Affordable Pool Removal | DIY Guide

Pool Removal Scranton PA
Removing a pool in Scranton, PA

If you look in your back yard, you may see a pool that has reached the end of its life. Many above-ground pools have a lifespan of 20 years, and after that can become problematic. Pool removal may be the only option to save a pool that has been neglected or is failing.

If you realize that your pool is ready to get removed, continue reading to find out how simple it is to demolish a pool.

Get Pumping

Pool Removal Wilkes-Barre PA
Pumping out an old pool

The first step in demolishing an above ground pool is to pump it out! Typically, the easiest way to do this is to rent a trash pump from a rental company.

We recommend renting a 3″ trash pump, as smaller pumps take exponentially longer to pump out a pool. Typically, this rental cost is $50 for the day. It is important to note where you are draining the pool water to, as pools hold thousands of gallons of water and can easily flood a street or neighbor’s yard!

Remember that when operating a trash pump that you must prime the pump with water in order to get it pumping. Once it starts pumping, stand back and let the water flow!

Begin Cutting

Above Ground Pool Removal
Cutting up old pool

Now that the pool is empty, the next step is to begin cutting the old pool up. The best tool to use is a reciprocating saw, or “Sawzall”.

Purchase a pack of good-quality high tooth count metal cutting blades and safety glasses to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Cut the pool into 6 or 7 sections. This way they are small and light enough to load into a truck when finished.

Once the pool is cut up, the next step is to remove the liner. Pool liners can get very heavy, and cannot be taken out with household trash. Typically, you will need to rent a dumpster or hire a junk removal company to haul the liner and other debris away.

Cleanup

Pool Removal Scranton PA
Filling in a pool

Once the pool has been drained and cut up, the next part is the most important – cleaning up! The metal from the pool frame & sides can be taken to a scrap yard and you can expect to receive roughly $50 in scrap value for the metal.

As stated previously, the liner will need to be hauled to a landfill yourself, or placed in a dumpster or hauled away by a junk removal service.

Once the area is clear, there may be a low spot in area where the pool sat. Typically, 5-10 tons of topsoil will fill in the area so you can plant grass over it.

Hire the Professionals

Does this sound like a lot of work for you? For a homeowner to complete this project, it will take a full day of work for 2 people, and incur approximately $250-500 in expenses depending on certain factors.

Hiring a company such as A+ Enterprises Demolition Service may be a better option, as most of our above ground pool demolition & removal projects are under $1,000 and we do all the work and removing the items for you! We serve the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and all of Northeast PA.


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    • Highly recommended. Very punctual and professionally done cleanup of burned barn debris. Use this company confidently. I highly recommend!! Dan

      Daniel Lycholaj Avatar Daniel Lycholaj
      April 8, 2021

      I got a 100% accurate estimate from the owner and he dispatched a crew to clean out my house the next day (!). The guys were professional and very nice and personable, making a tough situation much easier to handle. Moreover, they worked until the job was done way over my expectations. This company has the best prices in our area and they are complete pros. I would recommend them to anyone...don't hesitate and call A+ first! They will be my first call in the future! Added 3/1/2020: So 18 months later I had to clean out a 2nd floor apartment and 3rd floor attic. This attic was stuffed floor to ceiling with junk and the apartment full of furniture. Sal had a crew there within 24 hrs of my call and cleaned it out in ONE DAY! They even swept up and went through with garbage cans to completely clean the house. I value good service and A+ always delivers...I recommend them to my friends and family and have now used them 3 times. Each time the price is far less than I expected and the work is way better than I'd expect. If you have a job that you're afraid to deal with...call them!!!!! It is the best call you'll ever make! They have always come through for me. Thank you!!!!

      Daryl Williams Avatar Daryl Williams
      March 2, 2020

      These guys are the best! Very professional and super courteous and easy to work with! We had a tight space to get it into driveway and they made it look easy and didnt even leave a scratch !! Great prices too!! Thanks for helping us out!!! John and Maryjo

      john morrissey Avatar john morrissey
      July 18, 2020
    • Fast service, excellent price. Picked up on the same morning that we called. Will definately recommend and call again. Sal was very professional. Guys who showed up at our home were professional as well. We prefer to use local companies and this is one we expect to keep on our list.

