How Much Does It Cost to Fill In a Pool in 2024?

Average Cost to Fill In a Pool

Filling In a Pool Cost Factors

Filling in a pool is a significant task, and its total costs can vary widely. The following cost factors can contribute to the final bill.

Size

The size of the pool relates proportionately and directly to the cost of filling it. Larger pools require more materials, labor, and time to fill, which can double overall expenses. 

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:

1. Multiply width (12 feet) by length (24 feet).

2. Multiply the result (288) by depth (5) to determine the volume (1,440 cubic feet).

3. Divide the volume by 27 to express it in cubic yards (53).

Here are estimated costs based on an average range of $8 to $12 per cubic yard for structural fill dirt, not including labor or other costs:

Labor

Labor costs involved with hiring local demolition contractors can vary widely depending on the complexity of the project and local rates. Pool size, accessibility, and other factors influence the complexity and final cost.

Drainage

The pool must be drained before it can be filled in. Specific methods and equipment are needed to drain water safely and according to municipal regulations. Pool service companies or demolition contractors should have equipment to perform this task, but rentals for submersible water pumps otherwise range from $55 to $100.

Other factors, such as local disposal requirements, accessibility, and pool size, may also increase complexity, timelines, and overall costs.

Pool Removal Permits

Your municipal code may require you to obtain a permit before removing a pool. Pool removal permits range from $50 to $250, averaging around $200. Check ahead of time with your local building authority to see if you need a permit, as applications and processing can take several weeks.

In most cases, contractors take care of building permit costs and acquisition on behalf of their clients. Be informed about permit requirements so you don’t miss any necessary steps.

Hiring an Engineer

Hiring a structural engineer for removal helps ensure building safety and code compliance. Some municipalities may even require an engineer consultation. On average, structural engineers cost between $100 and $200 per hour.

If you plan to build in the removal area, an engineer can put together a structural engineering plan and provide a density testing report.

Debris Removal

Most in-ground pools have a concrete deck surrounding them that requires removal in both partial and full removal projects. On average, concrete removal costs between $2 and $5 per square foot or between $500 and $1,700 total.

Depending on the material and size of the pool enclosure, removal may cost between $800 to $2,000. Tougher materials, such as structural aluminum or steel, are more costly to remove.

Landscape Damage

On average, landscapers charge between $50 and $100 per hour. Pool removal projects often damage landscaping, and not just in the area where the pool is removed. Heavy equipment used during removal may damage the surrounding areas.

Protect your landscaping by moving plants and covering the grass with a protective covering. You’ll likely need to hire a landscaper to help clean up the area after the project is complete. 

Cost to Fill in a Pool by Project Type

The type of pool you’re removing and how you choose to fill it impacts the final cost. Smaller pools require less filling and are usually on the low end of the average cost at around $2,000 while removing a large in-ground pool and filling in the area can cost upwards of $19,000.

Above-Ground Pool Removal Costs

Depending on the size, removing an above-ground pool costs $300 to $800 on average. If your pool has a deck, the average removal cost is between $1,000 and $5,000, with a national average cost of $2,500. 

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 process of removal takes between one to four hours and starts by draining the pool with a sewer pump. After extraction, demolition services unscrew and unbolt the pool walls before completing the removal with a hand tool. Finally, the debris is hauled away either through a dumpster rental or by hiring a removal crew.

In-Ground Pool Removal Costs

Homeowners with in-ground pools can opt for either a partial fill-in or full pool removal. Removing a swimming pool costs between $4,000 and $19,000, while partial filling costs an average of $4,500 to $6,250. In-ground pool removal takes one to seven days to complete.

The total cost, including labor, fill material, and other primary factors, varies based on the size of the pool.

Cost to Fill in a Pool by Pool Material Type

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 typically 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 full 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 $15,000. Similarly 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.

What Material Should I Use to Fill in a Pool?

Whether you opt for a partial or full fill, the material you choose to fill the pool impacts the overall cost of the project.

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.

No matter how you choose to fill, leave some space at the top to add topsoil if you plan to landscape the area afterward.

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 only requires about 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 Pool Fill-In

A partial pool fill-in costs between $4,500 to $6,250, averaging around $5,000. This process results in the pool collapsing in on itself, leaving a portion of the pool cavity 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. Mainly, a partial removal leaves the area with a risk of 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 Pool 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 can range in price from $4,000 to $19,000.

Full removal is more time-consuming than partial removal, taking between three to seven days. Choosing this option leaves the area solid and buildable and helps retain property value.

Full Pool Removal Pros:

• Increases 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 can be a significant expense, but homeowners can take several steps to budget effectively and reduce unnecessary costs. Consider these strategies:

• 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.

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.