How much does it cost to remove a swimming pool?

How Much Does It Cost To Remove & Fill In A Swimming Pool?
Typical Range: $2,700 - $19,000

How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Swimming Pool?

A swimming pool removal costs between $3,000 and $10,000 on average. The average cost of removing an above-ground model is $2,700. A subterranean unit can be removed for $9,000 to $19,000 or filled in for around $5,000.

A homeowner may decide to remove their swimming pool for a variety of reasons, including safety concerns, a desire to avoid paying for upkeep, the replacement of an obsolete model, or landscaping concerns. In any case, this is no easy task. Heavy-duty equipment and machinery, safety equipment, city and/or county permits, and debris disposal are all part of the work. It is critical to engage a professional for a removal operation.

Pool Removal Cost Estimator
Average Cost$5,000
High Cost$19,000
Low Cost$2,700

Costs of Removing a Swimming Pool on Average

The initial cost of removal is between $3,000 and $7,000 for an inground pool and approximately $2,700 for an above-ground pool. If it's easily accessible and tiny (10 feet by 20 feet) or medium (15 feet by 30 feet), or if you're simply seeking to fill it in partially, this is the price range. More, more complex projects (20 feet by 40 feet or larger) might cost $10,000 or more.

Pool removal is generally charged on a per-project basis by contractors. If you hire someone on an hourly basis, make sure to explain how long he or she anticipates the work to take, since this will help you create a solid timeframe and keep your expenditures low.

Some municipal and county laws may require you to collaborate with an engineer, particularly during the filling stage, to undertake density tests and file a certification indicating the land is safe and suitable for construction. The average cost of hiring an engineer is $500.

Removal from Above Ground Swimming Pool

Above-ground pools have a very easy deconstruction procedure that costs an average of $2,700. However, if there is an ornate deck or landscaping linked to or around the pool, those components may also need to be removed or redesigned. For the pool as a whole, the elimination will entail:

• Using a sewer pump to drain it.
• Before pulling the walls apart with a hand tool, unscrew and unbolt them.
• Renting a dumpster or employing a staff to remove the trash.
• Redesigning the space left behind, either via landscaping or the addition of a new building such as a patio. Most homeowners spend around $7,000 to build a deck.

If this sort of project isn't unfamiliar to you, you might be able to do at least part of it yourself and engage a professional to handle anything beyond your talents or comfort level.

Removal Inground Swimming Pool

An inground model can be removed in two ways: by destroying it wall by wall or by filling it in. Filling in is less expensive than removing it completely. Physically removing a swimming pool may cost between $9,000 and $19,000, while covering one costs around $5,000.

The most typical method for removing an inground is to do a backfill, either under the supervision of a qualified engineer or independently. This procedure necessitates:

• Getting rid of all the water.
• Demolition and removal of the floor, walls, and materials such as concrete, vinyl, rebar, and so on. Most homeowners pay between $500 and $1,500 to have their concrete removed.
• Compacted dirt is smoothed over the filler.

The material of your pool will also have an influence on the cost of labor:

• Fiberglass and vinyl: These materials must be cut before being disassembled and removed, although they are typically less expensive to deal with.
• Concrete and gunite are the most expensive materials to remove since they are heavy and must be broken down before being removed from the ground and off-site.

The most expensive alternative is to use designed backfill, but it also typically implies that the city will allow a homeowner to build another structure on this location because it was done by an expert. Furthermore, you will not be required to disclose the existence of a pool to prospective purchasers.

Although completing a full removal without the assistance of an expert is less expensive, the location is not deemed appropriate for new development once the pool has been removed. Because a qualified engineer was not involved in the procedure, there might be debris left underneath, improperly packed earth, or drainage difficulties, which could make building a new structure dangerous. As a result of these factors, you will be forced to disclose the project when listing the house for sale, which may reduce its value.

Swimming Pool Filling Costs: Partial vs. Complete Demolition

Homeowners may expect to pay $12 per cubic yard to $100 per cubic foot to have their pool filled in, depending on their plan of action.

