How Much Does It Cost to Fill in a Pool in 2025?
Filling in a pool costs an average of $8,000
Most homeowners spend an average range of $4,000 to $12,000 on costs to fill in a pool. The total average cost is $8,000.
Pool size, materials, permits, debris haul-off, and labor all impact your fill-in cost.
Partial filling is less expensive than a complete removal, though a full removal can preserve more of your home’s value.
In-ground pools can cost as little as $2,000 or as much as $19,000 to remove and refill, especially if higher-quality materials are used.
Carefully weighing the cost factors helps homeowners select the right approach for their budget and future plans.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to fill in a pool ranges from $4,000 to $12,000, with a national average of $8,000. Some small-scale fills can be as low as $2,000, while large or complex removals may reach $19,000. Your final bill depends on the size of the pool, the type of pool, and the fill material you select. Set your budget early to avoid surprises, and work with a qualified professional to keep the project on track and within budget.
A homeowner may choose to remove their swimming pool for various reasons, including safety concerns, the cost of swimming pool maintenance, upgrading, or enhancing curb appeal. Regardless of the motivation behind the decision, this is no small task. This project involves heavy-duty equipment and machinery, safety gear, city and/or county permits, and debris removal. Hiring a local pool removal pro will be necessary for this removal project.
Cost Factors for Filling in a Pool
A variety of factors determine what you’ll pay to fill in a pool. Here are the main cost drivers that impact your total.
Pool Size
The bigger the pool, the bigger the bill. More square footage means more dirt, more labor, and more time, so costs climb quickly.
Use your pool dimensions to calculate its volume and total costs. For example, for a pool that’s 24 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 5 feet deep:
Multiply width (12 feet) by length (24 feet).
Multiply the result (288) by depth (5 feet) to determine the volume (1,440 cubic feet).
Divide the volume by 27 to express it in cubic yards (53).
Here are estimated costs for filling in a pool based on an average range of $5 to $15 per cubic yard for structural fill dirt, not including labor or other costs:
| Dimensions (Feet) | Volume (Cubic Yards) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 24 x 5 | 53 | $265–$795 |
| 15 x 30 x 5 | 83 | $416–$1,245 |
| 16 x 32 x 5 | 95 | $475–$1,425 |
Labor
Labor prices swing based on project complexity and local rates. Pool size, accessibility, and other factors influence the complexity and final cost.
Permits
Your municipal code may require you to obtain a permit before removing a pool. Pool removal permits range from $50 to $250, averaging $200. Call your local building office early; some permits take weeks to clear and can stall the project. Be informed about permit requirements so you don’t miss any necessary steps. Your pool removal pro will be able to assist you in the permitting process.
Debris Removal
Most in-ground pools sit inside a concrete deck that must come out, whether you choose a partial or full removal. On average, concrete deck removal costs between $500 and $ 1,700 total. Tougher materials, such as structural aluminum or steel, are more costly to remove.
Cost by Pool Type
The type of pool you’re removing and how you choose to fill it impact the final cost. Smaller pools require less filling and are on the low end of the cost range at $2,000, while removing a large in-ground pool and filling in the area can cost upwards of $19,000.
Above-Ground
Depending on the size, removing an above-ground pool costs $300 to $800 on average. If your pool has a deck, the cost could be up to $5,000.
The cost difference for a pool with a deck accounts for any landscaping, backfill, or excavating of a sand base that may influence expenses.
The removal process takes between one and four hours and begins by draining the pool using a sewer pump. After extraction, demolition services unscrew and unbolt the pool walls, then complete the removal using a hand tool. Finally, the debris is hauled away either through a dumpster rental or by hiring a removal crew.
In-Ground
Homeowners with in-ground pools can opt for either a partial fill-in or full pool removal. Removing a swimming pool costs between $2,000 and $19,000, while partial filling costs between $2,000 and $7,000. In-ground pool removal takes one to seven days to complete.
Cost by Pool Material
The pool’s material can influence the cost of the removal project. The additional cost factor accounts for the labor associated with the fill-in. Some materials require additional steps and are more time-intensive compared to others.
Vinyl
The cost to remove a pool with a vinyl lining ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. Partial fills are often only possible with vinyl pools if they have concrete frames and if an engineer approves the project. Other framing materials, such as aluminum or wood, necessitate a full removal.
Concrete
The cost to fill in a concrete pool ranges between $3,000 and $15,000. Partial fills are a common method for filling in concrete pools, as this option avoids the need for concrete removal and helps keep costs down.
The cost to fully remove the concrete is on the higher end of the average range. With a complete removal, the concrete must be broken up into pieces and hauled off, requiring heavy equipment and additional labor.
Fiberglass
The cost to fill in a fiberglass pool ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Similar to vinyl pools, fiberglass pools aren’t eligible for partial fills and require full removal. If the shell is in good condition, contractors can remove it in one piece. Shells in poor condition need to be broken into pieces. The extent of damage and wear determines the labor requirements and costs.
Cost by Fill Material
Whether you opt for a partial or full fill, the material you choose to fill the pool with impacts the overall cost of the project. No matter how you choose to fill, leave some space at the top to add topsoil if you plan to landscape the area afterward.
