Pool Demolition Cost in San Diego: Partial vs Full Removal (2026 Price Guide)
Thinking about removing your swimming pool in San Diego? Whether your pool is outdated, costly to maintain, or you simply want to reclaim your backyard space, pool demolition is one of the most common services we provide at Demo Diego. This guide covers everything you need to know about pool removal costs in the San Diego area for 2026.
Why San Diego Homeowners Remove Pools
San Diego enjoys some of the best weather in the country, so it may seem surprising that pool removal is so popular here. However, many homeowners throughout neighborhoods like Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch, and La Mesa are choosing to tear out aging pools for compelling reasons. Maintenance costs for an in-ground pool in San Diego average $1,800 to $3,600 per year when you factor in chemicals, electricity for the pump, water to keep it filled, and periodic repairs. Over a decade, that adds up to $18,000 to $36,000 in maintenance alone, not counting any major resurfacing or equipment replacement.
Safety is another major factor. Families with young children or elderly residents often worry about the liability risk that comes with an unfenced or aging pool. California requires pool barriers under the Swimming Pool Safety Act, and bringing an older pool into compliance can cost thousands. For many homeowners, removal is the more practical choice. Additionally, with San Diego's ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) construction boom, many property owners are removing pools to make room for a new ADU or granny flat that generates rental income.
Finally, water conservation remains a priority in Southern California. Removing a pool and replacing it with drought-tolerant landscaping aligns with the region's ongoing water-saving initiatives. Many homeowners discover that their property value actually increases after pool removal because buyers in certain San Diego neighborhoods prefer usable yard space over the responsibility of maintaining a pool.
Partial Pool Fill-In vs Full Pool Removal
Partial Pool Fill-In (Pool Demolition Lite)
A partial pool fill-in is the more affordable option, typically costing between $5,000 and $9,000 in San Diego. The process involves breaking the top two to three feet of the pool shell with a hydraulic breaker, punching drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water accumulation, and then backfilling the cavity with a mix of the broken concrete and clean fill dirt. The area is then compacted in layers and graded level with the surrounding yard.
Partial fill-in is faster, usually taking one to two days, and generates less waste since much of the concrete stays on-site as fill material. However, it comes with a disclosure requirement. When you sell your property, you must disclose that a pool was filled in. Future buyers or builders may face limitations on what can be built over the filled area because the ground settlement characteristics differ from undisturbed soil. This is an important consideration if you plan to build a structure on that footprint later.
Full Pool Removal (Complete Excavation)
Full pool removal means excavating and hauling away the entire pool structure, including the shell, plumbing, and deck. This option costs between $10,000 and $18,000 in San Diego, depending on pool size, material, depth, and site access. The excavated hole is then backfilled with engineered fill, compacted to geotechnical standards, and graded to match the yard.
Full removal takes three to five days and involves significantly more trucking and disposal costs. However, the site is restored to buildable condition, meaning you can construct a patio, an ADU, or any other structure on the former pool footprint without worrying about settlement issues. For homeowners planning future construction or who want a clean disclosure, full removal is the preferred method. Visit our pool demolition service page for details on how Demo Diego handles each type.
Pool Demolition Cost Breakdown in San Diego (2026)
| Cost Factor | Partial Fill-In | Full Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price Range | $5,000 – $9,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Permit Fees (City of SD) | $300 – $800 | $300 – $800 |
| Deck Removal (if needed) | $1,000 – $3,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Timeline | 1 – 2 days | 3 – 5 days |
| Buildable After? | Limited | Yes |
| Disclosure Required? | Yes | Yes |
Factors That Affect Pool Demolition Cost in San Diego
Pool Size and Depth
A standard residential pool in San Diego (roughly 12x24 feet) falls within the average price ranges above. Larger pools, those exceeding 16x32 feet or deeper than eight feet, require more equipment time, more fill material, and more haul-off trips, which increases the total cost. Custom-shaped pools with spas, water features, or raised walls also add complexity and price.
Pool Construction Material
Concrete and gunite pools are the most common in San Diego and also the most expensive to demolish because the material is dense and heavy. Fiberglass pools are lighter and faster to remove. Vinyl-lined pools with steel or polymer walls are the easiest to demo. The material directly impacts labor hours, equipment needs, and disposal weight charges.
Access and Equipment
The ability to get heavy equipment like excavators and dump trucks close to the pool significantly affects pricing. Many San Diego homes, especially in hillside neighborhoods like Mount Soledad, Del Cerro, and Allied Gardens, have limited side-yard access or steep terrain. If an excavator cannot reach the pool, crews may need to use smaller equipment or hand-break concrete, adding time and cost.
Permits and Inspections
The City of San Diego requires a demolition permit for pool removal. The permit process typically takes one to three weeks and costs $300 to $800 depending on the scope. An inspection is required after backfill to verify proper compaction. Demo Diego handles all permitting and scheduling inspections as part of our service. Learn more in our San Diego demolition permits guide.
The Pool Demolition Process Step by Step
- 1.Site Assessment and Quote: Our team visits your property, measures the pool, evaluates access, checks for utilities, and provides a detailed written estimate. This visit is free and comes with no obligation.
- 2.Permitting: We pull the required City of San Diego or county demolition permit on your behalf. This typically takes one to three weeks.
- 3.Draining and Utility Disconnect: The pool is drained (following San Diego water discharge regulations), and any gas, electrical, or water lines feeding the pool equipment are safely disconnected and capped.
- 4.Demolition: Using hydraulic breakers and excavators, the pool shell is broken up. For partial fill-in, only the top portion is removed. For full removal, the entire structure is excavated and hauled to a recycling facility.
- 5.Backfill and Compaction: The cavity is filled with approved material in lifts, each layer mechanically compacted to prevent future settling.
- 6.Final Grading and Inspection: The surface is graded level with the surrounding yard, and a city inspector verifies the work meets code. You are left with a clean, flat area ready for landscaping or future construction.
Pool Demolition FAQs
How long does pool demolition take in San Diego?
A partial fill-in typically takes one to two days on-site. Full removal takes three to five days. However, the permitting process adds one to three weeks before work can begin. From initial call to completed project, most pool removals take three to six weeks total.
Do I need a permit to remove a pool in San Diego?
Yes. Both the City of San Diego and San Diego County require a demolition permit for pool removal. The permit ensures the backfill is done properly to prevent future ground settling. Demo Diego handles all permitting as part of our service.
Will removing my pool affect my property value?
In many San Diego neighborhoods, removing an old, poorly maintained pool can actually increase property value by creating usable yard space and eliminating a maintenance liability. However, in luxury markets like La Jolla or Del Mar, a pool may be expected. We recommend consulting with a local real estate agent before making a decision.
What happens to the concrete from my demolished pool?
Demo Diego recycles as much material as possible. Concrete from pool demolition is taken to a recycling facility where it is crushed and repurposed as road base or aggregate. This keeps waste out of San Diego landfills and aligns with California's recycling mandates.
Can I build an ADU where my pool was?
If you choose full pool removal with engineered backfill, yes. The site can support a new foundation once proper compaction and soil testing are completed. Partial fill-in sites are generally not suitable for load-bearing construction. If you are considering an ADU, read our guide on garage demolition for ADU construction in San Diego.
Get a Free Pool Demolition Estimate
Ready to reclaim your backyard? Call Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation pool removal quote. We serve all of San Diego County including Escondido, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and every community in between.
Call 760-860-8080Learn more about our Pool Demolition Services or contact us online. Back to the Demo Diego Blog.