Pool Removal Cost Guide 2026: Complete Pricing Breakdown
Quick Answer
Pool removal typically costs $4,000-$15,000, with partial removal averaging $3,000-$7,000 and full removal averaging $8,000-$15,000. The exact cost depends on your pool type, size, access, and location.
Average Pool Removal Costs
Based on over 500 pool removal projects nationwide, here's what you can expect to pay. These prices reflect real projects completed in 2024-2025 across 88 cities.
| Removal Type | Cost Range | Average | Timeline | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Removal | $3,000-$7,000 | $5,000 | 2-3 days | Budget-conscious, keeping property |
| Full Removal | $8,000-$15,000 | $11,500 | 5-7 days | Selling home, building structure |
| Above Ground | $500-$3,000 | $1,500 | 1-2 days | Simple, affordable removal |
💡 Pro Tip: Most homeowners choose partial removal to save $3,000-$8,000. It works great if you're planning to landscape the area and not build any structures.
Pool Removal Cost by Pool Type
Your pool type is the biggest factor in determining removal cost. Here's what you'll pay for each type based on actual project data.
Concrete/Gunite Pools
Average: $11,500 | Timeline: 5-7 days
- •Most common and most expensive to remove
- •Requires heavy-duty jackhammers and excavation
- •Reinforced concrete can add $2,000-$4,000
- •Houston projects average $9,017 for concrete pools
Fiberglass Pools
Average: $9,000 | Timeline: 4-6 days
- •Easier to remove than concrete (one-piece shell)
- •Can sometimes be lifted out in one piece
- •Less debris means lower disposal costs
- •Typically 20-30% less than concrete pools
Vinyl Liner Pools
Average: $7,000 | Timeline: 3-5 days
- •Most affordable inground option
- •Steel or polymer walls easier than concrete
- •Great candidate for partial removal
- •Lower disposal fees due to less material
Above Ground Pools
Average: $1,500 | Timeline: 1-2 days
- •Quickest and cheapest removal option
- •Can often be done in a single day
- •Usually no permits required
- •DIY possible for small pools (12-18 ft)
Partial vs Full Pool Removal: Cost Comparison
Choosing between partial and full removal depends on your plans for the space and your budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Partial Removal
✅ Pros:
- • 40-60% cost savings
- • Faster completion (2-3 days)
- • Great for landscaping after
- • Adequate for most uses
❌ Cons:
- • May require disclosure when selling
- • Can't build structures on top
- • Some settling possible over time
Perfect if: You're keeping the property, planning a lawn or garden, and want to save money.
Full Removal
✅ Pros:
- • Complete removal (no pool remains)
- • Build anything on the site
- • Better for property resale
- • No future concerns
❌ Cons:
- • Higher cost (2x partial)
- • Longer timeline (5-7 days)
- • More disruption to yard
Perfect if: Selling soon, planning to build a structure, or want a completely clean slate.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Partial if: Budget is tight, keeping property long-term, planning lawn/garden
Choose Full if: Selling within 5 years, want to build structure, want maximum property value
Still not sure? Our calculator can show you the cost of both options so you can compare.
What Affects Pool Removal Cost?
Understanding these cost factors helps you get accurate estimates. Here's what impacts your final price.
1. Pool Size
Larger pools mean more material to break up, haul away, and dispose of. Here's how size affects cost:
- • Small (12x24 ft): Base cost - $8,000-$10,000
- • Medium (16x32 ft): +20-30% - $9,600-$13,000
- • Large (20x40 ft): +40-60% - $11,200-$16,000
- • Extra Large (25x50 ft): +70-100% - $13,600-$20,000
2. Access and Site Conditions
Getting equipment to your pool can significantly impact cost:
- • Easy access (8+ ft gate): No additional cost
- • Standard access (4-6 ft gate): +$500-$1,000
- • Difficult (no gate, fence removal needed): +$1,500-$3,000
- • Crane required (no yard access): +$3,000-$5,000
Most Houston and Dallas projects require fence panel removal, adding $800-$1,200 to the total cost.