Filling in With Dirt

Filling your pool with soil costs about $12 per cubic yard. If your pool is 20 feet long by 15 feet broad, with a maximum depth of 6 feet, labor may cost between $60 and $100 per cubic yard. This includes labor, however there may be extra expenses for dirt. Although it is a low-cost option, it has the potential to settle over time, making the ground above it less solid. As a result, many individuals choose to utilize a combination of soil and stone.

Filling With Concrete

Homeowners might also fill the gap with concrete. It costs around $100 per cubic yard, so if you have a medium-sized pool (15 feet by 30 feet), the fill might cost $500-$800. On the plus side, it provides a more stable foundation for anything you build with the ground above it since it does not settle with time like soil does.

Some homeowners remove an existing pool in order to replace it with a new one. A new swimming pool installation typically costs between $9,800 and $33,000. People frequently choose this option when their old one has not been well maintained for and is showing apparent structural deterioration, or when they want a more modern design or a more inexpensive size.

If you want to replace your pool, the job will be more expensive and take longer to finish than if you only want to remove it. You should budget for additional labor and material costs. However, because you'll be building a new one, you won't have to bother about filling in the area, which can save you up to $100 per cubic yard.

Tools & Price Factors

The common tools involved include:

• Rubber-tracked excavator
• A jackhammer or a heavy-duty drill will suffice.
• Sledgehammer.
• The truck will be used to pour in the fill.
• A dumpster is used to store debris and transport it away.

These fees are typically included in a contractor's estimate. If this is a do-it-yourself activity, renting equipment for a few days may cost up to $2,000 for a homeowner.

Access is another factor that might raise the entire cost. If it's difficult to get the necessary equipment into your yard for the deconstruction, fill-in, and haul-off, the project's cost might skyrocket.

Pros & Cons of Removal of Swimming Pool

Pros

• The reduction of long-term pool repair and maintenance costs is one advantage of removal. A conservative estimate adds more than $200 to your monthly costs for each month your pool is operational. In certain areas, homeowners have spent up to $700 per month to keep the expense of a pool in good working order.
• Others like having extra space in their backyards for year-round activities. Furthermore, it is not unusual for water sources to discourage property purchasers, particularly those with children, older citizens, or pets.
• Removing a pool may enhance the market value of your home to some purchasers.

Cons

• Unless done under the supervision of an engineer, you may only be able to landscape on the space, depending on your city or county's laws.
• Furthermore, when you list your property for sale, you will be required to disclose an engineered or partial fill, which may turn off some potential purchasers.

Permitting Removal of Swimming Pool

As with the installation of inground pools, permits or inspections may be necessary before removal may commence. Permits and inspections can range from $50 to $250, depending on the type of removal and the city's regulations for each stage of the procedure. This number varies by location, therefore it's critical to get in touch with your local government.

Many contractors get the essential permissions on their clients' behalf. Even if the expert you deal with offers to handle this for you, it's still a good idea to know what you need so you can be confident that the hired professional doesn't overlook any important legal measures.

DIY or Hire a Pro to Removal of Swimming Pool ?

While this can be a do-it-yourself activity for individuals with the requisite abilities and expertise, it is advised that experts be hired for effective and safe destruction. Professionals should handle all necessary chores such as obtaining permits, contacting for inspections, renting equipment, and safeguarding the integrity of your house. When you're ready to destroy your pool and obtain some bids, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you insured, and if so, what does it cover?
• Is the cost and organization of getting permits and hiring inspectors included in your quote?
• Do you have any experience storing and removing debris?
• Could you please provide me with an itemized list for your estimate?
• How long will this project take to complete, and how many individuals will be involved?

Even while removing an above-ground pool is a simpler procedure than removing an inground pool, it is still in your best interest to employ a professional to ensure the job is done correctly. If you choose the DIY way, it may make sense to pay someone to assist you with restoring your yard afterward, such as a professional landscaper who can breathe new life into the area where the demo occurred.

At the end of the day, you must decide whether the expense of removal surpasses the cost of keeping your swimming pool operational. Fortunately, most homeowners have alternatives if they understand the procedure and are clear about their expectations.