Inground Pool Removal Cost

Typical costs:

• It averages around $3,000-$6,000 for partial removal/demolition of a small- to medium-sized pool with easy access for heavy equipment, which includes a minimal (8-10 inches) layer of top soil, but total costs can jump to $6,000-$15,000 or more for larger pools or those with difficult access, lots of decking materials, plumbing or other structures.
• Full removal costs vary considerably; it can be $6,000-$25,000 but averages $10,000-$15,000 for removing a small, basic pool with good access. A California homeowner^[1] was quoted $21,000, but found a demolition company who did a full removal in four days for $10,000 (including permits).
• Some or all of a pool removal project can be do-it-yourself, provided you follow all local codes and obtain required permits. After getting a $10,000 estimate for partial removal, a homeowner^[2] did most of the prep and cleanup work himself, making the total cost (with a different contractor) $3,700. And two Minnesota homeowners^[3] removed a 16x32-foot inground pool themselves with a couple of summers of off-and-on work and almost no out-of-pocket expense, using clean fill dirt they got for free.

• In a partial removal/demolition, multiple holes are punched in the bottom of the pool, the tops of the side walls are removed to a certain depth (usually 18 inches-2 feet) and everything is filled with gravel and/or fill dirt (and chunks of concrete may be used as large fill at the bottom). The fill material is compacted layer by layer (to minimize settling), then covered with top soil. With a partial removal, any future buyers must be made aware of the former pool site. A home video^[4] illustrates the removal process.
• Whether it's a partial or full removal, the contractor should tell you ahead of time exactly what type and size equipment will be used, and how access will be gained. Be wary of driving heavy equipment over a septic tank, drain field, sewer connection or other underground services.
• Check with your local planning department; many areas have specific codes for pool demolition, and may require a construction/demolition permit and/or inspections as the work is done.

• Pool demolition permits can be mandatory but free, or they may cost several hundred dollars or much more, depending on local rules. Homeowners who had a pool filled in without permits^[5] (and without following local codes about the amount of sand, dirt and gravel used) ended up having the work done twice, for a total cost of more than $10,000.
• The heavy equipment needed for pool removal may damage your landscaping, driveway or other surfaces, adding to the total cost.

• Get several estimates. Ask about specific experience with pool removal and knowledge about local demolition codes. Make sure the company is properly insured, bonded and licensed^[6] in your state, and check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau^[7] .
• Contractor referrals are available from the National Demolition Association^[8] . You can also contact local excavation companies, or your pool maintenance company may be willing to bid, or provide referrals to local contractors familiar with pool removal.
• The written contract should include a description of the work to be done, the payment schedule (other than a small initial deposit, payment should be made only as work is completed), a start and finish date, and a description of who is responsible for obtaining and paying for a demolition permit (if required in your area).

1.  demolitionsd.com/?p=76
2.  phildetweiler.net/poolremoval/index.html
3.  forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/design/msg0508091423763.html
4.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNz70KKW4_4
5.  www.city-data.com/forum/long-island/147252-removing-ground-swimming-pool.html
6.  www.contractors-license.org/
7.  www.bbb.org/en/us/search
8.  207.150.194.71/nda_criteria.aspx?mem=1

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Central Air Conditioner Cost?		How Much Does a Deck Cost?		How Much Does Replacing a Water Heater Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Repair leaks before the rain starts pouring. Fall begins Monday, September 23. How about backpacking? Sweating college admissions? SAT test prep can reduce some of the stress of the big test. Don't leave the dancing with the stars. Take a lesson. September is Chicken Month. Have you considered raising a unique pet?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Bat bite Paid: 0.00 On October 25th I was bitten by a bat during mid morning, animal control told me to get the rabies shots due to the fact that several rabid bats had been found in the area... [more] -Rita W Rabies Vaccine Cost 7 stitches to shin Paid: 371.00 My son had 7 Stitches to his shin he fell in the woods and was cut by a old fence. They were super nice in and out, in about one hour. 155.00 for the visit and the remainder was for the Stitches ... [more] -Tavanna Stitches Cost 2 Car Garage Paid: 1700.00 Looks FANTASTIC! The guys done a fabulous job and did it in one day! Highly recommend! 615-739-2146... [more] -Chad Dunn Epoxy Flooring Cost Commercial Real Estate Brochure Paid: 200.00 Quick turn around time! 4 revisions with PDF and hyperlinks embedded. Website management available too... [more] [email protected] Graphic Designer Cost Fairly priced Paid: 0.00 My baby boy choked on some food this evening. While we were on the phone to the emergency services the blockage cleared. Ambulance was sent anyway to make sure everything was ok... [more] -Thank you NHS Ambulance Cost Ripped Off Paid: 46.00 I asked the nail technician how much for a full set. He said he will let me know as soon as he gets the nails on my fingers (WTH?) ... anyway on the board the price said $28 and up...... [more] -Kay. Manicures and Pedicures Cost