Partial or Full Removal
Partial removal costs less because some shell remains buried. Full removal clears the shell and requires more hauling; discuss it before planning a shed, patio, or addition over the old pool footprint.
Guides
How Much Does It Cost to Demo and Remove a Pool in Mesa, AZ?
Mesa Excavation Co. prices pool demolition after an on-site walkthrough because size, shell material, soil, and equipment access determine the work involved. Inground removal in Mesa ranges from about $5,000 for a small partial fill-in to over $20,000 for a large full concrete removal, so choosing the right scope matters before comparing quotes.
Quick Summary
- Partial inground removal typically costs $5,000 to $9,000 and includes shell perforation, partial breakout, and backfill.
- Full inground removal typically costs $10,000 to $20,000, with larger gunite or concrete pools costing more. The scope includes shell demolition, haul-away, compacted backfill, and grading.
- Concrete and gunite take more breakout time and create heavier debris loads than vinyl-liner or fiberglass shells.
- Most residential jobs take 2 to 5 working days from breakout to final grading, depending on pool size and hauling distance.
Pool Removal Cost Decisions
Concrete Breakout and Hauling
Gunite and shotcrete need jackhammering, while vinyl-liner and fiberglass shells break out faster. Concrete tonnage and the trip to a construction and demolition landfill both affect hauling costs.
Confirm the Removal Scope
Start with a free site estimate covering depth, material, soil, and equipment access. Confirm City of Mesa permit and inspection requirements, arrange the Arizona 811 locate, and identify pool and irrigation lines before breakout.
Pool Removal Site Conditions
Deep-End Concrete Pool Before Demolition
A 12,000-gallon play pool involves less demolition than a 30,000-gallon lap pool with a deep end past 8 feet. Depth and shell size help explain the difference in equipment time and debris volume.
Narrow Side-Yard Access for Pool Removal
A 10-foot gate can make backhoe access easier than a narrow side path. Block walls and mature landscaping can also complicate equipment movement and debris removal.
Compacted Backfill in a Removed Pool
After debris removal, backfill is compacted in layers before finish grading. Discuss the proposed 12-inch lifts and the compaction requirements for landscaping or future construction before approving the work.
Pool Removal Timelines
Above Ground: Half a Day
A small above ground pool can take half a day to remove. The work centers on disassembly, liner removal, and haul-away.
Partial Fill-In: 1 to 2 Days
A standard inground partial fill-in runs 1 to 2 days. A small pool with easy access can sometimes finish in a single day.
Full Removal: 3 to 5 Working Days
Full shell demolition, concrete haul-off, and compacted backfill typically take 3 to 5 working days. Confirm inspection timing when setting the schedule.
Commercial: A Week or More
Larger commercial pools can extend to a week or more. Greater concrete tonnage and heavier hauling volume lengthen the job.
Mesa Pool Removal Cost Comparison
| Removal Type | Typical Mesa Cost Range | Included Work |
|---|---|---|
| Above ground pool removal | $300 to $2,500 | Disassembly, liner removal, and haul-away. |
| Partial inground removal (fill-in) | $5,000 to $9,000 | Shell perforation, partial breakout, and backfill. |
| Full inground removal | $10,000 to $20,000 | Complete shell demolition, concrete haul-off, compacted backfill, and grading. |
| Large or commercial pool removal | $18,000 to $30,000+ | Extended breakout, heavy hauling, and engineered backfill. |
What Partial and Full Removal Include
Partial removal breaks up the top 18 to 24 inches of the shell, perforates the bottom for drainage, and backfills the basin; buried shell remains. Full removal takes out the entire shell, deck, and rebar, then replaces them with engineered fill compacted in layers. Before demolition, the pool is drained and equipment, filters, and plumbing are disconnected; hydraulic breakers then handle decking and concrete. Full removals on standard 15,000- to 20,000-gallon backyard pools generally fall within the full-removal range above. Agree on deck removal, debris hauling, fill material, compaction, and finish grading in the quote, especially if future construction is planned.
Factors That Increase Demolition Costs
Caliche hardpan can slow excavation and add equipment hours compared with loose fill dirt. Narrow gates, block walls, landscaping around the shell, and nearby gas, electrical, or irrigation lines can complicate access and breakout. Permit coordination, inspections, and hauling distance also affect the scope and schedule. Review dust control with the contractor: Maricopa County Air Quality Department requires a dust control permit when the total disturbed area reaches 0.1 acre or more. Compare quotes for the same removal method and finished yard condition so differences in hauling, backfill, or grading are clear.
Common Follow-Up Questions
Is partial removal the cheapest inground option? Generally yes, but buried shell limits what can be built over the footprint later. Should I replaster a 10,000-gallon pool instead? Replastering is outside our scope; compare a resurfacing quote with removal based on the pool's condition and your plans for the yard. Will removal decrease home value? Buyer preferences and pool condition matter, so discuss the property with a local real estate agent. Where does the debris go? Removed concrete, rebar, and decking are hauled to a construction and demolition landfill, with recyclable concrete sometimes diverted for crushing and reuse. Debris hauling is included in our full-demolition quotes.
Free On-Site Estimate
Request a Pool Removal Estimate
Share the pool size, depth, shell material, gate access, and your plans for the finished yard. A free on-site walkthrough lets us discuss the removal method, backfill, hauling, and grading before you commit to a price.