2022 Average Cost To Fill An Above Ground Pool

Although an above-ground swimming pool does not require the same degree of commitment as an inground pool, there may come a time when you find that your pool is no longer serving your needs. Whether your family has lost interest in swimming, the pool is in a state of disrepair, or you simply wish to reclaim the space it is occupying in your yard for a different purpose, removing an above-ground pool can be a smart decision.

If you are interested in having your pool removed, it is important to understand what is involved in the process and how much the various options cost. Here is everything you need to know about filling in an above-ground pool:

The Average Cost Of Filling In A Pool

The average cost of removing a swimming pool in 2022 runs from $2500 to $12,000. For an above-ground pool, however, the cost is significantly lower, ranging between $300 and $800. The biggest factor in determining the overall cost of the project is the size of the pool.

However, many above-ground pools are surrounded by a deck, and this can add to the removal cost considerably. The cost of demolishing an above-ground pool with a deck ranges from $1000 and $5000, while the average cost is $2500. The project’s overall costs will end up on the higher end of the range if landscaping, backfilling or excavating a sand base is needed.

This is significantly less expensive than the cost of removing an inground pool, which ranges from $4000 to $16,000 for full demolition and $2000 to $10,000 to fill it in with dirt.

How Is An Above Ground Pool Removed?

The process of removing an above-ground swimming pool can take between one and four hours. Removing an above-ground pool that is difficult to access will take longer than a pool that is easy to reach and situated far away from landscaping and decking.

First, the pool’s pumps, electrical connections and hoses will be unhooked. Then, a submersible or sewer pump is used to drain the water from the pool. This can take several hours or even days depending on the size of the pool and the type of pump used. Care must be taken to ensure the water is drained away from the pool, your house, and your neighbor’s yard.

If water cannot be safely drained from the pool without compromising the surrounding area, it will be necessary to hire professionals who can suck the water from the pool into a tanker and haul it away. The pool filter will also be drained, and then any sand and stone dust will be carefully removed.

Once the pool has been completely drained, the walls and posts will be unbolted and dismantled using hand tools. The liner will be cut and removed, followed by the top rail and the connecting strips. After the wall has been removed, the bottom rim will be pulled from the base sand or dirt.

After the structure has been fully taken apart, the base sand will be removed. Then, the debris will be hauled away. If professional pool removers are hired, they will typically handle this step. For DIY projects, homeowners will need to rent a dumpster and haul the materials themselves as this type of debris cannot be left curbside with household garbage.

Once everything has been removed from the property, homeowners can use the yard however they wish. If the pool is being replaced with a new one, the original base can be preserved, but it must be compacted and leveled before installing a new pool. If the pool is being removed to upgrade to a bigger one, the base can often be enlarged rather than replaced.

For homeowners who will not be installing another pool on the site, the yard should be graded before planting grass seed or installing a deck or gazebo.

Pool Removal Permits

Pool removal permits can cost several hundred dollars and take a few weeks to obtain, but they are not normally needed to remove above-ground pools. However, it is a good idea to check with your municipality to find out if any permits are needed.

If you need to rent a dumpster, however, you may need to obtain a dumpster permit depending on local regulations.

Do You Need To Hire A Contractor For Above-Ground Pool Removal?

Some budget-conscious homeowners may be considering removing their above-ground pool on their own, but there are several reasons that it is better to hire a pool demolition contractor. First and foremost, an above-ground pool removal is a very labor-intensive process. In addition, experienced contractors can ensure the pool is dismantled safely and disposed of properly.

Even if you wish to carry out some of the steps on your own, you should still budget for landscaping services to help bring the space in your yard that was covered by the pool back to life.

When looking for a contractor, make sure that they have specific experience with pool removal rather than only general contracting work. Ask them how many years they have been removing pools and request references from recent customers.

When they provide a bid, it is important to find out whether cleanup and debris removal are included and whether they will obtain any necessary permits. Be sure to find out how they will protect your property from damage during the process.

Some contractors will provide homeowners with a discount if they allow them to recycle the metal frame of the above-ground pool after removing it. You may also be able to reduce the cost by carrying out certain steps on your own, such as draining the pool.

Discuss Your Project With The Northern Virginia Pool Removal Professionals

If you wish to remove an above-ground swimming pool in the Northern Virginia area, get in touch with Dirt Connections. We provide a full range of swimming pool removal services for pools of all types and sizes, from draining and demolition to hauling away debris and filling and grading the yard. Call us today to discuss your project.