The Homeowner's Guide to Swimming Pool Demolition and Removal

Inground pool removal typically involves draining the pool, drilling holes in the bottom, demolishing the top, and filling the pool with the rubble and additional dirt soil.

However, above ground pool removal is less complicated, involving just draining the pool, tearing it down, and hauling it away.

We'll discuss...

• Pros and Cons of Pool Removal
• Inground Pool Removal Methods
• Above Ground Pool Removal Methods
• Average Costs
• Permits for Removing a Pool
• Estimates
• Hiring the Right Contractor

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Pros of Removing a Pool

• You save time and money on swimming pool maintenance.
• If you sell your house, it may increase the number of potential buyers and make your home easier to sell.
• You no longer have the additional hazards and liabilities that come with pool ownership.
• You have more yard space for other activities or landscaping opportunities.
• If you have young children, removing your pool eliminates the potential safety hazards associated with pool ownership.

Cons of Removing a Pool

• No more pool to swim in...

Removing an Inground Pool

Option 1: Filling in a Pool (Partial Removal)

How It's Done:

Filling in a pool involves draining the pool, punching holes in the bottom, demolishing the top layer of the pool (18' - 36'), placing the rubble in the bottom, filling in the pool with additional dirt and topsoil, and compacting the soil.

Partly removing and filling in a pool is the most common form of pool demolition and is generally the least expensive option.​

Pros of Pool Fill In

• The most affordable option of inground pool removal
• Fastest to complete - typically 2-3 days

Cons of Pool Fill In 

• This will be something you have to disclose to future buyers of the property, and it could affect the value of your home.
• If this method isn't performed properly, there is an increased risk of sinkage, swelling, or lack of proper seepage. (Have the backfill performed by an engineering technician greatly decreases the chances of this.)
• A majority of cities consider the area of the former pool to be non-buildable, meaning no additions or dwellings can exist there. However, the area is still suitable for sheds, concrete, landscaping, trees, etc.

Learn more about filling in a pool:

• How Much Does It Cost to Fill in a Pool?
• Choose the Right Inground Pool Removal Method

Option 2: Complete Pool Removal

How It's Done:

The pool is drained, and all materials, like concrete/gunite, fiberglass, liner, re-bar, etc., are removed and hauled away.

The area is then filled with soil and/or gravel and compacted (without the supervision of an engineer).

Pros of Complete Pool Removal: 

• Although you will have to disclose that you fully removed a pool that was once on the property, it should have little to no impact on your home's value.
• With no concrete buried in the old pool, the risk of sinkage and seepage is greatly reduced, even eliminated.

Cons of Complete Pool Removal:

• A majority of cities consider the area of the former pool to be non-buildable, meaning no additions or dwellings can exist there. However, the area is still suitable for sheds, concrete, landscaping, trees, etc.
• This option is more expensive than partial removal.

Keep reading about swimming pool demolition:

• Benefits of Removing a Swimming Pool: Why It's an Option Worth Considering
• Swimming Pool Removal FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
• Planning a Successful Demolition or Renovation Project

Removing an Above Ground Pool

There are multiple types of above ground pools, but the removal process is basically the same for each one (and much easier to perform than an inground pool removal).

Generally speaking, hiring a reputable contractor to handle your above ground pool removal is the easiest and best solution.

How Above Ground Pool Removal Works:

1. Drain the pool.

The easiest way to do this is with a pump, and there is typically a sewer point within 100 feet of the pool.

2. Tear it down.

Depending on the type of pool you have, this process will vary a bit, but it typically involves unscrewing bolts, taking a sledgehammer to the walls, and ripping them apart. 

3. Haul it away.

Rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company to get rid of the resulting debris, but be sure to recycle whenever possible. This will save on costs and help keep debris out of the landfill.

4. Repair the site.

Once the pool is gone, there's going to be a patch of dead grass in its place (or in some cases, a layer of sand or stone).

If a new pool is replacing the old one, this won't matter. But if you want to have grass in its place, your contractor might be able to assist in repairing the grass for a fair price. Be sure to ask! 

Cost to Fill in a Pool

Pool removal cost depends on several factors, like...

• Type of pool (above ground or inground)
• Size of the pool
• Accessibility of the pool area
• Method of pool removal
• The contractor you choose

The average cost to remove an inground pool ranges from $3,500 to $15,000 for a medium size pool with relatively easy access.

Costs can rise to well over $10,000 for a large pool with a large deck and difficult pool access.

The cost to remove an above ground pool varies considerably—just like inground pool removal—ranging from a few hundred dollars to as much as $5,000 or more in some cases.

Learn more about the cost to remove a pool:

• Inground Pool Removal Cost Guide: Everything You Should Know
• The Homeowner's Guide to Swimming Pool Demolition and Removal

Pool Removal Permits

Do you need a permit to fill in a pool?

That depends on your local government, but in many cases, a permit is required.

The cost of a permit can be anywhere from free to several hundred dollars depending on your local municipality.

Many local governments have rules regarding how a pool must be removed. Some may have zoning ordinances or codes stating that a pool must be completely removed, not just filled in. If partial pool demolition and removal is allowed, there may be specific protocols on how the pool must be filled in

Pool Removal Estimates

Pool removals can be costly, especially inground pool removals, so it's best to get multiple estimates and various opinions on the best way to go about the pool demolition project.

We recommend getting quotes from at least three qualified pool removal contractors in your area.

The estimate should be in writing and include all pertinent details, like:

• dates for project start and completion
• payment schedule (pay for work as it's completed)
• who is responsible for obtaining and paying for any necessary pool removal permits
• the equipment that will be used to remove the pool
• what will be done to protect your property from damage
• how to contact the contractor with any questions, change orders, etc.

Read more about contractor quotes: How to Read and Make Sense of a Demolition Estimate

Pool Demolition Contractors

Hiring an experienced pool removal contractor to handle the job is important for a number of reasons, but more than anything, it's for your protection.

Depending on the heavy equipment used to demolish your pool, damage can be done to landscaping, driveways, septic tanks, sewer connections, etc.

A qualified pool removal contractor will carefully consider how to gain access to the pool, and what size/type of equipment is best for your particular swimming pool and yard.

Similarly, when it comes to inground pool removal, backfilling the area improperly can lead to costly problems down the road.

So no matter what removal method you choose, you should always hire someone who is licensed and insured to do the work.