For many homeowners, removing and filling in an inground pool represents a major lifestyle and financial decision. Whether due to maintenance costs, safety concerns, or a desire to reclaim backyard space, the process of filling an inground pool can feel daunting—especially when it comes to budgeting. This comprehensive guide explores the costs, options, and considerations involved in filling in an inground pool, providing you with the knowledge needed to make an informed choice.
Why Would Someone Fill in Their Inground Pool?
Before diving into the costs, it’s crucial to understand why homeowners might choose to remove or fill their pools. Some of the most common reasons include:
Maintenance Burden
Inground pools require ongoing, often expensive maintenance—from weekly chemical balancing to winterization and equipment repairs. The annual cost of maintaining an average-sized pool can easily exceed $3,000, making removal feel like a financial relief.
Safety Concerns
For families with young children or homes changing hands, a pool can become a liability. Filling in a pool reduces the risk of accidents and may lower homeowners insurance premiums.
Structural Issues
Many older pools suffer from cracks, leaks, or outdated filtration systems. Repairing such issues can be prohibitively expensive, especially when compared to completely removing or filling the structure.
Changing Needs and Lifestyle Shifts
As lifestyles evolve, outdoor living needs may shift. Some homeowners prefer to convert the pool space into a garden, patio, or lawn area better suited to their evolving vision for their property.
The Cost of Filling in an Inground Pool: Factors to Consider
Filling in an inground pool isn’t a one-size-fits-all project. The expenses involved can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Pool Type and Size
The construction of your pool determines how challenging and costly the fill-in process will be. Common in-ground pool types include concrete, fiberglass, and vinyl. Concrete pools are the most durable and typically the costliest to address due to their thickness and reinforcement.
Pool size also plays a major role. A small 10 x 20 ft pool will be less expensive to remove or fill than a full-sized 20 x 40 ft pool. Here’s a cost comparison based on pool size:
| Pool Size (ft) | Estimated Fill-In Cost |
|---|---|
| 8 x 12 (small) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| 15 x 30 (medium) | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| 20 x 40 (large) | $10,000 – $20,000+ |
Removal vs. Partial Fill-In
There are two primary approaches to dealing with an in-ground pool: full removal or a partial fill-in.
Full Pool Removal involves excavating the entire structure, breaking up the concrete shell, and replacing the soil back to grade level. This option ensures there are no remnants of the pool, but it requires permits, heavy machinery, and significant labor—making it significantly more expensive, often costing between $10,000 and $20,000 or more.
Partial Pool Fill leaves the shell intact and only fills in part of the depth and covers the surface with dirt and sod. This is the less expensive route—often costing $2,500 to $8,000—but it does come with potential long-term drawbacks like pooling water and uneven settling.
Additional Expenses
Besides labor and materials, other costs can include:
- Permit and inspection fees
- Landscaping restoration
- Disposal of debris
- Relocation or removal of pool equipment like heaters and pumps
In some regions, environmental guidelines restrict how concrete and chemicals can be disposed of properly—adding complexity and cost to the process.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect When You Fill In Your Pool
Every process is unique, but the expenses involved typically fall into several categories:
Demolition and Debris Removal
Breaking up concrete, hauling away steel rebar, and ensuring that the property is cleared of hazardous materials accounts for a large portion of the budget. For full removals, this phase alone can cost between $3,000 to $8,000, depending on complexity and accessibility.
Backfill and Soil Replacement
The actual dirt or fill material used to replace the pool can vary in cost depending on how much earth is needed and whether special compact soil needs to be brought in. Sand or construction gravel may be layered at the bottom for proper drainage.
Labor and Equipment
Specialized equipment like excavators, jackhammers, and dump trucks are essential for the job. The need for professionals also adds to the cost, especially if the project is large or has time constraints.
Landscaping Restoration
Refilling the pool doesn’t end when the concrete is buried. Grading the ground, seeding, resodding, or building new structures like patios or decks to match the yard can easily add several thousand dollars to the total cost.
Regional Pricing Variance
Where you live dramatically affects fill-in costs. Urban or high-cost regions such as New York, California, and New Jersey typically have labor and disposal fees that are 20–30% higher than markets with lower overhead. On the other hand, states with less regulatory oversight or lower labor costs like Texas or Florida offer comparatively cheaper options.
Are There Cost-Saving Alternatives?
Before committing to a full or partial fill-in, homeowners often explore more economical or less invasive alternatives:
Fiberglass Covers or Aesthetic Pool Hiding
For those unwilling to lose pool access permanently, some opt for expensive but attractive pool covers like removable decking systems or grass-over systems. While visually concealing the pool, these options preserve the water system and come with their own set of costs.
