Deciding to remove an above ground pool is not a simple decision. But when you decide, one of the most important questions you’ll ask yourself is: how much does it cost? Understanding the financial implications of uninstalling an above ground pool is the first step of the removal process, but many factors come into play.
In this article, I delve into the key factors that impact the total price of above ground pool removal.
Main Takeaways
- Above ground pool removal can cost roughly between $500 and $3,000, with an average cost being $900 for most pool owners.
- Disassembling an above ground swimming pool can take anywhere between 1-5 days, depending on size and complexity.
- Factors that oversee pool removal costs are location, accessibility, labor, drainage, etc.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Above Ground Pool?
The cost of removing an above ground pool is dependent on the size of the pool, your location, the complexity of the removal process, and more. But I’ll go into more depth on this below. If you’re looking for a specific sum, I’d advise you to get in touch with and gather multiple quotes from local contractors in your area to get an average estimate of your project.
On average, however, above ground swimming pool removal can cost you roughly $900. But removing an above ground pool can range between $500 to $3,000. Of course, prices drift to the lower end of the spectrum for a smaller pool easily accessed with minimal complications. On the other hand, prices spike sharply if the pool is large, has additional fixtures to remove, needs specialized equipment, and is difficult to break down into components.
Most pool owners don’t realize that removing an above ground pool isn’t as simple as carting off the pool structure in a truck. Removal also means draining the pool water safely, dismantling electrical and gas connections, safely disposing of miscellaneous pool debris, carefully removing pool equipment, and restoring the land to its original condition. All of this takes time and money, and with so many variations of factors, you have to be prepared budget-wise to follow through on your decision to remove an above ground pool.
Above Ground Pool Removal Cost Factors
$500 to $3,000 is a pretty big range for above ground pool removal. As mentioned, many factors will affect the overall cost. Here are some of the main things you’ll need to consider.
Location and Accessibility
Location counts. While above ground pools are mostly easy to access, it’s entirely possible that your pool might be situated on top of loose or crumbly soil or unstable land. The region could also be hilly and hard to reach, making removal more complicated. However, on the flip side, if the pool is in an easily accessible area, the process gets a lot easier.
Pool Size
It goes without saying that the size of the above ground pool is another important factor. Larger pools easily require much more time, effort, and resources to dismantle and remove, which can result in higher costs.
Pool Draining
Before removing an above ground pool, it needs to be drained into the right drainage area using a submersible pump. If you employ a contractor for this, the cost goes up. However, unlike inground pools, above ground pools are much easier to drain, so you can easily DIY this part of the process.
Labor
Contractors and their rates differ by region. Not just that, the cost of their labor will differ depending on the complexity of the removal process, the number of workers required, the tools needed, and the time taken. You can remove an above ground pool yourself; in fact, it is much easier than removing an inground pool, but if you have a large or complex above ground pool, I highly recommend employing a professional to help with the project.
Additional Infrastructure Removal
Along with the swimming pool itself, the additional infrastructure around it will have to be dismantled and hauled off, like the pool deck or patio, the pool enclosure, fencing, and stairs, which will add to the overall cost.
Landscaping
Once the pool is removed, consider landscape restoration services to repair and restore the earth to its original state. This includes planting grass, bushes, and trees and ensuring your backyard looks as good as – if not better than – before. Landscaping generally costs around $80 to $200 per hour.
Debris Removal
Removing a pool results in plenty of leftover debris. You’ll need to dispose of all pool equipment, wiring, and all pool parts, along with the main body and shell of the pool itself. Make sure to recycle what you can!
Even if you DIY dispose of your above ground pool, you’ll need to haul everything off to the local dump, which costs a national average of $50.
How to Remove an Above Ground Pool
To give you an overview of the process, here’s what removing an above ground pool involves:
- Drain the pool completely, using a pump to remove the water, to an appropriate drainage area.
- Turn off the power grid and disconnect any electrical lines connected to the pool. Also, remove the pump and filter, and clean them out for storage.
- Carefully remove the pool liner, and allow it to dry for a few hours before folding it for proper disposal.
- Dismantling the pool frame might differ depending on if they’re metal, resin, or hybrid, but this generally involves starting with the top rails and working downward. Unscrew bolts and disconnect panels using a screwdriver and a wrench and dismantle piece by piece.
- Disassemble any additional structures, such as decks or enclosures, if present, and remove the pool stairs if applicable.
- Level the ground and properly dispose of all pool materials, including the pool wall, liner, and any other debris. I recommend not skipping this step, though it might be tempting. Ground stability is very important.
If you’re looking for a more detailed breakdown of what goes into removing an above ground pool, I’ve covered it in-depth over here and talked about inground pool removal.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Above Ground Pool Removal
Deciding between DIY and hiring a professional for above ground pool removal depends on your abilities and, of course, your budget. DIY is easier for an above ground pool compared to an inground one. Here are some factors to consider:
- DIY removal means saving money, as you won’t have to pay for professional service.
- DIY is more feasible for smaller above ground pools that are easy for one or two persons to dismantle and remove.
- DIY might be tempting, but you will need to have the necessary skills and knowledge as well as rent the right tools to safely and effectively dismantle the pool.
- DIY removal can be time-consuming and physically demanding, requiring strenuous effort. You’d be putting in probably days of labor—it isn’t as simple as folding a towel and putting it away.
In most cases, I always suggest hiring a professional to do at least part of the job for you. While smaller above ground pools can easily be removed with some basic DIY knowledge, a larger above ground pool may warrant that extra help. Here’s why:
- There are experts with the specific knowledge, experience, and equipment to efficiently and safely complete the job with excavation, debris removal, and restoration tasks with precision and ease.
- Professionals will remove the pool at minimal risk of damage to your property and will also properly dispose of materials.
- It’s also their job to be up-to-speed with any removal regulations and permits and will make sure the removal is compliant.
- A team of experts working to remove and restore your pool area saves you a lot of physical effort and time, making the process super easy for you.
All in all, it comes down to your skills, your budget, and how valuable your time is to you. Contact a professional if you have a large, complex pool, limited time, or prefer a hassle-free experience. On the other hand, if you have a smaller pool, the know-how, the time, and want to save on costs, DIY removal is a great choice!
How Long Does It Take to Remove an Above Ground Pool?
Like anything, the time it takes to remove an above ground pool varies. However, in general, if you’re DIY-ing it, small above ground pools can typically be removed within three to five days. If you hire a professional, they can remove your small pool within a day at most.
If you have a larger above ground pool or a pool with a more complex structure, attached decks, or enclosures, allow more time. For DIY, you might expect to take up to a week to dismantle it completely. If you’ve employed a professional for the removal process, expect it to wrap up in 2-3 days at most, maybe even less if the location is easy to access and no other complications hinder the uninstallation.
If you’re unsure, you can ask the contractor for a projected timeline so you have a better overview of what to expect.
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Is Above Ground Pool Removal Worth the Hassle?
Dismantling your above ground pool is not a simple decision and something you should carefully consider – including the cost. Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Is it challenging to maintain?
- Is it too expensive to keep up with?
- Do you want to switch to an inground pool?
- Are you moving houses and want to take the pool with you?
In the end, the choice to remove depends on the conditions of your requirements. But all in all, I’d say that above ground pools are a lot less hassle to dismantle and uninstall compared to inground pools – not to mention a lot cheaper! And keep in mind that if you change your mind, it’s fairly easy to reinstall one again!
Do you have any more questions about removing above ground pools? Let me know! I’m happy to answer them. Check out my article on the cost of removing a pool for data on inground pools as well.
