June 16, 2026
Pool Removal Cost in Wilmington: In-Ground vs Above-Ground
What pool removal really costs in Wilmington and the Cape Fear area, including the difference between in-ground and above-ground demolition and how to price your project.
An unused pool is a liability, a maintenance bill, and an eyesore all at once. If you are ready to reclaim your backyard, the good news is that pool removal is a straightforward job for a crew that does this work. Pool removal cost depends mostly on whether the pool is above-ground or in-ground, and how much material has to leave your property. We are a veteran-owned, licensed and insured Wilmington company, and we knock it down, haul it out, and clean it up. Here is how the pricing works.
Above-Ground Pool Removal Cost
Above-ground pools are the simpler and cheaper of the two. There is no excavation, so the work is mostly draining, dismantling, and hauling away the frame, liner, and decking. Nationally these removals often run $300 to $1,500 depending on size and how much surrounding decking or fencing comes with it.
Because this is largely a haul-away job, our load pricing usually fits best. A quarter load is $249, a half load is $399, a three-quarter load is $549, and a full load is $699. A typical above-ground pool with some decking lands in that range. If the job needs hands-on labor time, technicians are $45 per hour and supervisors are $57 per hour.
In-Ground Pool Removal Cost
In-ground pools are a bigger project because there is concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl to break out and a hole to deal with. National ranges typically run $4,000 to $15,000. The spread is wide because there are two common methods:
- Partial removal. The top portion is broken up, drainage holes are punched in the bottom, the shell is collapsed inward, and the cavity is filled with the rubble plus clean fill. This is faster and more affordable.
- Full removal. All of the pool material is broken out and hauled off, then the hole is backfilled with clean soil. This costs more but leaves you with fully usable, buildable land.
For the demolition portion, our selective demolition pricing applies, running $2.50 to $3.75 per square foot for lighter work. Disposal is a major factor here, and our 30 yard dumpster is $425 including up to 3 tons, with larger pools needing more than one load.
What Drives the Price
The main cost drivers for any pool removal are:
- Size and depth of the pool.
- Material, since concrete is heavier and harder to break than fiberglass or vinyl.
- Removal method (partial backfill versus full dig-out).
- Access to the backyard for equipment, which is a real factor on tight Wilmington lots.
- Decking, fencing, and landscaping that come out with the pool.
- Disposal volume, which is the single biggest swing on most jobs.
Get Your Pool Removal Quote
No two backyards are the same, so the best move is to get a real number for your property. Use the estimate tool on our website to describe the pool and get a starting figure, or call us at (910) 612-0397 and we will come take a look. We work throughout Wilmington and eastern North Carolina, we are fully licensed and insured, and we will give you an honest price to get that pool gone and your yard back.
Common questions
Is partial or full in-ground pool removal better?
Partial removal is cheaper and faster and works fine for most yards. Full removal costs more but gives you fully buildable land, which matters if you plan to put a structure where the pool was. We can advise based on your plans.
Do you handle the decking and fencing around the pool too?
Yes. We remove decking, surrounding fencing, and landscaping as part of the job and haul it all away. That extra material affects the load count and the quote.
How do I get a price for my pool?
Use the estimate tool on our website for a quick ballpark, or call (910) 612-0397 and we will look at the pool in person and give you a firm number.
