Lots of people dream of having an inground pool in their backyard, but the reality of pool ownership sometimes doesn’t live up to the fantasy. Many homeowners eventually find themselves facing the tough decision of whether to keep pouring money into their pool, renovate it, or get rid of it altogether.
High maintenance costs, safety concerns, or simply a desire for more usable yard space can all lead to considering pool removal.
But removing an inground pool is more involved than just filling a hole with dirt, and the cost can vary significantly based on several factors. It’s important to understand these factors before making a decision.
This article will give you a comprehensive understanding of the cost of removing a pool, including the factors that affect pricing, alternative options, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Decoding the Base Cost: What to Expect
The costs associated with removing a pool can vary quite a bit depending on the size of the pool, the materials it’s made from, and other factors. Here’s what you can expect to pay, on average.
Average Cost of Inground Pool Removal
The average cost to remove an inground pool ranges from $5,000 to $7,000. This price usually includes the demolition itself, plus removal of all the debris, and grading the site once the pool is gone.
Full Removal vs. Partial Removal (Abandonment)
When you’re thinking about pool removal, you have two basic options: full removal, or partial removal (sometimes called abandonment). Here’s a rundown of each option.
Full Removal
With full removal, the entire pool structure is demolished and all the debris is hauled away. As you might expect, it’s the more expensive option. Expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000 for a complete inground pool removal.
Partial Removal
Partial removal involves breaking up only part of the pool (typically the top portion) and then filling the remaining space with dirt. It’s generally a less expensive option, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $6,000.
The downside of partial removal is that you may have settling issues down the road, which can require additional landscaping work. If you’re planning to build on the space where the pool once was, full removal is generally the only option.
Key Cost Drivers: Factors That Inflate or Deflate the Bill
The overall cost of removing a pool is more complex than just the size of the hole in the ground. Several factors can either drive up or bring down the final price tag.
Pool Size and Volume
It probably won’t surprise you to learn that the bigger your pool, the more it’ll cost to remove. Larger pools require more labor, more equipment, and more trips to dispose of the debris. All of this adds up.
Location and Accessibility
Where your pool is located on your property can also significantly affect the removal cost. If it’s difficult to get heavy machinery to the pool area, that’s going to increase the amount of labor involved. Fences, trees, sheds, or other structures near the pool can also complicate the removal process, and that could mean a bigger bill.
Don’t forget about permits! You’ll almost certainly need a permit to remove your pool, and the cost of those permits can vary widely depending on where you live.
Pool Materials: Concrete, Vinyl, and Fiberglass
The material your pool is made from makes a big difference, too. Concrete pools are generally the most challenging and expensive to remove. That’s because they require specialized equipment for demolition and they generate a lot of debris to haul away.
Vinyl and fiberglass pools are typically easier and less expensive to remove than concrete pools.
Demolition Method
There are different ways to demolish a pool, and the method chosen will impact the cost. Using heavy machinery is generally faster, but it may not be possible if the pool is in a hard-to-reach spot. In those cases, manual labor may be required, which can take longer and cost more.
How the debris is disposed of also plays a role. Hauling it to a landfill will cost more than, say, using some of the rubble as fill on your property (if that’s allowed and feasible).
Exploring Alternatives: Beyond Complete Removal
If the cost of completely removing a pool has you feeling stuck, it’s worth exploring some less expensive options.
Filling In the Pool: A Cost-Effective Option?
One way to get rid of a pool is to fill it in rather than remove it. This usually involves draining the pool, breaking up the bottom to ensure proper drainage, and then filling the space with a mixture of gravel and soil.
While filling in a pool might seem like a budget-friendly solution, there are potential drawbacks. Over time, the filled-in area can settle, creating an uneven surface. You may also encounter drainage issues if the filling process isn’t done correctly, which can lead to water accumulation and potential damage to your property.
Pool Replacement Options: Fiberglass and Vinyl Liners
If you’re not keen on losing the pool altogether, you could consider replacing your existing pool with a new one. Two popular options for pool replacement are fiberglass and vinyl liners.
Fiberglass pools are known for their smooth, non-porous surface, which makes them easier to maintain than concrete pools. They’re also relatively quick to install, which can save on labor costs. However, fiberglass pools tend to be more expensive upfront than other types of pools.
Another option is to replace your existing pool’s liner with a new vinyl liner. Vinyl liners are a cost-effective way to update the look of your pool and can be installed in a variety of patterns and colors. The downside is that vinyl liners are prone to tears and punctures and will eventually need to be replaced, adding to the long-term cost of pool ownership.
What happens after the pool is gone?
Removing a pool can affect your property value, so it’s a good idea to talk to a real estate agent in your area. An agent can help you understand how removing a pool might affect the price you could get for your house if you sell it.
But more than that, removing a pool gives you a chance to completely change your yard. You could put in a garden, build a patio, or create a new place to hang out. The possibilities are endless.
Plus, you might save money on your water bill since you won’t be filling a pool anymore!
The Bottom Line
Removing a swimming pool is a big decision, and understanding the costs involved is crucial. The size and location of your pool, the materials it’s made from, and the demolition method you choose will all influence the final price tag.
Before you commit, be sure to get several quotes from different contractors. Working with experienced professionals is essential for safe and effective pool removal. They can assess your specific situation and provide accurate cost estimates.
Think carefully about your options. Is full removal the best choice, or would filling in the pool or even replacing it be a better solution? Weigh the pros and cons of each approach before making a decision.
While removing a pool can be a significant expense, it can also add value to your property by increasing usable yard space and potentially lowering your insurance premiums.