Gravel
Delivered and poured, gravel costs between $5 and $8 per cubic yard. Filling your pool with gravel is the least expensive option, but it may present some drawbacks. Gravel is difficult to compact tightly and may increase the risk of settling and sinkholes, so it isn’t a preferred material for filling a pool. Contractors may recommend using gravel as a base filling material to help cut costs.
Dirt
The cost for dirt fill-in ranges from $8 to $12 per cubic yard. Dirt is the most commonly used material for filling in pools. Opt for quality dirt with a mix of soil and gravel so it compacts easily.
Topsoil
Ranging from $12 to $55 per cubic yard, topsoil is a necessary layer to restore your yard’s landscaping once the pool is removed. Planting grass requires 18 inches of topsoil, but more extensive landscaping goals may need as much as 36 inches.
Partial Fill-in vs. Full Pool Removal
Before deciding on a method for removing your pool, consider the costs and the pros and cons of each.
Partial Fill-In
A partial pool fill-in costs between $2,000 and $7,000, averaging $5,000. This process results in the pool collapsing inward, leaving a portion of the pool cavity embedded in the ground. Soil stabilization fabric is placed over the rubble to minimize soil movement before filling the pool cavity with dirt. Contractors then compact the ground to prevent settling.
While a partial pool fill-in only takes one to three days to complete and is less expensive than a full removal, it does come with risks. Primarily, a partial removal leaves the area vulnerable to sinking or improper drainage. When you sell your home, you must also disclose a partial removal.
Partial Pool Fill-In Pros:
Less expensive project overall
Easy removal
Shorter project timeline
Partial Pool Fill-In Cons:
Land becomes unbuildable
High risk of landscaping issues (sinkholes, pooling underground)
Not permitted by some codes
Can decrease property value
Full Removal
A full pool demolition removes everything from the pool cavity using specialized equipment. The resulting materials then require debris removal for proper disposal. Following the removal, contractors fill and compact the area. A full pool removal costs an average of $9,000 to complete but ranges in price from $9,000 to $19,000.
Full removal is more time-consuming than partial removal, taking between three and seven days. Choosing this option leaves the area solid and buildable, helping to retain property value.
Full Pool Removal Pros:
Maintains property value
Land is safe to build on post-removal
Minimal landscaping issues
Full Pool Removal Cons:
Higher project cost
Longer timeline
Budgeting for Filling in a Pool
Filling a pool isn’t cheap, but a few smart moves can keep the budget under control.
Prep the area: Prepare your property for the project and contractors by removing equipment, belongings, and other items. This minimizes the time contractors spend prepping the area or navigating equipment through obstacles.
Get multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from several contractors to get the best value for demolition and filling work.
Pair with other projects: If you plan to landscape or convert the area to a deck or patio, consider the cost advantages of doing these projects together. Contractors may offer reduced fees if you hire them to complete additional work.
Plan your project carefully: While a partial fill using gravel is a lower-cost option, it may end up costing more in the long run if sinkholes develop or you want to sell your home. Choose the project plans that best meet your home’s needs and minimize long-term costs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Pro
Filling in your pool yourself might look cheaper at first, but there’s more to it than draining the water and dumping in dirt. Permits, heavy equipment, and safety concerns can quickly turn a DIY project into a costly headache. Mistakes can cause damage to surrounding structures or lead to complications with local building codes.
Hiring a local pool removal professional to fill in your pool can minimize these risks and ensure a smoother overall experience. Experienced contractors possess the right tools for demolition and debris removal, along with the expertise to handle unexpected challenges. While it may come with a higher upfront price tag, professional removal often saves money in the long run by avoiding potential pitfalls.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, you can fill in a pool yourself, but you’ll need permits, inspections, heavy equipment, and a plan to protect nearby structures. Most homeowners discover that renting machinery and hauling debris eats up the savings fast, and any misstep can flag future inspections or scare off buyers. For most people, hiring a licensed pool removal pro is safer, faster, and often cheaper once you add up all the hidden costs.
Moving an in-ground pool is possible when a relocation is necessary. It requires a full commitment to reestablishing the pool in a new location, with strict adherence to local regulations. The process requires securing new permits, excavating the current site, preparing the replacement site, and reinstalling the pool. The associated cost remains the same as buying and installing a new pool.
On average, it takes between one and seven days to fill in a pool. A partial fill-in can take one to three days, while a full pool removal can take between three and seven days. Large pools take longer to fill than small pools built with the same materials and design.
Restoring a filled-in pool is possible when the proper conditions and regulatory approvals are in place. It requires a complete reconstruction of the pool structure that includes securing permits, completing detailed inspections, excavating the filled area, and executing construction tasks to rebuild the pool. Restoration incurs costs equal to installing a brand-new pool due to the extensive work involved, and it requires the expertise of experienced professionals to ensure compliance with all safety and building standards.
Removing a pool can directly impact a home's value. Pools in excellent condition add significant curb appeal in markets that favor outdoor leisure, whereas outdated or costly-to-maintain pools can diminish property appeal. A complete removal that creates buildable space increases home value, while a partial fill-in may restrict future development options and reduce market attractiveness. Homeowners must evaluate the long-term effects on the value of their property when deciding to remove a pool.
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