Tired of maintaining an unused in-ground pool? Backwell removes residential and commercial swimming pools across Central New York. Concrete (gunite/shotcrete), vinyl-liner, and fiberglass pools — full removal or partial removal/fill-in, depending on your future site plans and local code.

Call (315) 400-2654 for a free written estimate.

Pool Removal Methods

Full Removal (Complete Excavation)

All pool material excavated and hauled out
Site backfilled with clean fill compacted in lifts
Topsoil and seed restoration
Site is ready for any future use: lawn, garden, future structure (with engineering)

When to choose: future construction over the area, real estate transaction concerns, code requirement (some municipalities require full removal).

Partial Removal / Fill-In

Drainage holes drilled in pool bottom
Top portion of pool walls broken (typically top 18"–36")
Pool filled with clean fill compacted in lifts
Topsoil and seed restoration
Site limited to non-structural future use (lawn, light landscaping)

When to choose: budget-driven, no plans to build over the area, code-permitted by municipality.

Disclosure: NY property transfer disclosures typically require disclosing partial pool removal to future buyers. Some buyers / banks require full removal documentation.

Pool Removal Cost in Central NY

Pool Type	Method	Typical Cost
In-ground concrete (gunite/shotcrete)	Full removal	$10,000 – $18,000
In-ground concrete	Fill-in	$7,000 – $12,000
In-ground vinyl-liner	Full removal	$7,000 – $11,000
In-ground vinyl-liner	Fill-in	$5,000 – $8,500
In-ground fiberglass	Full removal	$6,000 – $10,000
In-ground fiberglass	Fill-in	$4,500 – $7,500
Above-ground pool	Standard removal	$1,500 – $4,500
Pool deck (concrete)	Add to above	$3 – $8 / sf

Cost Drivers

Pool size and depth
Pool material (concrete is hardest, fiberglass easiest)
Pool deck removal scope
Access for excavation equipment
Hauling distance to disposal
Site restoration (basic vs. landscape integration)
Existing landscaping to protect or remove

What's Included in a Backwell Pool Removal Estimate

Permit submission and inspection coordination
Pool draining (if needed)
Pool material excavation
Hauling and disposal of pool material
Pool deck removal (if scope)
Backfill with clean fill
Compaction
Topsoil and seed
Final cleanup
1-year workmanship warranty on site restoration

Permits & Process

Most CNY municipalities require a demolition permit for pool removal. Backwell handles permit submission as part of standard scope.

Some municipalities require:

Final inspection confirming proper removal/fill
Updated property survey showing pool removed
Building department signoff on backfill compaction (especially for partial fill-in)

Counties & Cities Served

Pool removal handled across:

Onondaga, Oswego, Madison, Oneida, Cayuga, Cortland, Wayne, Jefferson

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does pool removal take?

Full removal: 2–5 days for typical residential in-ground pool. Fill-in: 1–3 days. Above-ground: 1 day.

Do I need a permit to remove my pool?

Yes, almost always. Most CNY municipalities require a demolition permit. Backwell handles permit submission.

Will my insurance cover pool removal?

Generally no. Pool removal is voluntary, not damage-driven. Some homeowners insurance policies have specific pool removal endorsements; check yours.

Can I build a structure over a filled-in pool?

Generally no, on a partial fill-in. The compacted fill isn't engineered to support structural loads. Full removal with proper compacted backfill can support future structures (with engineering review).

What about the pool deck?

Concrete pool decks add cost based on square footage. Wood / composite decks are typically faster and cheaper to remove.

Do you handle salt water / chemical disposal?

Pool water disposal is typically pumped to a sanitary sewer connection or discharged per local code (no chemicals, dechlorinated). For specialty / chemical pool waters, environmental coordination may apply.

Will my yard be flat after pool removal?

Yes. Backfill is compacted to match surrounding grade. Topsoil and seed restore lawn appearance, though the seed area will be visible for one growing season as new grass establishes.

Is the cost the same whether I keep the pool deck or remove it?

No. Removing the pool deck (concrete) adds $3–$8 per sf. We can keep the deck (cap the pool, leave the deck) or remove the deck along with the pool — homeowner's choice.

Can the materials be recycled?

Concrete is recycled where possible. Vinyl liner and fiberglass are not commonly recyclable; they're disposed at C&D facilities.

How much does it cost to fill in a pool vs. remove it completely?

Fill-in is typically $3,000–$5,000 cheaper than full removal. Choose based on future site plans and any code/disclosure considerations.

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Swimming Pool Removal in Central New York