Capping vs. Filling
Capping involves sealing the pool and placing an above-ground platform over it. Though cheaper than full removal, it is less permanent and risks structural issues over time as moisture interacts with the old shell.
Repurposing the Pool Area
Rather than filling the entire pool, some repurpose it for new backyard features. Turn a pool into a skate park, greenhouse, water feature, or sunken garden without full structural removal. The flexibility of this approach means less cost while gaining aesthetic and recreational appeal.
Estimated Cost of Alternatives
- Hard pool covers: $3,000–$10,000
- Pool capping system: $2,500–$7,000
- Partial repurposing (e.g., koi pond conversion): $1,500–$4,000 (labour and materials)
DIY or Hire a Professional?
While the prospect of saving money by doing it yourself may be tempting, filling in a pool is a task that should not be underestimated. Handling concrete removal, grading, and structural support requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Risks of DIY Pool Filling
Without proper backfill techniques, the ground can settle unevenly, creating sinkholes or damaging other structures on the property. Improper drainage can also lead to waterlogging and lawn damage that may cost more to fix than hiring a professional from the outset.
Professional Advantages
Reputable contractors offer peace of mind. They:
– Ensure proper compaction of soil
– Comply with zoning and environmental regulations
– Handle all permits on your behalf
– Provide a finished surface ready for landscaping
Bottom line: It’s generally worth hiring professionals unless you have experience in heavy construction and full resources to complete the project safely and efficiently.
Reclaiming Your Backyard: The Final Cost
Beyond the cost of filling alone, homeowners often choose to improve their property by investing in new backyard landscaping or structures. A flat slab lawn can cost between $50 and $150 per square foot for sodding, soil grading, and sprinkler systems.
If you’re adding features like a fire pit, patio, or outdoor kitchen, be prepared for additional costs:
| Backyard Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete patio (200 sq ft) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Wooden deck | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Fire pit | $500 – $3,000 |
| Garden transformation | $2,000 – $8,000+ |
Does Filling in a Pool Increase Home Value?
Another critical aspect to consider is property value. While pools historically add appeal and value to a home, a neglected or aging pool may have the opposite effect. Filling a problematic pool or adding new features can both increase curb appeal and functional outdoor space.
However, in markets where pools are in high demand (such as drought-resistant Southwest regions, or affluent neighborhoods that attract young professionals), removing a pool may lead to a decrease in property value. It’s important to consult local real estate professionals to understand how filling in your pool may affect your home’s saleability.
Property-Specific Considerations
Evaluate your decision based on:
– Neighborhood average and buyer preferences
– Overall property budget
– Lifestyle preferences of the current homeowners
– Whether you’re planning to sell soon or in the long term
Filling in your pool is an investment, but the return on investment depends on how well the transformation aligns with local market demands and desired aesthetics.
Preparing Financially and Emotionally for Pool Removal
Even though filling in an in-ground pool can feel like the best decision, it’s also helpful to consider emotional ties. For many, the pool is more than a structure—it’s part of family life and memories. Therefore, planning ahead helps ease the transition.
Financial Planning Tips
If you’re making structural renovations:
– Get multiple, written quotes
– Allocate a 10–15% budget buffer for unexpected costs
– Check if you qualify for property tax credits for safety improvements
– Explore financing options if upfront costs are too steep
Emotional Considerations
Make sure to take time to understand how important the pool is to all members of the household. If it’s unused, talk to family or neighbors about memories or connections to it. Then, brainstorm ways to reimagine your outdoor area into something better-suited to your current lifestyle.
Conclusion
So, is it expensive to fill in an in-ground pool? The short answer is yes—especially if you choose full removal, complete landscaping, and professional assistance. However, framing this expense as an investment rather than a cost can offer a more balanced perspective. By removing an old or problematic pool, you create safer, more versatile outdoor space while potentially increasing your property’s appeal to future buyers or enhancing your personal enjoyment.
Ultimately, filling in a pool is a complex decision involving budget, personal lifestyle, and future goals. With careful planning, thorough research, and the right professionals, the process can be smooth, cost-efficient, and visually rewarding.
Whether you’re looking to reclaim your backyard or restructure your budget, understanding the full cost picture of filling an in-ground pool sets you up for success—financially, practically, and emotionally.
How much does it cost to fill in an inground pool?
The total cost of filling in an inground pool can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size and type of the pool, local labor rates, accessibility for heavy equipment, and whether you choose to completely remove the concrete structure or just collapse and backfill it. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $3,000 and $15,000. Smaller pools or partial removals may cost less, while larger pools, especially those with deep ends or complicated access, will usually be at the higher end of the range.
