How Much Does Above-Ground Pool Removal Cost in Denver?
| Pool Type | Removal Cost | What’s Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable / soft-sided pool | $99 – $149 | Deflate, fold, haul away |
| Small metal-frame pool (10-15 ft) | $149 – $249 | Drain, disassemble frame, remove liner |
| Large metal-frame pool (15-24 ft) | $249 – $399 | Drain, disassemble, haul frame and liner |
| Permanent above-ground pool (resin/steel wall) | $399 – $599 | Drain, cut walls, remove deck if attached |
| Pool + surrounding deck removal | $499 – $899+ | Pool removal + deck teardown and hauling |
All prices include draining assistance (if not already drained), full disassembly, loading, hauling, and disposal. Metal frames and components are recycled.
The Pool Removal Process
Step 1: Drain the Pool
The pool must be drained before removal. We recommend draining it yourself 24-48 hours before our arrival to save time. Important Denver rules for draining:
- Do NOT drain into the street or storm drains — Denver stormwater regulations prohibit this. Chlorinated water harms waterways.
- Drain onto your lawn — Let it absorb into the grass over 1-2 days. Spread the flow across a wide area to avoid flooding one spot.
- Dechlorinate first — Stop adding chemicals 3-5 days before draining, or add a dechlorinator (available at any pool supply store).
- Use a submersible pump — Gravity draining with a garden hose works but takes 12-24 hours for larger pools.
If you can’t drain it beforehand, we can handle it on-site (may add to the job time).
Step 2: Disassemble the Frame
Metal-frame pools (Intex, Bestway, Coleman) come apart by removing the horizontal bars, vertical supports, and connectors. Steel-wall permanent pools require cutting the wall panels into manageable sections.
Step 3: Remove the Liner
The vinyl liner is folded, rolled, and hauled away. Liners cannot be recycled and go to disposal.
Step 4: Clean Up the Site
We remove all components — frame pieces, liner, ladder, pump, filter, hoses, and accessories. The ground beneath is raked smooth.
Step 5: Haul and Recycle
Metal frames and components go to scrap recycling through our GreenHaul™ program. Liners and non-recyclable parts are disposed of properly.
When Should You Remove Your Above-Ground Pool?
- Spring (March-May) — The most common time. Remove it before summer so you can use the yard space. Also the best time if you’re installing a new pool.
- Fall (September-October) — Remove before the first freeze. Leaving an unused pool through winter causes frame damage from ice expansion.
- Before selling your home — Old above-ground pools are almost always a negative for home value. Realtors recommend removing them before listing.
- After storm damage — Denver hail and wind storms damage pools frequently. A damaged pool is a safety hazard and a neighborhood eyesore.
Can You DIY Above-Ground Pool Removal?
You can, but here’s what it actually takes:
- Tools needed: Socket wrench set, pliers, reciprocating saw (for steel-wall pools), utility knife (for liner)
- People needed: 2-3 adults minimum for any pool over 12 feet
- Time: 3-6 hours for a standard metal-frame pool
- Disposal: You’ll need a truck and a trip to the dump ($30-$60 in fees) or a dumpster rental ($300-$500)
When you add up time, a truck rental or dumpster, dump fees, and the physical effort, DIY saves about $50-$100 compared to hiring a pro — if everything goes smoothly. Rusted bolts, stuck connectors, and heavy steel walls can turn a 3-hour job into an all-day ordeal.
What About the Pump, Filter, and Accessories?
We take everything:
- Pool pump and motor
- Sand or cartridge filter
- Pool ladder
- Hoses and connectors
- Pool cover
- Chemical containers (must be empty — we cannot take pool chemicals)
- Solar heaters or covers
Pool chemicals (chlorine, muriatic acid, algaecide) are hazardous materials and cannot go in regular trash or junk removal. Take them to a Denver hazardous waste drop-off.
Above-Ground Pool Removal vs. Dumpster Rental
| Factor | Junk Removal | Dumpster Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $149 – $599 | $300 – $500 + dump fees |
| You disassemble? | No — we handle it | Yes — all of it |
| Time on your end | None | 3-6+ hours of labor |
| Recycling included? | Yes | No — everything goes to landfill |
| Permit needed? | No | Maybe (if placed on street) |
Book Pool Removal in Denver
Spring is the busiest time for pool removal — book early to get your preferred date. Call (303) 324-6014 or book online. We serve Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Littleton, Parker, and 30+ cities across the metro.
