Four Pool Removal Options:
- Quick fill – cheap, quick, but incomplete; it leaves the pool decking
- Demo & fill – no visible trace of pool remains, with pool edge & decking buried; owner can re-landscape entire area
- Exhume – the most expensive approach, with all components of the pool dug up and hauled away; this is neccessary if the owner wants to build on the spot where pool was located
- Repurpose – options include a buried rainwater harvesting cistern, small pond or water feature
| Pool Removal Steps | Quick Fill | Demo & Fill | Exhume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disconnect utilities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Punch hole(s) in bottom by drain | Yes | Yes | No |
| Demolish pool decking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Demolish top 18-30 inches of pool shell | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remove rest of pool, haul away | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remove all plumbing | No | No | Yes |
| Fill with dirt | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Compact the soil | Maybe | Usually | Always |
| TYPICAL COST RANGE | $1,800 - $2,800 | $3,500 - $4,000 | $6,000 - $9,000 |
In addition to the type of pool removal, other factors affecting the cost include:
- Size of pool
- Type of construction (concrete, fiberglass, other)
- Access for large equipment to your pool site
- Amount of decking, plumbing, fencing, etc. to be removed