How Much Does It Cost to Fill in a Pool: Breaking Down the Real Numbers Behind Pool Removal

Swimming pools represent the American dream for many homeowners—until they don't. Maybe the kids have grown up and moved away, leaving behind an expensive chlorine-hungry monster that nobody uses. Perhaps you've inherited a property with a cracked concrete cavity that's become more mosquito breeding ground than backyard oasis. Or you're simply tired of dumping money into maintenance for something that gets used three times each summer. Whatever brought you to this crossroads, you're staring at that big blue hole in your yard and wondering what it'll actually cost to make it disappear.

Pool removal isn't just about dumping dirt into a hole. I learned this the hard way when I helped my neighbor tackle his pool removal project last spring. The complexity—and the cost—can catch you off guard if you're not prepared. Let me walk you through what really goes into filling in a pool, both financially and practically.

The Two Roads to Pool Removal

When contractors talk about pool removal, they're really discussing two fundamentally different approaches. The first, partial removal (sometimes called a "pool fill-in"), involves punching holes in the bottom for drainage, breaking down the top few feet of the pool walls, and filling everything with dirt and gravel. The second option, complete removal, means exactly what it sounds like—every bit of concrete, rebar, plumbing, and electrical work gets ripped out and hauled away.

The price difference between these approaches is substantial. Partial removal typically runs between $3,000 and $7,000 for an average-sized pool. Complete removal? You're looking at $9,000 to $19,000, sometimes more. But here's what most people don't realize until they're knee-deep in the project: the cheaper option can come back to haunt you.

I've seen properties where partial removals created sinkholes years later. The fill material settled unevenly, creating depressions that collected water and damaged landscaping. More critically, a partially removed pool can complicate or even prevent future construction on that spot. If you're planning to build an addition, install a large patio, or sell the property soon, spending extra on complete removal often makes more sense.

Breaking Down the Actual Costs

The base price contractors quote rarely tells the whole story. Here's what actually drives the cost of pool removal:

Access and logistics play a huge role. Can heavy equipment reach your pool easily, or will workers need to demolish part of your fence? Is there room to maneuver an excavator, or will everything need to be done with smaller equipment? Limited access can add $2,000 to $5,000 to your bill. Urban properties with narrow side yards face this challenge constantly.

Pool construction matters more than size. Gunite and concrete pools cost more to remove than fiberglass shells. Those beautiful tile designs you once loved? Each square foot of tile adds labor time. Steel-reinforced concrete—common in older pools—requires specialized cutting equipment that increases both time and cost.

Disposal fees vary wildly by location. In California, where landfill space comes at a premium, you might pay $500 per truckload to dispose of concrete. In rural Texas, that same load might cost $150. A typical pool removal generates 10-20 truckloads of debris. Do the math, and you'll see why location matters.

Fill material represents another variable cost. Clean fill dirt runs $15-50 per cubic yard, but you'll need more than just dirt. Proper filling requires a mix of materials: gravel for drainage, engineered fill for stability, and topsoil for the final layer. An average pool needs 80-120 cubic yards of fill material.

The Hidden Expenses Nobody Mentions

Beyond the obvious costs lurk expenses that catch homeowners by surprise. Permit fees, while usually modest at $200-500, can balloon in certain municipalities. Some cities require engineering reports for pool removals near property lines or structures, adding $1,000-3,000 to your budget.

Then there's utility work. Pools have electrical lines, gas lines for heaters, and water lines that need proper termination. Simply cutting these lines isn't enough—they must be properly capped and documented. Electrical work alone typically adds $500-1,500 to the project.

Here's something contractors might not volunteer: many pools built before 1980 contain asbestos in their plaster or caulking. If testing reveals asbestos, specialized removal adds $1,500-3,000 to your costs. The testing itself runs $300-500, but skipping it risks hefty fines and health hazards.

Regional Price Variations That Shock Homeowners

Geography impacts pool removal costs more dramatically than most realize. In Phoenix, where pools are common and contractors plentiful, competitive pricing keeps costs reasonable. The same job that costs $5,000 in Arizona might run $12,000 in Connecticut, where fewer contractors specialize in pool removal and disposal costs run higher.

Labor costs follow predictable patterns. Metropolitan areas command premium prices—expect to pay 40-60% more in Los Angeles or New York compared to smaller cities. But rural areas present their own challenges. Fewer contractors mean less competition, and long travel distances for equipment and disposal can offset any labor savings.