3. Location and Regional Differences
Where you live affects labor rates and disposal fees:
- • Texas (Houston, Dallas): $8,500-$9,500 average
- • California (LA, San Diego): $11,000-$13,500 average (+30%)
- • Florida (Miami, Tampa): $9,000-$10,500 average
- • Arizona (Phoenix): $8,000-$9,000 average
4. Permits and Regulations
Most cities require permits. Costs vary by location:
- • Houston: $200-$500 (Houston Permitting Center)
- • Dallas: $250-$600 (Dallas Development Services)
- • Los Angeles: $300-$800 (LADBS)
- • Phoenix: $150-$400 (City of Phoenix P&D)
We handle all permit applications and inspections as part of our service.
Pool Removal Cost by City
We've completed pool removal projects in 88+ cities nationwide. Here's what homeowners are paying in major markets.
Houston, TX
Average cost | Range: $4K-$15K
Dallas, TX
Average cost | Range: $4K-$15K
Los Angeles, CA
Average cost | Range: $8K-$18K
Find Pool Removal Cost in Your City
We serve 88+ cities nationwide. Click your city to see specific costs, permit requirements, and local contractors.
7 Ways to Save Money on Pool Removal
Pool removal is a significant investment, but these strategies can help you save thousands without compromising quality.
Choose Partial Removal
Save $3,000-$8,000If you're not planning to build on the site, partial removal works great for lawns and gardens. This is the biggest cost-saver.
Schedule in Off-Season
Save $500-$1,500Fall and winter (October-February) often have 10-15% lower rates than spring/summer peak season.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Save $1,000-$3,000Get at least 3 estimates. Our calculator makes this easy - see if quotes are in the right ballpark.
Handle Prep Work Yourself
Save $300-$800Drain the pool, remove deck furniture, and clear the work area before contractors arrive.
Keep Some Fill Material
Save $500-$1,200Using some of the broken concrete as fill (under clean soil) reduces disposal and fill costs.
Combine with Other Projects
Save $400-$1,000If you're doing landscaping anyway, contractors may offer package deals on pool removal + yard work.
Skip Unnecessary Add-Ons
Save $1,000-$2,000You don't need premium fill soil if you're sodding over it. Standard clean fill works fine for most uses.
💰 Potential Total Savings: $6,700-$17,500
By combining multiple strategies, some homeowners save up to 40% on their pool removal project.
Pool Removal Cost FAQs
How much does pool removal cost on average?
Pool removal costs $4,000-$15,000 on average nationwide. Partial removal costs $3,000-$7,000, while full removal costs $8,000-$15,000. Above ground pools are much less expensive at $500-$3,000.
Is pool removal tax deductible?
Pool removal is generally not tax deductible for personal residences. However, if the property is a rental or business, it may qualify as a capital improvement or repair expense. Consult your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Does removing a pool increase property value?
It depends on your market. In warm climates (Arizona, Florida, Southern California), pools often add value. In cooler climates or where the pool is old/damaged, removal can increase value by 5-15% by expanding usable yard space.
What's cheaper: partial or full pool removal?
Partial removal is significantly cheaper ($3K-$7K vs $8K-$15K). It works great if you're planning a lawn or garden and not building any structures. Full removal is necessary only if you're planning to build or want no trace of the pool.
How long does pool removal take?
Partial removal takes 2-3 days of field work. Full removal takes 5-7 days. Add 1-2 weeks for permits and inspections. Most projects from permit to completion take 3-5 weeks total.
Can I finance pool removal?
Yes, many homeowners finance pool removal through home equity loans, personal loans, or contractor financing. Monthly payments typically range from $150-$350 for a $8,000-$12,000 project financed over 3-5 years.
Does insurance cover pool removal?
Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover elective pool removal. However, if the pool is damaged by a covered event (storm, tree fall, etc.), your insurance may cover removal as part of the claim. Check with your insurance provider.
What's included in the pool removal cost?
Professional pool removal includes: permits and applications, utility disconnection, pool demolition/removal, debris hauling and disposal, backfilling with clean fill, soil compaction, grading and leveling, and final site cleanup.
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