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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    • Would definitely recommend this company for anyone needing junk removal! Super nice owner. He and another young man came to my home and were very efficient getting rid of our junk in about 90 minutes. If you’re looking for a junk removal service, definitely check out this company. Thanks, Sal!

      Shannon Meier Avatar Shannon Meier
      August 10, 2019

      I would highly recommend A+ Enterprises. Very professional staff. Fast response to my request for information. Sal is very friendly, answered all my questions and set a date for pick up, much faster than I had expected. Day of pick up was better than prompt. Joe called en-route to say he was a little ahead of schedule and could actually be at my house sooner. Great Job at a reasonable price. Would definitely refer family and friends. Thank your for A+ service!

      Barbara Siana Avatar Barbara Siana
      October 16, 2020

      Awesome company! My uncle passed away, and we were cleaning out his house. We had a lot of items to donate to the Salvation Army. I called the Salvation Army but they couldn’t pick up for a month. I called A Plus & they came two days later. The Two young men who came to pick up were polite, respectful & very efficient. The price was reasonable too. I will definitely use A Plus in the future.

      Kevin Kittrick Avatar Kevin Kittrick
      May 6, 2021
    • Three men came and took everything I wanted to get rid of. They were professional and very nice. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you. I'll be calling again.

      Elaine Hungarter Avatar Elaine Hungarter
      June 23, 2020

      This company is not just professionals at their work but also very kid and hardworking. During the scheduling the staff was very helpful and were able to work with my last minute call with no issues. I received a reminder of my appointment witch was very helpful. The team that arrived to the job took care of business before I knew it it was all done. Very respectful and hard working team. Will definitely recommend anyone and will definitely use this company on my next project.

      Edisson Fajardo Avatar Edisson Fajardo
      February 16, 2020

      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
    • Can’t thank the guy we spoke to enough! He was wonderful to us! We were in a last minute crunch to get rid of stuff and he worked with us and even went way out of his way to accommodate our needs! He truly has great customer support and was beyond generous! Can’t thank this awesome company enough! It meant a lot to us!! We highly recommend!

      Kaitlyn Szorady Avatar Kaitlyn Szorady
      July 11, 2020

      Professional and courteous. We have sought the services of this company twice now. Each time they were more than accommodating with very reasonable prices. A+ service.

      Charles Zaffuto Avatar Charles Zaffuto
      May 2, 2020

      These guys are awesome! They came here when promised, were really nice and friendly, and they did what they were supposed to do in a timely fashion. The price quoted was changed because I had more “stuff” to get rid of. However, they quoted the difference before getting the rest of the things out and we agreed. I will certainly call them next time. Thanks, A+!

      TJ Belt Avatar TJ Belt
      March 26, 2019
    • Very professional and efficient. Came on short notice. Very nice guys. Extremely good job done swiftly.

      Julianne Cusick Avatar Julianne Cusick
      May 27, 2019

      This is an excellent company to deal with. I highly recommend! They were punctual, friendly and communicative throughout the entire process. From the first call, to the estimate, to the contract details, to start day/time, to what to expect day of and clean up day. It is very hard to find this level of customer service anymore! We hired them to tear down an old cinderblock/wood garage. It was right on the property line and didn’t have much room for error. A+ took the garage down no problem and did a great job with haul away and cleanup. You can tell they know their stuff. Sal always returned calls and emails. We got a fair price and a job well done! I definitely recommend and would work with them again if the need ever arises.

      Alura B Avatar Alura B
      April 14, 2021

      Excellent communication starting from the first call through our entire demolition project. Answered the phone and responded to emails and texts promptly. Got the job done quickly and efficiently. Highly recommend A+ Enterprises.

      Michelle Pennington Avatar Michelle Pennington
      June 10, 2020
    • I can't say enough about Sal. He was very patient, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to ensure my company was taken care of. I absolutely recommend anyone to use this company. They get in and out very quickly and offer a great price. They also stick to their word which is very rare now-a-days!

      Mark Van Dyke Avatar Mark Van Dyke
      October 25, 2019

      I never leave reviews but Sal (I think his name is) was great. Both times we used them they showed up the next day on time and did a fast and efficient job. Personable and reliable. Highly recommend.

      Carissa Dewey Avatar Carissa Dewey
      May 5, 2019

      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

    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.