Above-ground pool removal
Smaller than an in-ground job, but still worth comparing quotes. Tell us about your pool and local crews may reach out.
What it costs
| Published figure | Source |
|---|---|
| Removal starts around $500, and can approach $2,000 when landscaping under the pool is included | Fixr (Jan 2025) |
| $300 to $800 for above-ground pools | Bob Vila (Mar 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. Published ranges are national estimates from third-party cost guides, not quotes. Your price depends on your property and your contractor.
The figures differ, so use them as a rough guide and ask for quotes.
What changes the price
- Pool size and how it is built (steel wall, resin, soft-sided).
- Decking or fencing attached to the pool.
- Landscaping and finishing after removal (seed or sod). Fixr says costs can approach $2,000 when landscaping under the pool is included.
- Access for hauling and where the pool needs to go.
- Electrical or plumbing connections that need to be disconnected, such as a pump.
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 and timeline
Rules vary. Many cities regulate pools of a certain depth or size, so check with your local building department before work starts. We did not find a reliable published timeline for above-ground pool removal, so ask contractors how long they expect it to take.
Related: in-ground pool removal and hot tub removal.
Frequently asked questions
Is above-ground pool removal expensive?
Usually much less than in-ground removal. Published guides put it in the hundreds to low thousands of dollars: Fixr says removal starts around $500, and can approach $2,000 when landscaping under the pool is included, and Bob Vila lists $300 to $800 for above-ground pools.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on your city. Some places require a permit for any pool removal and some do not for small above-ground pools. Check with your local building department.
What happens to the ground afterward?
The pool leaves a level spot, often with dead grass or a sand base. Cost guides note that landscaping and finishing (seed or sod) can add to the total.
Who does the work?
Independent local contractors. Backyard Removal Pros is a free referral service and does not perform removal.
Get your free quote
Free to request. Tell us about the project and we will share it with up to 3 independent local contractors who may contact you with a quote. We are a referral service, not a contractor.