sensitive, all at a reasonable rate. I'm very grateful for their help!
North Road Excavation, LLC - Michael O.
Trinity was one of the only excavators that was willing to take my project, so they get high marks right off the bat for working on a smaller job. The pricing was very reasonable for what amounted to nearly a full day's work. They did a great job of removing everything, filling with dirt, and...
Trinity Landscaping & Excavating Inc
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