Average Costs Of Full Versus Partial Pool Fill-Ins

Money is a motivating factor for many homeowners when they begin to look into having a swimming pool removed. If they are not getting much use or enjoyment out of their pool, they may wonder whether it would be cheaper to have the pool taken out of their yard entirely. Ongoing maintenance can be a big drain on finances, but can homeowners really save money by having their pool removed?

For many people, the answer is yes, and there are two main approaches available to suit different budgets. Here is a look at how much it costs to have an inground pool professionally removed and what is involved in the process.

Pool Removal Methods

There are two main approaches to removing an unwanted inground swimming pool. The first is a full removal, which can range in price from $4,000 to $16,000. Having the pool filled in with dirt, also known as a partial removal, is a cheaper option that ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, but it comes with a few caveats. These ranges are wide because there are so many different factors that go into determining the cost of a pool removal.

Here is a breakdown of each type of pool removal and the factors that can influence its costs.

Pool Fill-In

A pool fill-in, or partial removal, entails punching holes at the bottom of the pool, then collapsing its walls and concrete into the pool and filling the shell with the resultant materials. The remaining area is then filled with dirt.

This is a cheaper and quicker method of having an inground pool removed. However, there is a risk of sinking or drainage issues in the yard if the pool has not been filled in correctly by professionals.

In addition, having a pool filled in means that the area where the pool was cannot be built on in the future. The fill-in must be disclosed to potential buyers when it comes time to sell the home, and those who wish to use the yard for certain purposes that require placing structures there may choose not to buy the home as a result of this disclosure.

Full Pool Removal

This is a more expensive option because it requires you to use engineered backfill. However, it is considered a superior pool removal method because every trace of the pool’s existence will be removed, and the area will be buildable so that future structures may be placed there. It also means that you can reclaim your yard for whatever use you choose.

Moreover, unlike a pool fill-in, there is no need to disclose that there was once a pool on the property to potential buyers, and it will not have an impact on the market value of your home when it comes time to sell.

Pool Removal Costs

A partial fill-in with dirt and rubble can cost around $20 to $80 per cubic yard, while a full pool demolition that removes every trace of the pool can cost between $30 and $130 per cubic foot on average.

This is just a general guide; your specific price will depend on the pool’s material, labor costs, and the type of backfill that is used.

Pool Demolition Price Factors

Pool demolition companies typically include additional costs in their estimates. This may include the expenses associated with removing debris, obtaining permits and other work. Here’s a look at some of the major pool demolition costs you can expect to pay.

Permits

This will depend on the area in which you live. Your local authorities may require you to obtain a permit prior to having the pool removed, and this could cost as much as $300. Your pool removal contractors will normally handle this step for you. It may also be necessary to obtain an encroachment permit for using a public right of way. If a dumpster will be placed on your property, it may be necessary to obtain dumpster permits as well.

Draining The Pool

Pool draining can cost as much as $175 when it is carried out by professionals. Some homeowners choose to drain their pool themselves.

Labor

Labor is typically the costliest aspect of a pool removal and can run between $1,000 to upwards of $3,000. The cost of labor will be largely influenced by the material of the pool as some types of material are more difficult to remove than others.

Moreover, if a pool has custom features such as decking, fencing or enclosures that must be removed as part of the pool removal, this can add onto labor costs significantly.

Licensed Engineers

For a full pool removal, the services of a licensed engineer will be necessary in many municipalities, and this can cost upwards of $500. This is an essential component of ensuring that the land is safe to be built on again in the future. The engineer will need to provide a density testing report in a demolition and compaction plan and declare that the backfill area is safe for future construction.

Debris Removal

When a pool is removed, a significant amount of debris will need to be hauled away. This can cost in the range of $150 to $380. This expense is far lower in a pool fill-in because the debris that results from breaking down the top part of the pool is left inside of the shell.

Fill Materials

The average price range for fill materials for pool removals runs from $500 to $7,000. Again, with a pool fill-in, this will tend to run on the cheaper side of the range because less filler is needed since part of the shell will be occupied by the remnants of the top part of the pool that was broken down. The price of fill-in materials will also depend on the type of dirt that is used as well as the size of the pool, with larger pools requiring more fill than smaller ones.

Pool backfill materials also need to be compacted in order to increase their density and prevent sinking. Most cities require 90 to 95% compaction. The general rule of thumb used for filling a pool is 80% compacted structural fill and 20% topsoil.

Reach Out To The Pool Removal Professionals

If you are considering having an inground pool removed from your property, get in touch with the Northern Virginia pool demolition specialists at Dirt Connections. We can provide estimates for both full and partial pool removals so that you can make an informed decision about the best way forward.