Above-Ground Pool Removal: Steps, Cost, and Disposal
Quick Answer
Above-ground pool removal in Oregon costs $300 to $1,500 depending on pool size, material, and whether a deck or concrete pad needs to come out too. A standard round above-ground pool (12 to 24 feet) without a deck runs $300 to $800. Pools with attached decking cost $800 to $1,500. In-ground pool demolition is a significantly larger project, running $5,000 to $15,000+, and requires excavation equipment and permits.
The above-ground pool seemed like a great investment during that one hot Oregon summer. Now the liner is cracked, the pump died two seasons ago, and the whole thing has become a mosquito breeding ground. It is time for it to go.
Above-ground pool removal is a manageable project, but it is bigger than most homeowners expect. The pool itself is just the beginning — you also have the liner, pump and filter equipment, plumbing, and potentially a deck to deal with. Let us walk through the process and the costs.
Above-Ground Pool Removal Cost
| Pool Scenario | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small above-ground pool (12-15 ft round) | $300 - $500 |
| Medium above-ground pool (18-24 ft round) | $400 - $700 |
| Large above-ground pool (24-33 ft round or oval) | $600 - $1,000 |
| Pool with attached wood deck | Add $200 - $500 |
| Pool with concrete pad | Add $300 - $800 |
| Pool equipment removal (pump, filter, heater) | Usually included |
These prices include draining, disassembly, hauling, and disposal. They assume the pool is accessible by truck.
In-Ground Pool Demolition (Brief Overview)
This article focuses on above-ground pools, but if you have an in-ground pool, here is a brief overview:
- Partial demolition (fill-in) — The walls are broken down a few feet, the bottom is punctured for drainage, and the hole is filled with gravel and dirt. Cost: $5,000 to $10,000.
- Full demolition (complete removal) — The entire pool structure is excavated and removed. Cost: $10,000 to $15,000+.
- Permits required — In-ground pool demolition requires permits in most Oregon jurisdictions.
- Disclosure — If you sell the property, you must disclose the former pool location.
In-ground pool demolition is an excavation project, not a junk removal job. It requires heavy equipment and typically takes 3 to 7 days.
Steps for Above-Ground Pool Removal
Step 1: Drain the Pool
Before any disassembly can begin, the pool needs to be emptied.
- Use a submersible pump — A utility pump ($30 to $60 from any hardware store) drains most pools in 2 to 6 hours depending on size.
- Where to drain — Oregon allows draining pool water onto your property or into the storm drain system, provided the water has been dechlorinated. Stop adding chlorine at least a week before draining, or use a dechlorination product.
- Do NOT drain into a septic system — The volume of water can overwhelm a residential septic system.
- Time it right — Drain on a day when you or the removal crew will be disassembling. An empty above-ground pool is structurally unstable and can collapse.
Step 2: Remove the Liner
The vinyl liner is the first component to come out after draining. It is typically cut into manageable sections with a utility knife and rolled up for disposal. Liners are landfill-bound — there is no recycling infrastructure for PVC pool liners in Oregon.
Step 3: Disassemble the Frame
Above-ground pool frames are made of:
- Steel — The most common frame material. Steel pools disassemble by removing bolts, pins, and connectors. The steel is valuable scrap metal.
- Aluminum — Lighter and easier to handle. Also recyclable as scrap.
- Resin / plastic — Some newer pools use resin components. These are lighter but not recyclable in most cases.
Disassembly takes 2 to 6 hours depending on pool size and frame condition. Corroded bolts and weathered components can slow the process.
Step 4: Remove Equipment
Pool equipment includes the pump, filter, heater (if applicable), and plumbing. These components are typically recycled as scrap metal. If the equipment is still functional, it may have resale value.
Step 5: Address the Base
What is under the pool matters:
- Sand base — Can be leveled and left in place, or removed if you want to restore the area to its original condition.
- Concrete pad — Requires breaking up and hauling away. See our guide on concrete removal and disposal for that process.
- Compacted earth — May need grading and reseeding to restore the yard.
Step 6: Remove Decking (If Applicable)
If your pool has an attached deck, that is a separate demolition and removal job. Wood decking typically runs $200 to $500 to tear down and haul away, depending on size.
DIY vs Professional Pool Removal
DIY Costs (medium above-ground pool):
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Submersible pump (if you don't own one) | $30 - $60 |
| Tools (wrenches, utility knife, saw) | $0 - $50 |
| Dumpster rental (20-yard) | $350 - $500 |
| Your time (8-16 hours) | A full weekend |
| Total DIY | $380 - $610 + your labor |
Professional Removal:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full service removal | $400 - $700 |
| Your time | 15 minutes to walk the crew through the job |
| Total professional | $400 - $700 |
The DIY savings are minimal for above-ground pool removal, and the job is physically demanding. Pool frames have sharp edges, heavy components, and corroded hardware that make disassembly frustrating and potentially dangerous. Most homeowners find professional removal well worth the cost.
What Happens to Pool Materials
A responsible removal company separates pool components:
- Steel and aluminum framing — Recycled at scrap metal facilities. This is the most valuable component.
- Vinyl liner — Landfilled. PVC recycling is very limited.
- Pump and equipment — Scrap metal recycling. Copper wiring and motor components have value.
- Concrete pad — Crushed and recycled as aggregate if removed.
- Wood decking — Recycled as clean wood waste or disposed of at a transfer station.
At Otesse, we sort and recycle every pool component we can, diverting the metal components from the landfill. Learn more about our junk removal services.
Permits and Regulations
Above-ground pool removal: Generally does not require a permit in Oregon. The structure is temporary and sits on top of the ground.
In-ground pool demolition: Requires a demolition permit in most Oregon jurisdictions. Check with your local building department.
Electrical disconnect: If your pool has a dedicated electrical circuit (most do for the pump), have a licensed electrician disconnect and cap the wiring before removal begins.
Water discharge: Oregon DEQ allows pool water discharge to storm drains or ground as long as the water is dechlorinated. Pools treated with salt chlorination systems should be tested before draining — high-salinity water can damage landscaping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does above-ground pool removal take? A professional crew typically completes the job in 3 to 6 hours. Larger pools with decking may take a full day.
Can I leave the sand base after pool removal? Yes. Many homeowners leave the sand in place and seed grass over it. The sand actually improves drainage in Oregon's clay-heavy soils.
What about the hole where the pool sat? Above-ground pools do not leave a hole, but they do leave a compacted, often bare area. You will need to loosen the soil, add topsoil, and reseed or sod to restore the yard.
Is above-ground pool removal worth it for property value? Generally yes. A neglected above-ground pool is a liability and an eyesore. Removing it cleans up the yard and eliminates maintenance costs. Above-ground pools rarely add to property value in Oregon.
Can I sell my above-ground pool? If the pool is in good condition (intact liner, working pump, no rust), you may be able to sell it for $200 to $1,000 depending on size and brand. However, the buyer is responsible for disassembly and transport, which limits your market significantly.
Get Your Pool Removed
Ready to reclaim your backyard? At Otesse, we handle above-ground pool removal across Oregon's I-5 corridor. Our crew handles draining, disassembly, hauling, and responsible disposal of all components.
See our junk removal cost guide for general pricing information.
Get Your Free Quote or call us at 541-844-2585.