Climate plays a surprising role too. In regions with freeze-thaw cycles, pool removal becomes more complex. Proper drainage becomes critical to prevent frost heave, and work windows shrink to avoid frozen ground. These factors add both time and cost to northern projects.

Smart Ways to Reduce Costs

After watching several pool removals and managing one myself, I've identified legitimate ways to save money without compromising quality.

Timing matters enormously. Pool removal contractors stay busy from April through October. Schedule your project for late fall or winter, and you might save 15-20% simply due to reduced demand. Just ensure your region's weather permits winter excavation.

Consider handling some work yourself. While you can't operate an excavator, you can remove pool equipment, furniture, and decking before contractors arrive. Every hour of labor you eliminate saves $75-150. Some homeowners save $1,000 or more through strategic DIY prep work.

Get multiple quotes, but compare them intelligently. The lowest bid often excludes crucial elements like proper compaction or adequate fill material. Ask each contractor to detail exactly what's included. Sometimes paying 10% more upfront saves thousands in future repairs.

The Partial Fill Alternative

Some homeowners choose a middle ground: converting their pool into a sunken garden or pond. This approach maintains the pool structure while eliminating maintenance headaches. Costs typically run $2,000-5,000, significantly less than removal.

This option works well for certain situations. If your pool has historical significance or unique architectural features, preservation might make sense. Some homeowners transform pools into greenhouse foundations or rainwater collection systems. Creative repurposing can add property value while reducing removal costs.

However, this approach has limitations. Insurance companies sometimes view modified pools as liability risks. Future buyers might see an unconventional feature where they expected usable yard space. Consider your long-term plans carefully before choosing this route.

What Happens After the Pool Is Gone

The job isn't finished when the last truckload of debris leaves your property. Proper soil compaction takes time—usually 6-12 months of natural settling. During this period, you'll notice minor depressions forming. Budget for 10-20 cubic yards of additional topsoil to address settling.

Landscaping represents the final cost consideration. That bare patch of dirt needs transformation. Basic grass seeding costs $500-1,000, while professional landscaping can run $5,000-15,000. Factor these finishing touches into your overall budget.

Some homeowners discover unexpected benefits post-removal. Lower insurance premiums save $500-1,000 annually. Eliminated pool maintenance frees up $3,000-5,000 yearly. These savings help offset removal costs over time.

Making the Financial Decision

Pool removal is rarely cheap, but neither is maintaining an unused pool. Annual maintenance, repairs, insurance, and utilities for an unused pool easily exceed $3,000-5,000. Calculate your break-even point—often just 2-3 years for partial removal or 4-6 years for complete removal.

Consider opportunity costs too. That reclaimed space might accommodate a vegetable garden, play area, or outdoor kitchen that actually enhances your lifestyle. The mental relief of eliminating a maintenance burden has value beyond dollars.

For many homeowners, the decision ultimately comes down to property plans. If you're staying put for a decade, removal costs amortize nicely. If you're selling soon, consult local real estate agents. In some markets, pools add value; in others, they're liabilities. Let market reality guide your decision.

Pool removal represents a significant investment, but understanding the true costs helps you budget realistically and avoid surprises. Whether you choose partial or complete removal, prioritize proper execution over bottom-line savings. A correctly filled pool disappears into your landscape, becoming useful yard space. A poorly filled pool creates ongoing headaches that diminish your property's value and your peace of mind.

The empty space where your pool once stood might seem strange at first. But when you're enjoying your new garden, watching kids play on level ground, or simply appreciating lower utility bills, you'll know you made the right choice. The cost of filling in a pool isn't just an expense—it's an investment in a more suitable property for your current life.

Authoritative Sources:

Environmental Protection Agency. "Managing Construction and Demolition Materials." EPA.gov, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023, www.epa.gov/smm/sustainable-management-construction-and-demolition-materials.

National Association of Home Builders. "Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2023." NAHB.org, National Association of Home Builders, 2023, www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/housing-economics/special-studies/cost-vs-value-report.

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. "Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling." CalRecycle.ca.gov, State of California, 2023, www.calrecycle.ca.gov/ConDemo.

Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. "Pool Decommissioning Standards and Guidelines." APSP.org, The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, 2022, www.phta.org/standards/decommissioning.

United States Geological Survey. "Soil Compaction and Settling Patterns in Filled Excavations." USGS.gov, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2023, www.usgs.gov/centers/soil-compaction-research.