Frequently Asked Pool Removal Questions
Pricing a pool removal requires considering several factors. Access is key: an easily accessible pool allows trucks to directly dump soil into the pool, saving time and reducing costs. In contrast, pools located in tight spaces behind houses may require specialized machinery to transport soil, increasing the cost due to the added equipment and operators. With these considerations in mind, pool removal costs typically range from $10,000 to $25,000. Larger pools and municipalities that require complete concrete removal can push the costs even higher.
While most in-ground pools share structural similarities, variations like thicker or additional concrete layers make each unique. Gunite pools, in particular, present extra challenges. Their thick concrete, reinforced with rebar, cannot be removed like a liner pool. Instead, demolition requires specialized equipment, typically an excavator fitted with a hydraulic breaker hammer to pulverize the concrete—a time-consuming process. Consequently, removing a gunite pool may take between four days to two weeks, depending on its composition.
Most towns require a permit for pool removal or filling. Obtaining one is usually straightforward, with the contractor or homeowner visiting town hall to secure it. Fees generally range from $50 to $200, depending on the project’s cost. The town typically inspects the pool after the walls have been removed and it’s ready for filling. Sometimes, photographs suffice to verify proper progress. Afterward, the pool is filled, and a final inspection takes place once the soil is spread.
