Swimming Pool Removal Cost: Full 2026 Breakdown
Swimming pool removal costs $300–$16,000 depending on pool type and removal method. Above-ground pool teardown runs $300–$800 on average. Inground pool removal costs $5,000–$16,000 for full demolition or $3,000–$7,000 for partial fill-in. Angi puts the national average at $6,000 for a standard inground pool removal in 2026.
| Pool Type / Method | Cost Range | Timeline | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Above-ground pool (DIY teardown) | $300–$800 | 1–2 days | Disassembly, liner disposal, frame scrap |
| Above-ground pool + deck demolition | $1,000–$5,000 | 2–5 days | Pool teardown + attached deck removal |
| Inground pool — partial removal | $3,000–$7,000 | 3–5 days | Top 2–3 ft of walls removed, fill with rubble + dirt |
| Inground pool — full removal | $7,000–$16,000 | 5–10 days | Complete excavation, haul away all materials, clean fill + compact |
| Pool fill-in only (no demolition) | $4,000–$6,000 | 2–4 days | Fill existing shell with dirt, no structural removal |
Inground Swimming Pool Removal Cost
Inground pool removal is a major demolition project. There are two approaches, and the cost difference is significant:
Partial removal ($3,000–$7,000): The contractor drains the pool, punches holes in the bottom for drainage, removes the top 2–3 feet of the pool walls, and deposits the broken concrete in the bottom of the pool. The remaining cavity is filled with dirt and compacted. This is faster and cheaper but has a major downside: the buried pool shell can cause settling issues, making the area unsuitable for future construction. Most municipalities require disclosure when selling the home.
Full removal ($7,000–$16,000): The entire pool structure — walls, floor, plumbing, decking — is excavated and hauled away. The hole is filled with clean compactable fill (gravel and dirt), then compacted in lifts to prevent settling. This method costs roughly double but leaves the lot buildable and eliminates disclosure concerns.
Angi reports the national average for inground pool removal at $6,000, with most homeowners paying between $5,000 and $15,000. Reddit users report actual quotes ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 in high-cost markets.
Above-Ground Pool Removal Cost
Above-ground pools are dramatically cheaper and easier to remove:
DIY teardown ($300–$800): Drain the pool, cut or fold the liner for disposal, disassemble the metal or resin frame, and haul away the debris. Most above-ground pools can be taken apart with basic hand tools (screwdriver, socket set, utility knife) in 4–8 hours.
Professional removal ($500–$2,000): A junk removal or demolition crew handles everything. Expect $500–$800 for a standard round or oval pool without a deck, and $1,000–$5,000 if an attached deck or platform needs demolition too.
DIY + curbside pickup ($79–$200): Disassemble the pool yourself and move the frame sections, liner, and debris to the curb. Book Dropcurb for $79 same-day pickup. The metal frame sections have scrap value — a typical above-ground pool frame yields $20–$60 at a scrap yard.
For a deeper dive on above-ground pool removal specifically, see our full guide to above-ground pool removal cost.
Tore down your above-ground pool? Leave the frame, liner, and debris at the curb — Dropcurb hauls it away for $79.
Book Pool Debris Pickup →What Drives Swimming Pool Removal Cost?
Several factors push the price up or down:
- •Pool size: A small 10×20 plunge pool costs significantly less to remove than a 20×40 family pool. Larger pools require more excavation, more fill dirt, and more hauling trips.
- •Pool material: Concrete/gunite pools are the most expensive to demolish ($7,000–$16,000). Fiberglass shell pools are lighter but still require excavation ($5,000–$10,000). Vinyl liner pools with steel or polymer walls fall in between.
- •Access: Equipment access is critical. If an excavator can drive into the backyard through a wide gate or removed fence section, costs stay normal. If equipment must be craned in or if the pool sits in a tight courtyard, add $1,000–$3,000.
- •Permits: Nearly all municipalities require a demolition permit for inground pool removal ($200–$400). Some cities also require engineering inspections during fill and compaction.
- •Fill dirt: Inground pools require 50–200 cubic yards of fill dirt at $5–$25 per cubic yard delivered. For a typical 15×30 pool, expect $1,500–$4,000 in fill material alone.
- •Plumbing and electrical: Underground plumbing lines and electrical conduit running from the house to the pool equipment pad must be capped, removed, or abandoned in place. Add $300–$800 for professional disconnection.
- •Deck removal: Concrete pool decks surrounding an inground pool add $1,000–$3,000 to the demolition cost depending on square footage.
Partial vs. Full Pool Removal: Which to Choose
This is the biggest decision in pool removal. Here is how they compare:
| Factor | Partial Removal | Full Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000–$7,000 | $7,000–$16,000 |
| Timeline | 3–5 days | 5–10 days |
| Future building on site | No — buried shell causes settling | Yes — clean fill supports new construction |
| Disclosure when selling | Required in most states | Not required in most states |
| Risk of sinkholes/settling | Moderate — 5–10 years before visible | None if fill properly compacted |
| Landscaping on top | Lawn, garden beds OK | Anything — patio, structure, driveway |
| Permit requirements | Same as full | Same as partial |
DIY Above-Ground Pool Removal: Step-by-Step
Above-ground pool removal is a realistic weekend DIY project. Inground pools require heavy equipment and should be left to professionals.
How to Remove an Above-Ground Pool
- 1
Drain the pool completely
Use the drain plug or a submersible pump to empty all water. Direct water to a storm drain, lawn, or sewer cleanout. Check local regulations — some municipalities restrict where pool water can be discharged due to chlorine content. A standard pool holds 5,000–15,000 gallons and takes 2–6 hours to drain.
- 2
Cut and remove the liner
Use a utility knife to cut the vinyl liner into manageable sections. Roll or fold the sections for disposal. Liners are not recyclable and go to landfill.
- 3
Disassemble the frame
Remove top rails, uprights, and bottom rails using a screwdriver and socket set. Most frames are designed for homeowner assembly/disassembly and come apart in reverse order of installation. Stack frame sections for hauling or scrap.
- 4
Remove the sand or foam base
If a sand base was installed, shovel it into bags or a wheelbarrow. Sand can be reused in landscaping projects. Foam base pads can be cut and bagged.
- 5
Move debris to the curb for pickup
Stack frame sections, bag the liner, and move everything to the curb. Metal frame sections are worth $20–$60 at a scrap yard. For everything else, book Dropcurb for $79 same-day curbside pickup.
What Happens After Pool Removal?
Once the pool is removed, you need to decide what goes in its place:
- •Lawn: The most common choice. After filling and compacting, lay topsoil and sod or seed. Expect the area to settle slightly in the first year with partial removal. Budget $500–$2,000 for professional landscaping.
- •Patio or deck: Only viable after full removal with properly compacted fill. A concrete patio over a partially removed pool will crack within 2–5 years from settling.
- •Garden beds: Raised garden beds work well over both partial and full removal sites. The elevated structure accounts for any settling.
- •ADU or structure: Only possible with full removal and engineered compaction. Many homeowners remove pools specifically to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or additions.
Pool removal debris from inground pools (concrete, rebar, tile) is heavy construction waste. Professional contractors include hauling in their price. If you end up with leftover debris from any cleanup work, Dropcurb handles curbside construction debris pickup.
Pool debris at the curb? Dropcurb picks up construction materials, old liners, and pool equipment for $79 flat.
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