Above Ground Pool Removal Cost: What You'll Pay [2026 Prices]

Above ground pool removal pricing varies significantly based on who does the work and how the materials are disposed of.

Professional pool removal runs $475 to $3,000 for most residential above-ground pools. HomeGuide reports an average range of $800 to $3,000 depending on pool size, materials, and site conditions. WeRecycle places the national average at $1,300. Costs increase when the pool has an attached deck, fencing, or concrete pad that also needs removal.

DIY pool teardown costs $100 to $500. WeRecycle estimates DIY at the low end of that range when you already have basic tools. Royal Swimming Pools places DIY at $300 to $1,000 when factoring in a dumpster rental. The primary costs are tool rental if needed and debris disposal.

The money-saving play: dismantle the pool yourself, sell the metal frame to a scrap yard, and book curbside pickup for the liner and non-metal parts through Dropcurb starting at $79. Depending on metal scrap prices, the frame might offset your disposal costs entirely.

Pool size is the single biggest factor in removal cost. Larger pools have more material to dismantle, haul, and dispose of.

Five factors determine your final removal cost beyond just the pool size.

Pool material affects disassembly difficulty. Steel-wall pools are the most common and easiest to scrap. Resin and hybrid pools have plastic components mixed with metal, requiring separation for recycling. Aluminum pools are lighter but the frame has high scrap value.

Attached structures add cost. A pool deck ($500 to $2,000 to remove), surrounding fence ($300 to $750), concrete pad ($300 to $800 for 10x10 section), or built-in steps all increase the total project. HomeGuide notes that attached structures can double the removal cost.

Pool draining is necessary before dismantling. Angi reports draining costs $175 to $225 if you hire someone. DIY draining with a submersible pump ($30 to $50 rental) or garden hose takes 6 to 24 hours depending on pool volume. Check local regulations — many areas prohibit draining pool water into storm drains due to chlorine content.

Site restoration after removal adds $700 to $1,600 for a finished result. Leveling or grading costs $500 to $1,000. Fill dirt costs $200 to $600 including delivery and spreading. Many homeowners skip this initially and handle grading later.

Permit requirements exist in some municipalities. Pool removal permits cost $100 to $400 where required. Check with your local building department.

DIY above ground pool removal saves $500 to $2,000+ in labor costs. Most above ground pools can be dismantled in 4 to 8 hours with a helper.

Step 1: Drain the pool. Use a submersible pump or siphon with a garden hose. Direct water to a lawn area or garden — not into storm drains. Allow 6 to 24 hours for complete drainage. Remove the pump, filter, and any plumbing after draining.

Step 2: Remove the liner. Once empty, cut the vinyl liner into manageable sections with a utility knife. Roll or fold sections for disposal. Liners cannot be recycled — they go to the landfill.

Step 3: Disassemble the frame. Remove top rails, uprights, and connectors. Most steel pools use bolts and clips that come apart with a socket set and screwdriver. Work around the pool removing one section at a time. Stack metal pieces together.

Step 4: Remove the wall panels. Unclip or unbolt wall panels from the bottom track. Roll steel walls for transport or stack flat.

Step 5: Remove the bottom track and any sand base. The bottom track pries up from the ground. If the pool sat on a sand base, you can spread the sand across the yard or pile it for removal.

Tools needed: socket set, screwdriver, utility knife, work gloves, pliers, and a submersible pump or garden hose. No power tools required for most above-ground pools.

Metal above ground pool frames have real scrap value that can offset or eliminate disposal costs.

Steel pool walls and frames typically scrap for $0.05 to $0.15 per pound at current rates. A 300-pound steel pool frame yields $15 to $45. Not life-changing, but it covers the cost of disposing of the liner and non-metal parts.

Aluminum pool components have higher scrap value at $0.30 to $0.60 per pound. If your pool has aluminum uprights, top rails, or connectors, separate these from the steel for a better payout.

To maximize scrap value: separate all metal from plastic and liner material. Remove bolts, screws, and plastic clips. Call 2 to 3 local scrap yards for current pricing before hauling. Some scrap yards offer free pickup for large metal loads — ask before making the trip.

For the non-metal parts (liner, plastic components, filter, hoses), pile them at the curb and book Dropcurb pickup starting at $79. Between scrap proceeds and affordable curbside pickup, total out-of-pocket can be near zero.