How much does it cost to remove or fill in a pool?
How much does it cost to remove or fill in a pool?
$300 – $2,500 cost to remove above-ground pool
$4,000 – $16,000 cost to fill in inground pool
Cost To Fill In A Pool
The average cost to remove a swimming pool is $2,500 to $12,000. An above-ground pool removal costs $300 to $800, or $2,500 with a deck. The cost to remove an inground pool is $4,000 to $16,000 for full demolition or $2,000 to $10,000 to fill in with dirt.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Above Ground Pool Only | $300 – $800 |
| Above Ground Pool + Deck | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Inground Partial Fill-In | $2,000 – $10,300 |
| Inground Full Removal | $4,300 – $16,400 |
Demolishing a pool is a large project that involves legal permits, heavy-duty equipment, and debris hauling, which is why it's important to hire a professional. Learn more about the types and costs of pool demolition below, or
The average cost to fill in a pool with water is $80 to $160 for adding 15,000 to 30,000 gallons to your water bill.
Bulk pool water delivery by truck costs $500 to $1,500 or $0.042 to $0.074 per gallon depending on the amount needed and if it is already chlorinated.
Using a garden hose takes 30 hours to fill a pool versus 2 hours with delivery.
DIY Pool Removal
Inground pool removal is not a DIY job and requires experience, permits, inspections, a crew, renting equipment, and insurance to ensure a safe demolition. Hire professionals to plan the backfill process to avoid any drainage issues and to protect the integrity and value of your home.
| Item | Do It Yourself | Hire a Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,800 – $6,200 | $2,000 – $16,400 |
| Time | Could take weeks or months | Set time frame for complete project |
| Legalities | Work within local regulations to get permits and hire inspectors | Professionals handle all permits and inspections |
| Equipment | High cost to rent equipment | No need to rent equipment |
| Insurance | No construction insurance | Insured and licensed to do the work properly |
| Number of Workers | Just you and possibly a friend or two | Crew sized properly to get the job done quickly |
| Cleanup Costs | On your time | Cleanup costs are included |
| Debris Disposal | Rent a dump truck and pay for hauling and disposal | Crew provides trucks and pays for hauling and disposal |
Even for above ground pools, hiring experienced contractors ensure the pool gets disposed of properly and safely. If you decide to perform some of the demolition yourself, you'll still need to hire landscaping services to bring the area back to life.
How To Fill In A Pool
Filling in an inground pool depends on the size and backfill materials used. The most cost-effective removal is to fill the pool with its own demolished rubble plus dirt and topsoil, but some cities won’t allow this partial removal.
When getting rid of a pool permanently, a professional will:
Get an engineer’s demolition and compaction plan
Drain all the water
Remove the pool accessories – ladders, diving boards, etc.
Remove the pump, filters, and lights and cap all gas and electrical lines
Pull up the pool deck and pool enclosure
For partial demolition, 12" of gravel is laid at the base of the pool
Tear down pool wall liner, shell, or concrete walls; remove the pool floor and drains
Haul away all the materials such as concrete, gunite, fiberglass, steel, and re-bar.
Fill the space with 80% compacted fill material and cover with 20% topsoil
Grade the dirt around the pool area to provide solid footing, and repair all landscaping damage
Hiring A Pool Demolition Contractor
Once you've decided to hire a professional, be sure to ask plenty of questions and get at least three quotes from demolition contractors with good reviews.
Questions to Ask
Are you bonded, licensed, and insured? What does it cover?
How many years have you been removing pools?
Will you provide references with contact information?
Is cleanup and debris removal included in your bid?
Does your quote include obtaining permits and getting inspections?
Do you offer a warranty on your work?
What will be done to protect my property from damage?
How much of a down payment is required?
Will you be using subcontractors?
When can you start and finish?
Tips
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Verify their licensing and insurance are up to date.
If referrals are local, ask if you can see the work in person.
Always get estimates in person, and be skeptical of low bids.
Ask for a written estimate with an itemized list.
Never pay cash and figure out a reasonable payment schedule upfront.