How To Get Rid Of An Above-Ground Pool
Above-ground pools provide the fun and comfort of in-ground pools without the exorbitant cost. That said, it can be a hassle to remove an above-ground pool when it’s time to move on. Understandably, many people struggle with how to get rid of an above-ground pool.
Before you can remove an above-ground pool, you must rent a dumpster. Drain your above-ground pool, then carefully use a knife to walk around the circumference and cut away the liner. Use a drill to remove the screws from the top panels, then cut them into 2’ to 5’ sections. Carefully cut away the walls and place them in a dumpster.
You can follow these steps without cutting into the panels and sell your above-ground pool if you want to get the most out of it. It’s a great idea to hire a professional to remove your pool if you don’t have any experience. Follow along as we explore how to get rid of an above-ground pool.
How To Remove An Above-Ground Pool
Getting rid of an above-ground pool is a big commitment, but it’s doable. Keep in mind that many people hire professionals, but you can do it without help. That said, we don’t recommend trying this unless you have lots of DIY experience. It takes a lot of work, and it’s only advisable if you have experience with power tools, such as reciprocating saws.
You must gather several tools if you plan to remove an above-ground pool, such as:
- Protective eye gear
- Hose
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Knife
- Reciprocating saw
- Sump pump
- Dumpster
Keep in mind that you must rent a dumpster or arrange for pickup once you are done. It costs an average of $400 to rent a dumpster, but the size of the unit is the biggest cost factor. Tearing down an above-ground pool leaves a lot of waste behind. With that said, let’s get started!
1. Drain It
You must drain your above-ground pool before you can take it apart. First, gather your hose and connect it to a sump pump. Place your sump pump in the pool, turn it on, and drain the water. Keep in mind that this process can take up to 2-3 days depending on how big the pool is.
Remove the sump pump from the pool once it is nearly empty. Once it’s empty, you must remove all of the equipment, such as the filter and intake. Now, you can get to cutting!
2. Remove The Liner
Put on a pair of protective gloves, grab a knife, and carefully start cutting the liner. Take it slow and cut an even line all around the top circumference of the liner. You may need to tear the liner if it gets stuck, especially if it’s thick and the pool is old.
Once it’s completely cut, you can hop into the empty pool and drag the liner with you. Cut and pull up the rest of the liner, then pull it out of the pool. Place the liner in the dumpster, and move on to the next step.
3. Cut The Top Panels
Now, it’s time to unscrew the top panels of the pool. This process will go much faster if you use a drill to remove the screws. Remove each screw, then carefully pull the top panels off of the pool. Place the screws and panels in the dumpster.
4. Remove The Walls
The walls are harder to remove than the top panels, so it may take some extra time. First, use a drill to remove the large screws from each wall. Once the screws are gone, you can start cutting the walls.
Make sure to put on some protective eye gear and even a face mask before this part. Take your reciprocating saw and cut sections that measure between 2’ and 5’. This makes it easier to fit the pieces of the wall in your dumpster.
Now, you must simply unscrew the metal rim, take it apart, and put it in the dumpster. Sweep up all the debris and sawdust and place it in the dumpster.
5. Dispose Of The Debris
You cannot simply expect your trash collection service to pick up the mess of your demolished above-ground pool. Instead, you must call a special junk collection service to pick up the dumpster. They require you to disclose the contents of the dumpster.
In some cases, you may be able to get some money for some of the parts. It ultimately depends on what the above-ground pool is made of.
6. Sell It
There is a market for used above-ground pools, and many people love to pay reduced prices for them. Granted, you can’t sell them at market value, but it’s a great way to get a return on your investment. You must follow the steps detailed above to disassemble the pool before you can sell it.
A used above-ground pool costs as little as $1,500, but that’s still some extra money in your pocket. Conversely, a new above-ground pool costs up to $5,000 depending on how big it is.
7. Hire A Professional
Tearing down and getting rid of an above-ground pool takes a lot of work, so many people hire professional help. You can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 to hire a professional to get rid of your above-ground pool. It costs extra if your above-ground pool has a deck that you must remove. That costs an average of $1,200, but it varies based on its size and labor fees.
It’s also important to consider that you must spend an average of $7 per square foot to fix the land beneath the pool. Above-ground pools leave the ground below looking barren. Because of that, it’s worth the cost to hire a landscaper to grade the ground and plant grass seed.
How Long Do Above-Ground Pools Last?
Above-ground pools last for 11 years, on average, but they can last for 15 or more years. Pools made of steel are especially durable and can last for up to 20 years. However, they don’t always look as good as resin pools, which don't rust don’t rust.
Resin pools also have the best reputation for durability, and they are the most common option. Hybrid above-ground pools contain both steel and resin, so rust is still a factor. You can ensure your above-ground pool lasts as long as possible if you regularly check the liner.
Water can get trapped behind the liner, and that can speed up the rusting process on steel pools. You must winterize your pool each year, or else it won’t last its full life expectancy.
Are Above-Ground Pools Worth It?
Above-ground pools are worth it if you don’t want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on an in-ground pool. It costs between $30,000 and $75,000 to install an in-ground pool, and above-ground pools cost $1,500 to $12,000 to install. Above-ground pools are great investments if you don’t plan to stay in your house for more than 10-15 years.
In-ground pool maintenance costs an average of $4,500 per year, but it can cost $6,000. Conversely, it only costs $950 to $1,800 to maintain an above-ground pool. An above-ground pools is the perfect budget option for new homeowners.
Summing It Up
To get rid of an above-ground pool, you must first drain it and remove the liner. Next, you must unscrew and cut the top panels away. Remove the walls and the metal base, then dispose of the debris in a dumpster.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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