Pool Demolition and Removal: What You Need to Know

If your backyard pool has become more hassle than it's worth, removing it might be the smartest move you make. Maybe it’s become outdated, too expensive to maintain, or simply no longer getting the use it once did. Taking it out—whether it’s an above-ground setup or an aging inground structure—can eliminate upkeep, cut monthly bills, and open up valuable outdoor space.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the key reasons people choose to remove their pools, what the process looks like, what it costs, and what to expect along the way. 

Why Remove A Swimming Pool?

Pools can be great—until they’re not. As they age or fall out of regular use, the cost and effort to keep them running can come to outweigh the benefits.

• Lower ongoing costs: Pool maintenance isn’t cheap. Between chemicals, energy bills, and repair work, the costs add up fast. Removal puts an end to those expenses for good.
  
  
• Reduced liability: Unused or poorly maintained pools are safety concerns and can increase your insurance rates. Taking the pool out can help lower those risks.
  
  
• Yard transformation: Removing a pool can open up hundreds of square feet for something new—gardens, patios, sheds, or just open green space.
  
  
• Simpler home sales: Some buyers see pools as a deal-breaker due to upkeep or safety concerns. Without one, your home may appeal to more people.
  
  
• Environmental impact: Getting rid of the pool also means reducing chemical runoff and water waste, which is better for the soil and your local watershed.

Types of Pools and Removal Processes

Pool removal generally falls into two categories: above-ground and inground. Above-ground pools are simpler—they sit on the surface, so taking them out mostly involves draining, disassembling, and hauling away the parts.

Inground pools are more involved. Removing one usually means breaking up concrete or fiberglass, using heavy machinery, and backfilling the area with compacted material to avoid settling later on. The timeline, equipment, and permits needed can vary, and while both removals involve draining and dismantling, their final steps differ significantly: an inground removal requires backfilling the large cavity, while an above-ground removal finishes with simply regrading the ground surface.

Above-Ground Pool Removal Steps

Removing an above-ground pool is often a manageable DIY project, especially if the structure is older or no longer in use. While the process isn’t overly technical, it still takes some planning—and a good bit of elbow grease. Here’s a step-by-step look at what’s typically involved:

1. Drain the pool: Start by shutting off the pump and using a submersible pump or siphon to drain the water. Always check your local regulations—most areas require you to direct the water into a sanitary sewer clean-out, not into the street or storm drain.
2. Remove electrical and plumbing: Disconnect any electrical connections powering the pump or lights, and cap off water lines at the source. This prevents issues later on and keeps everything safe if you plan to reuse the area.
3. Detach liner and hardware: Use a utility knife to cut the vinyl liner into sections that are easier to handle. Then remove any bolts or screws holding the coping, rails, and structural supports in place.
4. Disassemble the wall: Begin at a seam or entry point, and unroll or collapse the metal wall sections. If it’s a steel wall, rolling it into coils makes it much easier to transport for recycling or disposal.
5. Break down decking (if any): If your pool had a deck, you’ll need to pull it up. Wood decking can be dismantled using a pry bar and other basic hand tools. For a concrete patio, you will need to use an electric jackhammer or demolition hammer to break the slab into manageable chunks for removal.
6. Sort and recycle: Separate the materials—metal, plastic, vinyl, wood—before heading to the dump. Recycling what you can helps cut down disposal fees and reduces waste.
7. Grade and seed: Once the pool and materials are gone, rake out any leftover sand or leveling base. Add topsoil if the area feels low, then seed or lay sod to restore the yard and prevent erosion.

Inground Pool Removal Steps

Taking out an inground pool is a much more involved process than above-ground removal. It typically requires heavy equipment, coordination with your local building department, and a structured approach to demolition and backfill.

