An unused swimming pool is an expensive liability, draining your wallet on maintenance, insurance, and water while eating up valuable backyard space. Demo Diego has removed hundreds of pools across San Diego County, from aging gunite pools in Rancho Bernardo to fiberglass shells in Chula Vista. We offer both partial pool demolition and complete pool removal, giving you the flexibility to choose the option that fits your budget and future plans. Call 760-860-8080 and let us turn that money pit into usable outdoor living space.
Our pool demolition process starts with draining the pool and disconnecting all plumbing, gas, and electrical lines including heaters, pumps, and lighting circuits. For a partial demolition, we punch holes in the bottom of the pool shell for drainage, knock down the upper walls to roughly three feet below grade, then backfill with clean engineered fill and compact it in lifts. For a full removal, we excavate and remove the entire shell, plumbing, and decking down to virgin soil, then backfill and compact the cavity in engineered layers. We pull all required City of San Diego demolition permits, coordinate the final inspection, and file the necessary paperwork so the pool removal is recorded on your property title. The end result is a level, compacted surface ready for landscaping, a patio, or even a future structure.
Typical turnaround: 3-5 days
Exact pricing depends on project scope, accessibility, and debris volume. We provide free on-site estimates with transparent, all-inclusive pricing — no hidden fees.
Pool demolition in San Diego typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000. A partial fill-in, where the upper walls are knocked down and the cavity is backfilled, runs $5,000 to $9,000 for an average-sized pool. A full removal, where the entire shell is excavated and hauled away, ranges from $9,000 to $15,000. Pool size, depth, access, and the amount of surrounding decking all affect the final price.
Partial pool removal, also called pool fill-in, involves breaking holes in the pool floor for drainage, removing the top portion of the walls, and backfilling with compacted soil. It costs less and is faster but may limit what you can build on the site later. Full pool removal means the entire shell, plumbing, and decking is excavated and hauled away, then the hole is backfilled with engineered material. Full removal gives you more flexibility if you plan to build a structure on the site in the future.
Yes. The City of San Diego requires a demolition permit for pool removal, and the work must pass a final inspection. If your property is in an unincorporated area of San Diego County, the county handles permitting. Demo Diego takes care of the entire permitting process so you do not have to visit any government offices.
A partial pool fill-in usually takes three to four days from start to finish. A full pool removal takes four to five days, sometimes longer for very large or deep commercial pools. Weather and permit timing can also affect the schedule, but we keep you informed every step of the way.
In many San Diego neighborhoods, removing an old pool can actually increase property value by reducing maintenance costs and freeing up backyard space. Buyers in areas like Scripps Ranch, Poway, and Rancho Penasquitos often prefer a large usable yard over a dated pool. Your real estate agent can provide specific insight for your neighborhood.
If you choose a full pool removal with properly engineered and compacted backfill, you can build structures including patios, ADUs, and additions on the site. Partial fill-ins are suitable for landscaping, lawns, and light hardscape but are generally not approved for supporting new buildings. We will help you choose the right option based on your future plans.
Our pool demolition service includes removal of all equipment: pumps, filters, heaters, chlorinators, and controllers. Underground plumbing is capped at the property line, and all electrical circuits are properly disconnected at the panel. Equipment pads and surrounding concrete are demolished and hauled away as part of the project.
Yes. Our standard pool demolition includes removal of coping and up to a three-foot border of surrounding pool deck. If you want additional decking removed beyond that, we provide a per-square-foot add-on price. Many homeowners in San Diego take the opportunity to remove all the old concrete and start fresh with new pavers or stamped concrete.
We provide pool demolition services throughout San Diego County and surrounding areas.
Call us today for a free on-site estimate. No obligation, transparent pricing.
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