How Much Does it Cost to Fill In a Swimming Pool?

Owning a swimming pool sounds great until reality kicks in, endless cleaning, rising chemical bills, unexpected repairs, leaks, and energy costs that never seem to stop. And if the pool isn’t getting used like it once did, it starts feeling less like a luxury and more like a burden sitting in your backyard.

That’s when many homeowners consider filling it in to save time, money, and sanity. But before you decide, it’s important to understand what truly affects the overall cost.

What Really Affects the Cost?

Here’s a quick breakdown of the biggest factors that influence how much you might spend when filling in a swimming pool:

1. The Type of Pool You Have

Different pool materials require different levels of work.

• Concrete pools need heavy equipment and more demolition.
• Vinyl pools involve removing the liner and framing.
• Fibreglass pools require careful lifting and disposal.
  Each material changes the time, labour, and debris involved.

2. Pool Size and Depth

A larger or deeper pool means more demolition, more debris to haul away, and more fill material. Deep pools especially need multiple compacting layers to prevent future sinking.

3. Accessibility to Your Yard

If machinery can easily reach the pool area, the job stays smooth. But tight gates, delicate landscaping, or awkward backyard layouts slow things down and add to the labour.

4. Full Removal vs. Partial Removal

You can choose between:

• Partial removal: Breaking sections of the pool and filling it in, a quicker, more budget-friendly option.
• Full removal: Taking out the entire structure before backfilling, ideal if you plan to build on the space later.
  Your choice has one of the biggest impacts on overall cost.

5. Quality of Backfill Material

Using proper fill (clean soil, gravel, compacted layers) ensures long-term stability. Cheap or poor backfill can cause sinking or uneven ground.

6. Local Regulations & Permits

Permit requirements, inspections, disposal rules, and local standards vary by city. These factors all influence the final project cost.

The Short Answer: It Depends (But Here’s a Realistic Range)

Most pool fill-ins fall somewhere between $7,000 and $20,000+, depending on the type of pool, size, access to the yard, and whether you choose a partial or full removal.
Think of it like renovating a room — the cost changes based on what’s behind the walls, how much demolition is needed, and the final look you want.

Option 1: Partial Pool Removal (More Budget-Friendly)

Partial removal is exactly what it sounds like. Crews break holes in the bottom of the pool for drainage, demolish the top portion of the walls, and fill the rest with clean soil or gravel.

Cost Range: $7,000 – $12,000

This option is great if you’re looking for the most economical route and don’t plan on building anything heavy (like a garage or addition) over that space later.
It’s safe, clean, and the quickest way to turn the pool area into usable yard space again.

Option 2: Full Pool Removal (The More Permanent Choice)

With full removal, the entire pool structure — walls, floor, steel, plumbing — is completely taken out and hauled away. Then the area is filled, compacted, and leveled.

Cost Range: $12,000 – $20,000+

It costs more because there’s more labour, more equipment, and more disposal involved.

In a Nutshell

Filling in a swimming pool is a big decision, but understanding the factors and options makes it much easier to plan. Whether you choose a partial or full removal, the goal is the same—less maintenance, lower costs, and a backyard you can finally enjoy again.