Here’s how the process usually unfolds:

• Secure permits and schedule inspections:
  • Most cities or counties require a demolition permit before any work begins.
  • You may also need to submit site plans, notify utility companies, or schedule pre-demolition inspections.
  • A final inspection is often required after backfilling to confirm the area was properly compacted and graded.
• Drain the pool responsibly:
  • Always confirm your municipality’s specific rules on dechlorination and approved discharge methods before you begin.
  • Use a submersible pump to drain the water, making sure to follow all local disposal regulations.
  • Discharge must never enter a street gutter or storm drain, which pollutes local waterways. The two most common legal disposal methods are:
    • Directing the discharge into a sanitary sewer clean-out on your property.
    • Slowly draining dechlorinated water onto a lawn or other permeable ground space that can fully absorb it without causing runoff.

• Disconnect and make safe all utilities:
• • Gas lines: Shut off the gas supply and disconnect lines to heaters.
  • Electrical: Turn off breakers powering the pool system and disconnect wiring to pumps, lights, or automation panels.
  • Water lines: Cap or remove supply and return lines to avoid future leaks or settling.

• Demolish the pool shell:
• • Use a jackhammer or an excavator equipped with a hydraulic breaker to crack and break up the concrete or fiberglass structure.
  • Focus on breaking up the floor and walls enough to allow proper drainage and settling.

• Remove or bury debris based on the removal method:

• • Partial removal:
    • Break down the top 18 to 36 inches of the pool walls.

• • • Punch holes in the bottom of the pool shell to allow water to drain through.

• • • Drop the broken concrete or material into the shell and compact it in layers.

• • Full removal:

• • • Remove the entire shell, including walls and floor.

• • • Haul all debris off-site, leaving a clean, open pit ready for engineered fill.

• • • This method typically adds cost but can help maintain property value and prevent future construction limitations.

• Backfill and compact the area:
  
  • Begin with structural fill, such as gravel or crushed stone, especially in the deeper sections.
  • Add native soil in layers no more than 12 inches thick.
  • Compact each layer thoroughly to avoid sinkholes or settling later on.

• Final grading and inspection:
  • Re-grade the surface to ensure proper drainage away from the home and other structures.
  • Most jurisdictions require a final inspection to confirm that backfill and compaction meet code.
  • Once approved, you can begin planning landscaping or future use of the space.

Above Ground & Inground Pool Removal Cost

Where the money goes

• Labor: 35–50% of a professional quote—crews, insurance, and specialized operators.
• Equipment rentals: Excavator or mini-ex costs $200–$600 per day. Jackhammers and compactors add $100–$300 per day.
• Disposal & hauling: A 40-yd roll-off runs $475–$900 for a week, plus tipping fees of $60–$85 per ton on average (can be higher in major metro areas).
• Backfill material: $25 – $50+ per cubic yard for delivered structural fill or gravel. Most full removals need 60–90 yd³.
• Permits & inspections: $100–$500 depending on municipality; some require soil compaction tests (+$400–$800).

Local Regulations and Environmental Considerations on Pool Demolition

Inground pool removal isn’t just a construction project—it’s regulated, inspected, and environmentally sensitive. Local rules can vary widely, but most jurisdictions have a standard set of requirements aimed at safety, soil integrity, and environmental protection. Before you start, check with your local building department to avoid costly delays or violations.

• Obtain a demolition permit: Most cities require permits ranging from $100 to $500, and some may ask for engineered plans or soil reports, especially for inground removals.
• Schedule inspections: Typically, one inspection occurs before demolition to verify utility disconnects, and another after backfill to confirm proper compaction and drainage.
• Handle hazardous waste responsibly: Pool water must be de-chlorinated before draining, and it should be directed into a sanitary sewer, not the stormwater system.
• Consider tree protection zones: If your pool is near trees, local ordinances may require fencing or root zone protection to prevent machinery from damaging critical roots.
• Document partial removals: Some jurisdictions flag lots with buried debris, which can restrict future construction—especially if you plan to build over the old pool area.

Failing to follow local regulations can lead to daily fines, rejected inspections, or mandatory rework—so don’t skip the paperwork.

Pool Removal Cost Calculator

Pool-removal contractors often use square footage for initial estimates, but the rate depends heavily on whether the removal is partial or full. Use the appropriate national rate below, then add project-specific surcharges to get a realistic ballpark figure.

