Pool removal cost (2026)
Every number on this page comes from a named cost guide we read in Nov 2026. These are published national estimates, not quotes. The only way to know your price is to get quotes.
The short answer
Two national guides put typical pool removal between about $5,000 and $10,000 (Fixr, average about $7,500) and as broadly as $2,700 to $19,000 (Bob Vila, average about $6,000). In-ground pools drive the high end. Above-ground pools and hot tubs cost much less.
Sources: Fixr, "How much does it cost to fill in a pool?" (page updated Jan 31, 2025), accessed Nov 2026; Bob Vila, "Cost to Fill In a Pool" (published Mar 1, 2023), accessed Nov 2026. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
Cost by project type
| Project | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pool removal, overall | $5,000 to $10,000 typical, average about $7,500 (low end $3,000, high end $15,000) | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Pool removal, overall | $2,700 to $19,000 (national average about $6,000) | Bob Vila, Mar 2023 |
| In-ground, partial fill-in | $3,000 to $7,000 | Fixr |
| In-ground, partial fill-in | $4,500 to $6,250 | Bob Vila |
| In-ground, full removal | $5,000 to $15,000 | Fixr |
| In-ground, full removal | $4,000 to $16,000 (average about $9,000) | Bob Vila |
| Above-ground pool | Removal starts around $500, and can approach $2,000 when landscaping under the pool is included | Fixr |
| Above-ground pool | $300 to $800 | Bob Vila |
| Hot tub / spa | $150 to $650, average about $350 | Homedit, Oct 2023 |
Sources: Fixr, "How much does it cost to fill in a pool?" (page updated Jan 31, 2025), accessed Nov 2026; Bob Vila, "Cost to Fill In a Pool" (published Mar 1, 2023), accessed Nov 2026; Homedit, "Hot Tub Removal Costs" (published Oct 6, 2023), accessed Nov 2026. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
Cost by pool material (in-ground)
| Material | Fixr | Bob Vila |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3,000 to $10,000 | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Concrete | $3,000 to $15,000 | $3,000 to $15,000 |
| Fiberglass | $5,000 to $10,000 | $5,000 to $15,000 |
Sources: Fixr, "How much does it cost to fill in a pool?" (page updated Jan 31, 2025), accessed Nov 2026; Bob Vila, "Cost to Fill In a Pool" (published Mar 1, 2023), accessed Nov 2026. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
Add-ons that raise the bill
- Pool deck removal: $500 to $1,700
- Screen enclosure removal: $800 to $2,000
- Dumpster rental: $200 to $800 per week
- Structural engineer (if you will build on the spot): about $500
- Permit: $50 to $250, depending on location
Sources: Bob Vila, "Cost to Fill In a Pool" (published Mar 1, 2023), accessed Nov 2026; Fixr, "How much does it cost to fill in a pool?" (page updated Jan 31, 2025), accessed Nov 2026. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
Partial fill-in vs full removal
A partial fill-in breaks up the bottom and fills the shell in place. A full removal takes the shell out. Partial costs less and is quicker, at about 2 to 5 days versus 5 to 7 days for a complete removal per Fixr. The trade-off is what stays in the ground. Read the in-ground pool removal guide for more.
Source: Fixr, "How much does it cost to fill in a pool?" (page updated Jan 31, 2025), accessed Nov 2026. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
Permits are local
Most cities require a permit and inspections, and the rules are different everywhere. For example, Houston requires a sewer disconnect permit and a demolition/fill permit with specific backfill compaction, while Tucson has a dedicated swimming pool demolition permit. See our city permit guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost to remove a pool?
Fixr gives a national average of about $7,500 (typical range $5,000 to $10,000). Bob Vila gives about $6,000 (range $2,700 to $19,000). Averages mix in-ground and above-ground, so your cost depends on pool type.
Why do the numbers differ between sources?
Each guide uses different data, dates and definitions of what is included. The sources we used are dated between 2023 and 2025. Use ranges as a rough guide, then rely on written quotes.
Is a partial fill-in a good idea?
It is cheaper and faster, but the shell stays in the ground, it can settle, and it is typically disclosed when selling. If you plan to build there, ask local contractors and your building department about full removal.
Does insurance or my homeowner policy cover pool removal?
We have no sourced information on this. Ask your insurance agent.
Do these numbers include permits?
Usually not. Both guides list permits separately at $50 to $250, depending on location.
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