How Much Does It Cost to Fill in a Pool?
3 pros!
Pool removal costs $3,000 to $20,000. Depending on the size of the pool, you can easily spend $10,000 to $15,000 to prep and fill it in. This does not include landscaping costs.
What Are Factors Influencing the Cost to Remove an In-Ground Pool?
Most homeowners spend between $9,000-$19,000 to remove an in-ground pool. Filling one in runs about $5,000 on average.
Size, ease of access, materials and type of removal all impact the price. Pros cut fiberglass and vinyl before taking them apart. They are also less pricey to remove. Concrete and gunite pools cost more because they’re heavy and broken down before removal."
"The cost of the work varies depending on the accessibility to the pool," says Heather Andrews, owner at Pool Busters LLC in Macomb, Michigan. "It could be anywhere from $11,000 to $18,000. For us, accessibility makes the biggest difference. It also depends on what kind of pool it is and what material it’s made of. Gunite pools tend to be the hardest to do.
"People are often shocked by what a big job filling in a swimming pool is," continues Andrews. "It makes a big mess and we have to bring in some heavy equipment. You want a pool demo company who knows what they’re doing. It’s not an easy job to do, and removing and filling a pool can be a specialty niche job. Just because a contractor knows how to demolish a house doesn’t mean they know how to fill a pool."
How much Does Partial removal Cost?
To remove the top portion of a pool and backfill the rest runs about $3,000-$6,000 for small- to medium-size pools. Larger or hard-to-reach pools run about $6,000-$15,000.
How Much Does Full Removal Cost?
Costs between $6,000-$19,000. Small pools with easy access run about $10,000-$15,000.
Local demolition rules may impact how much it costs to remove a pool and what you can use for fill. Contact a local swimming pool builder for guidance on the rules that apply to you.
Related Local Resource: Swimming Pool Removal Near Me
What Does Above-Ground Pool Removal Cost?
Removing an above-ground pool runs about $2,700. The price to replace the pool depends on the type of pool you get. A few factors affect the total:
- Dumpster rental runs $300-$500 for 10- to 30-yard dumpster.
- Clean-up crew to haul away debris runs about $300-$700, considering hourly labor, transport and recycling.
What Are the Benefits of Swimming Pool Removal?
After you remove a leaking or run-down pool, there are plenty of benefits including:
- Savings of about $200 per month in maintenance costs
- Savings of about $600 on annual pool repair
- Less risk when children play outside
- Lower insurance premiums (talk to your insurer for details)
What’s Involved in Pool Demolition?
There are two major methods of demolition.
Partial Removal or Pool Fill-in is the cheapest and most common method.
1. Drain the pool and punch holes into the bottom
2. Demolish top layer of pool (18" - 36") placing rubble in the bottom
3. Filling in pool with additional dirt and top soil
4. Compacting the soil
This takes between 2-5 days to complete
Full Removal is more expensive than partial.
1. Pros drain the pool
2. Haul away all materials (e.g. concrete/gunite, fiberglass, liner, re-bar, etc.)
3. Filling and compacting happens with completely new backfill material
Can take up to 10 days to complete and the type of pool you have can add additional steps in the process.
- Fiberglass – remove full shell before filling it in.
- Concrete or Gunite – remove rim of sides as far down as four feet below ground level.
- Heated Pools – a licensed plumber and electrician must detach power connections and all hook-ups to the plumbing system.
How Much Are Permits, Local Fees and Other Project Factors?
You may need permits or inspections that can run from $50-$250 before filling in the pool. This depends on the type of removal and city bylaws for each step of the process. Price varies by area. Ask your pro or contact your city or county to get the latest zoning rules.
Who Do You Hire to Fill in a Pool?
Unless local rules call for it, you don’t need an engineer to oversee either partial or full removal and fill-in. Still, without a specialist’s input, you’re at an increased risk of sinkage, swelling or bad drainage problems. Going without an engineer can affect your home’s price. You’ll also have to disclose this choice to new buyers.
If you’d like to save money by doing some of the work yourself, pros say you could pump out the pool. Just make sure you don’t flood the neighbors. You can also scrap all the pool heat and pump equipment once it’s removed or made safe.
Still, hiring a pro is the safest way to remove your in-ground or above-ground pool. Their labor will be a major part of the swimming pool removal rate.
Make sure the company you hire can provide proof that they’re licensed and insured. Ask for references and examples of previous projects. You can research customer reviews of pool pros online as well.
Ready to start your project? Three quotes from Swimming Pool Builders Near You to ensure a competitive price is the next step. Quickly Contact Local Top-Rated Swimming Pool Builders here.