Additional expenses may include permits, inspections, utility line checks, and disposal fees for debris. In some cases, the existing deck and surrounding landscaping must also be removed and replaced to ensure the filled area blends seamlessly with the rest of the yard. Choosing a complete removal and restoration typically raises the cost, but it also eliminates any potential future liabilities associated with a buried structure.
What factors most significantly affect the cost of filling in a pool?
Several key elements can affect the final cost of filling in an inground pool. The type of pool—whether concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass—has a significant role in the cost, as concrete pools require more labor-intensive demolition and disposal. The size of the pool also plays a large part, with deeper and larger pools requiring more extensive excavation, machinery, and materials to safely and thoroughly remove. If the backyard is small or has limited access for large equipment, the removal process may require hand demolition, which increases labor costs.
Accessibility also influences how efficiently contractors can work. Pools located in tight spaces or with obstructions like fences, garden beds, or mature trees can complicate the process. Regional labor costs and disposal fees for debris are another major variable. Finally, whether a homeowner opts for partial in-fill (capping the pool) or full removal and yard restoration can significantly impact the overall cost, with full removal being much more expensive but offering lasting aesthetic and safety benefits.
Do I need a permit to fill in my inground pool?
Yes, in most jurisdictions, homeowners are required to obtain a permit to fill in an inground pool. Regulations vary by city and county, but they generally consider pool removal as a structural change that impacts property safety and zoning compliance. Permits help ensure that the work is performed according to local building codes, and they often require inspections at different stages of the project, particularly after demolition and backfilling.
Failure to obtain a permit can result in fines and complications when selling the home in the future. The permit process may also help connect homeowners with local utility services to identify buried lines before digging begins. A licensed contractor familiar with local regulations can usually handle the permitting on behalf of the homeowner, making the process smoother and reducing the potential for legal issues.
What’s the difference between partial and full pool removal?
Partial pool removal, sometimes referred to as “capping,” involves draining the pool, breaking up the bottom and sides to allow for proper drainage, and then filling the hole with dirt, gravel, or crushed concrete. The top layer is then covered with soil and sod so the area blends into the yard. This method is less expensive and faster, but it leaves parts of the original structure below ground, which could shift or settle unevenly over time.
Full removal, on the other hand, entails completely excavating the inground pool, including all concrete and plumbing, then replacing the soil to grade level. This option is more costly but ensures long-term safety, minimizes the risk of unexpected ground collapse, and may be required for certain real estate transactions. Full removal also allows for more flexibility in landscape design and helps maintain property value once the yard is restored.
Can filling in a pool add value to a home?
The impact of filling in a pool on a home’s value depends largely on local real estate trends and buyer preferences. In areas where pools are seen as a liability due to safety concerns, maintenance costs, or climate-related issues, removing a pool can make a home more attractive and therefore increase its market appeal. This is particularly true if the pool is old, no longer functional, or detracts from overall curb appeal and usable yard space.
However, in regions where swimming pools are highly desirable, filling one in may reduce appeal for some buyers. If the removal is done well—restoring the yard and replacing any damaged decking or landscaping—it can often result in increased value by presenting a more versatile and family-friendly outdoor space. A well-restored lawn can be more marketable to a broader range of homebuyers than a neglected or hazardous pool.
What are the environmental considerations when filling in a pool?
Removing or filling in an inground pool can create a significant amount of waste material, including concrete, metal, and potentially toxic sealants or coatings. Depending on local regulations, these materials must be disposed of or recycled properly to minimize environmental impact. Many pool removal contractors work with recycling centers or disposal companies to responsibly handle concrete and metal components, reducing landfill use.
Additionally, if the existing soil in the area is contaminated with chlorine or pool chemicals, it may require special handling and disposal. Homeowners should consult with a professional and contact their local environmental agency to ensure that all materials are disposed of in accordance with applicable laws. Proper planning can help make the pool removal process greener, especially when using recycled materials or transforming the area into green space that supports local biodiversity.
How long does the process of filling in a pool typically take?
The duration of a pool in-fill project depends on whether it’s a partial or full removal, the size of the pool, site accessibility, and the extent of landscape restoration. Partial removals generally take fewer days—typically between one to three—because the structure is not entirely removed. Full removals involving concrete pools and extensive backyard work can take between three to seven days, particularly if special permits or inspections are required.
Weather and unforeseen circumstances, such as buried utilities or poor soil conditions, can add time to the project. It’s also common for the job to include repairing or replacing patios, sprinkler systems, and sod, which can extend the timeline further. Homeowners should plan for at least a week for a full removal and restoration and ensure clear communication with the contractor about scheduling to avoid unnecessary delays.