Two kinds of pool, two different jobs
Inground and above ground pools come apart very differently, and the right approach affects both cost and how your yard settles afterward.
Inground pool removal
We can fully excavate and remove an inground pool shell, or break up the shell and leave engineered fill in place, a lower cost option many homeowners choose when a full excavation is not necessary. Which approach suits your property depends on the pool's construction and soil, and we do not present ourselves as engineers, so any specialized fill design should be confirmed with the right professional if your project calls for one. We will walk you through the tradeoffs before you decide.
Above-ground pool removal
Above ground pools come apart faster. The structure, liner, and attached decking (if any) are dismantled, and the site is graded once the pool is gone, making this a quicker and generally lower cost job than an inground removal.
Backfill & grading done right
Ottawa's frost depth runs 1,800 mm below grade, deeper than the older 1,500 mm standard some contractors still work to. A shallow or rushed backfill after pool removal is a common cause of a yard heaving or settling the following spring, so we backfill and compact it properly the first time.
How pool removal works
Site assessment & quote
We look at your pool's construction, access, and what you want left behind, full removal or partial fill, and give you a written price range.
Draining & disconnect
The pool is drained and any pumps, filters, heaters, or electrical connected to it are safely disconnected before demolition starts.
Demolition & removal
The shell or above ground structure is broken up and removed, or partially removed for engineered fill, depending on the scope you chose.
Backfill, compaction & grading
The area is backfilled in proper lifts and graded so water drains away from your home and the yard does not settle unevenly.
Pool removal pricing
Every job's scope and any workmanship terms are set out in your written quote. These figures reflect typical Ottawa area pool removal costs; actual pricing depends on pool size, access, and whether you choose full or partial removal.
Inground pool
$8,000 – $15,000
Typical Ottawa area range for inground pool removal
Covers demolition, removal or engineered fill, and backfill
Pricing depends on pool size, construction, and site access
Above-ground pool
$1,600 – $2,000
Typical Ottawa estimate, within a general $1,000-$3,000 range
Covers structure teardown, liner removal, and site grading
Usually faster than an inground removal
An old pool does not have to stay an old problem
A failing liner, a cracked shell, or a pool nobody has used in years takes up yard space and, depending on its condition, can become a liability rather than an amenity. Removing it properly, with the backfill compacted the way Ottawa's frost depth requires, turns that space back into usable yard instead of leaving a soft spot that shows up as a dip or crack the next spring.
We handle everything from the drain down to the final grade in one visit whenever possible, and every job's scope and any workmanship terms are set out in your written quote before we start.
Pool removal FAQs
What is the difference between full and partial pool removal?
Full removal excavates and takes away the entire pool shell. Partial removal, sometimes called an engineered fill, breaks up the shell, opens drainage in the bottom, and leaves it in place under compacted fill. Partial removal generally costs less, but whether it suits your property depends on soil, the pool's construction, and what you plan to build on the site afterward. We will go over the tradeoffs before you decide.
Does removing a pool affect my property's resale value?
Buyer preferences vary. Some Ottawa buyers see a pool as a bonus, others see it as extra maintenance and liability they would rather not take on given our winters. We cannot tell you exactly what it will do to your specific home's value, but removing an old, unused, or failing pool is a common reason homeowners contact us before listing.
How long does pool removal take?
Timelines vary with pool size, access, and whether you are doing a full or partial removal. We give you a realistic schedule as part of your written quote rather than a one size fits all number.
Do I need a permit to remove a pool in Ottawa?
Removing an inground pool generally involves site work that can require a permit, and if the property sits within an Area of Demolition Control, additional approval may apply. We can help you understand what is likely needed for your property before work starts.
What material do you use to backfill the hole?
We backfill with appropriate granular or engineered fill material, compacted in layers, rather than simply pushing loose soil back in. Given Ottawa's 1,800 mm frost depth, a properly compacted backfill matters for preventing the yard from heaving or settling unevenly the following spring.
Can you remove a pool deck or patio along with the pool?
Yes. Concrete pool decks, patios, and surrounding hardscaping can be removed as part of the same job. Just mention it when you request your quote so it is included in the scope and price.