• Partial Removal Rate: $8 – $15 per sq ft
• Full Removal Rate: $15 – $40+ per sq ft

Example calculation

A 16 × 32 ft inground pool (512 sq ft):

• Partial removal at $12/sq ft: 512 sq ft × $12/sq ft = $6,144 (base cost)
• Full removal at $25/sq ft: 512 sq ft × $25/sq ft = $12,800 (base cost)

Common add-ons

• Limited access: add 10–20% when machinery must squeeze through narrow gates or work in tight quarters.
• Deck removal: +$2–$5 per sq ft for concrete or paver decks (roughly $500–$1,700 for a typical pad).
• Engineered backfill & compaction tests: +$2,000–$5,500+ for full removals to satisfy soil-stability requirements.
• Permits & inspections: $100–$500, often bundled into professional quotes.

DIY vs. pro savings

Handling the work yourself can trim 40–60% of the labor bill, but you’ll still pay for roll-off dumpsters, equipment rentals, permits, and fill. Budget $4,000–$7,000 for a DIY inground removal and $300–$1,000 for a basic above-ground teardown.

After Removal: Restoring and Repurposing Your Yard

• Vegetable or pollinator garden: The compacted soil left behind from backfilling is perfect for raised beds. With a little topsoil and compost, you can grow herbs, leafy greens, berries, or establish a pollinator garden filled with native wildflowers. It’s a low-cost, high-reward use of the space.
  
  
• Outdoor living room: Where the deep end used to be, consider installing a paver patio, pergola, and built-in seating or firepit. This is one of the most popular conversions—turning your yard into a true outdoor extension of your home, ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
  
  
• Play lawn: Reseeding or sodding the area creates a smooth, open space where kids can play, pets can run, or weekend games like cornhole and frisbee can happen. If the area was properly leveled and compacted, it should stay safe and usable for years to come.
  
  
• Accessory dwelling unit (ADU): If you opted for a full removal with engineered backfill, you may be able to build on the space. Many homeowners use the cleared area to install a small guest house, office studio, or rental unit—adding serious utility and property value.
  
  
• Rain garden: Take advantage of the natural depression left behind by the pool to build a rain garden. With the right soil amendments and native plantings, this area can help manage stormwater runoff and support local pollinators, all while looking great.

Pool Demolition and Removal - Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to remove a pool?

• Above-ground pool removals are typically completed in a single day. Inground pool removals take longer. Partial removals usually take about three to five days, while full removals can extend up to a week. Factors like weather, site access, and permitting or inspection schedules can also influence how long the project takes.

What are the most common challenges during pool removal?

• Several issues can complicate a pool removal project. Hidden rebar or reinforced concrete can slow down demolition, especially with older pools. Underground utilities such as gas, electrical, or plumbing lines often run near or through the pool area and need to be carefully located and rerouted or capped.

Is it worth removing a pool before selling a home?

• In some cases, yes. If your pool is older, in poor condition, or located in a region where pools aren’t in high demand, removing it may help your home sell faster. Many buyers prefer low-maintenance yards, and a removed pool can eliminate concerns about upkeep, repairs, or safety.

How can one ensure compliance with local environmental laws during pool removal?

• To comply with local environmental laws, you must de-chlorinate pool water before draining it to an approved location like a sanitary sewer or your lawn—not a storm drain. Additionally, use required dust control measures during demolition and dispose of all debris at a licensed facility.

Are there any hidden costs in pool removal?

• Yes, unexpected costs can come up, especially with older or more complex setups. These can include permit changes, unexpected footing or structural debris under decking, and the need for extra soil testing or compaction if the ground doesn’t meet stability requirements after backfilling

What should homeowners do if they encounter plumbing issues during pool removal?

• The first step is to cap off all supply and return lines at the equipment pad to prevent any future leaks. If plumbing lines run through areas where you plan to landscape, garden, or build, it’s often best to remove them entirely. Leaving old plumbing underground can lead to settling or water issues down the road, so it’s worth taking the extra time to get it done right.