Above Ground Pool Removal Cost: What You Need to Know

Removing an above ground pool can be a smart investment—especially if it’s outdated, costly to maintain, or no longer fits your lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll unpack above ground pool removal cost, explain common reasons homeowners decide to remove their pool, outline the process, and highlight why MackLand LLC is the top choice for your project.


above ground pool removal cost

Reasons to Remove Your Pool

MackLand LLC identifies several compelling reasons why homeowners opt for pool removal. Based on their expertise, here are some of the most common motives:

  1. High Maintenance, Low Enjoyment
    Pools demand ongoing repairs, heating, cleaning, and chemical treatments—often for just a few months of use each year. As MackLand notes, when a pool no longer delivers value, removal becomes a smarter financial choice.
  2. Safety and Liability Concerns
    Aging or unused pools pose risks—especially in families with kids or pets. Removing the pool eliminates those safety worries and can even reduce insurance premiums.
  3. Increase Real Estate Value & Market Appeal
    A neglected pool can hurt resale value. Buyers often prefer open, usable yard space over an expensive upkeep liability. MackLand points out that removing a dilapidated pool often boosts both value and marketability.
  4. Reclaim Outdoor Space
    Once removed, your pool area becomes flexible—perfect for gardens, patios, play zones, or open lawn space.
  5. Environmental Benefits
    Removing a pool helps conserve water (no more filling and chemical treatments) and reduces energy use—important in water-conscious areas.

What’s the Cost of Above Ground Pool Removal?

According to MackLand LLC’s pool removal guide, here’s the typical cost range:

Access ConditionCost Estimate
Good Access (10?)$1,500 – $3,000
Limited Access (6?)$2,000 – $4,000
Poor Access$4,000 – $6,000+

These prices reflect a basic above ground pool removal—disassembling the pool, recycling materials, backfilling the area, and restoring the lawn.


Above Ground Pool Removal Process (MackLand Style)

MackLand LLC employs a thorough and client-centric approach:

  1. Utility locate call (“Julie”) one week prior
  2. Drain pool water and safely discharge it
  3. Disconnect utilities (electric, gas)
  4. Disassemble pool, recycle materials (plastic, metal, fiberglass)
  5. Import and compact topsoil, grade the area
  6. Seed and install erosion control blanket, restoring the space to a lush lawn

Why Relocating an Above-Ground Pool Is Not a Good Idea

Homeowners sometimes consider relocating an above-ground pool when moving to a new property or redesigning their backyard. On the surface, it may seem like a cost-saving solution, but in reality, relocating an above-ground pool is rarely practical — and almost never recommended.

One of the biggest challenges comes from the fasteners, brackets, and plastic components that hold the structure together. These pieces are designed to be assembled once, and after years of exposure to sun, water, and chlorine, they become brittle and prone to breaking. During disassembly, even the most careful efforts often result in cracked connectors, warped sidewalls, or stripped fasteners. Once these essential parts are damaged, replacements are difficult to source — especially for older models that manufacturers no longer support.

Another hidden issue lies beneath the surface. Many above-ground pools rely on parts that are buried or in direct contact with the ground. These sections, such as the base rails or lower wall supports, often suffer from rust or corrosion that goes unnoticed until removal begins. When exposed, these rusted elements typically crumble or disintegrate, making it nearly impossible to reinstall the pool safely.

For these reasons, reputable pool companies generally refuse to take on relocation projects. The risk of structural failure, combined with the potential for water leaks and safety hazards, outweighs any perceived benefit. In most cases, it is far more cost-effective and reliable to invest in a new pool rather than attempting to relocate an old one.

Why Choose MackLand LLC?

  • Landscape architects by training, offering design-forward and ecosystem-sensitive solutions
  • Low-impact techniques—they protect your yard using lighter equipment and recycled fill materials, minimizing disruption
  • Pool Closure Report—ideal for selling your home, this official documentation shows the work was done correctly
  • 30+ years of industry expertise in the Denver metro area

Final Thoughts

If you’re assessing above ground pool removal cost, consider not just the numbers—but the opportunity. Removal reduces maintenance burdens, enhances safety, frees up your yard, and can boost your home’s resale value.

MackLand LLC delivers a professional, eco-conscious removal process with design expertise and a stellar reputation—making them an excellent choice for Denver-area homeowners.

Niles, Illinois Pool Removal

After many years of enjoying their pool, these homeowners decided it was time for the pool to go.  As is typical in more urban areas, the backyard was dominated by the pool and concrete pool deck.  They were anxious to have it removed and the area brought to lawn.  This was the first step in getting the house ready to sell in a few years.

 

Mack Land, LLC

 

Their pool was a typical style we see in northern Illinois – concrete pool bottom with 3-foot fiberglass sides.  We broke up all the concrete and hauled the fiberglass sides offsite.

Our use of smaller equipment really showed on this project.  With narrow side yards, our mini excavator and compact track loader were just the right fit to get the job done.  We removed their chain link fence to get in and reinstalled it once the project was complete.

 

Mack Land, LLC

 

After back filling, compacting, and bringing in topsoil to fine grade, we finished the project by rolling out sod to give them an instant back yard.  Now their dog has a place to play and any future owners will have a backyard to enjoy.

 

Mack Land, LLC

 

If you live in the greater Chicago or Denver areas please do not hesitate to give us a call about swimming pool removal or any of the other services that we offer.

Above Ground Pool Removal

The process of above ground pool removal differs somewhat to the traditional concrete pool removal. Here we will discuss the process of above ground pool removal a little more.

As discussed in our various previous posts there are many reasons why one  would want to remove a pool. What’s most important once you make the decision is to choose a contractor who follows best practice. It’s not just a case of smash it up and haul away the rubble.

Above Ground Pool Removal

The first step is to call in  Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE)  1 week prior to start. JULIE provides Illinois excavators and underground utility owners with a continuously improving, one-call message handling and delivery service committed to protecting underground utilities and the safety of people working or living near them.

You may be surprised by what’s buried in your yard. That’s because most electric, gas, water, sewer and telecommunications companies are delivering utility services underground.

Few people know that state law requires you to notify JULIE at least two business days before any digging project regardless of the project size or depth so that can assist in ensuring that none of the utilities get damaged.

Next step is to pump out existing pool water and discharge to curb or on property. We keep abreast of the regulations in both the Chicago and Denver areas to ensure that the discharge of this water is done according to state requirements.

All pool utilities, gas and electric then need to be safely disconnected and removed.

The pool liner is then carefully removed and disposed of offsite.
The remaining supporting structure is disassembled and all materials are then recycled.
We then bring in the appropriate type of topsoil to cover the disturbed area that was previously under the above ground pool.
This area is then covered with sod or seeded according to the wishes of the client.

We are particularly familiar with pool removals in Northbrook. If you live in that area make sure to call us first.

Don’t make the mistake of trying to do your own above ground pool removal. We have been dong this for years and we will be in and out with the least amount of hassle and in the quickest time.

Contact us today for a friendly chat.