      T Seidel Avatar T Seidel
      July 8, 2019

      Absolutely amazing! Highly recommended! I recently moved to Pennsylvania and purchased a fixer upper in Luzern County. I had a large pile of debris from the house that I needed to get rid of. I called A+ Junk Removal and spoke with Sal. He was extremely professional and very personable. He was able to work with my schedule which was greatly appreciated. Sal also contacted me through text to remind me of my scheduled appointment. Joe and Andrew showed up on time to give me an estimate for my junk pile. They gave me a great price and got right to work. Both Joe and Andrew were very polite and extremely professional. Very friendly as well. They did an amazing job! I couldn’t have asked for a better crew to come and do this job for me. I am extremely appreciative for Sal, Joe and Andrew. I highly recommend this company and will definitely use them again on the future. Thank you so much A+ Enterprises!

      Rebecca DeKonty Avatar Rebecca DeKonty
      March 26, 2020

      One of the best companies I have ever dealt with. Professional, courteous, reasonable and efficient. Highly recommend.

      Lynette Villano Avatar Lynette Villano
      April 4, 2019
    • They cleaned out my grandmas house today in under 6 hours. And we had a lot of stuff! Friendly guys and great work!! Definitely recommend.

      Grace Baker Avatar Grace Baker
      July 25, 2020

      Contacted Sal to have some old boxes removed, called me the next day to set up a time to estimate the work. Came first thing the next morning and gave me a great quote. We agreed on a wonderful price and literally 15 minutes later he was here with his truck cleaning out our boxes. He was done quickly and efficiently! Very nice man, We will be contacting him again in the near future! My family and I highly recommend!

      Lakin Parsons Avatar Lakin Parsons
      October 17, 2020

      Kyle and Joe were wonderful! Very efficient process. I called and gave brief information to a very professional person. They came out the next day. Wiped their feet, quoted me a very fair price, and removed my furniture. I’m very pleased with their service and friendliness. I will definitely recommend them to my family and friends! Meredith R.

      Meredith Rynkiewicz Avatar Meredith Rynkiewicz
      August 14, 2019
    • Incredibly professional and responsive to all of my questions. Each time I called I spoke directly with sal. No need to leave a voicemail and wait for a call back. Sal, Shawn and Mackenzie have been amazing to work with. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for dumpster rentals.

      Jennifer Bitters Avatar Jennifer Bitters
      May 17, 2020

      Sal was great to work with. I was so stressed about a large deck in the back of my house that was collapsing. Sal came right over and gave me a very fair price and two days later the job was done. And a really good job. He even hauled away a piece of junk for me at the last minute. I highly recommend this company and plan to use them again as the need arises

      Pam cortese Avatar Pam cortese
      April 10, 2019

      The price was amazing and the workers were professional. They completed the job within a short period of time and I’m having them come back for more work. Thanks A plus

      Maurice Oates Avatar Maurice Oates
      May 22, 2020
    • Hired A Plus Enterprises last year to remove some old pool equipment, old yard equipment, and old furniture from my house. There timing, professionalism, and reasonable pricing was overwhelmingly amazing. Great job and look forward to hiring you again!

      Ryan Croughn Avatar Ryan Croughn
      May 4, 2020

      Sal and his team are amazing! They came and did a clean out the same day I called. They are honest, flexible, quick, and professional. They are worth every penny they charge. I wouldn't consider calling anyone else. Ryan K.

      R K Avatar R K
      March 8, 2019

      Sal really helped us out. We needed some junk removed right away and he got there within a couple of hours, was very professional and polite and did not charge an arm and a leg. He has a customer for life in us now!

      Margaret Esopi Avatar Margaret Esopi
      December 24, 2018

    Pool Removal FAQs

    What does pool removal cost?

    The average cost to pump out & demolish an above-ground pool is roughly $900. That price includes all labor, demolition, cleanup, and disposal fees.

    Is there scrap value in an old pool?

    The average pool is worth between $50 and $100 in scrap value depending on the weight.

    How do I drain the water out of a pool?

    You can drain the water out of a pool by renting a 3 inch trash pump and pumping the pool out. Do not pump out in-ground pools more than halfway, as damage may occur.

    What do you fill in pools with?

    Depending on the customer’s needs and budget, we fill in pools with either raw fill dirt or structural fill (modified crusher run). The price varies depending on the type of material used.