We've filled hundreds of pools across DFW and Denver — from small above-ground removals to massive resort-style in-ground pools. Pool removal is one of the most common fill dirt projects we handle, and the questions are always the same: how much dirt do I need, what kind, and what will it cost? Here's the complete guide based on real-world experience.
Partial vs Full Pool Removal
Before calculating dirt quantities, you need to decide between partial and full pool removal. This decision significantly affects how much fill you need and the total project cost.
Partial removal (most common): The pool walls are broken down to 18-36 inches below grade, holes are punched in the bottom for drainage, and the hole is filled with dirt. The broken concrete from the walls is typically left in the bottom of the hole as part of the fill. This reduces the volume of purchased fill dirt needed by 15-25%. Partial removal costs less in both demolition and fill material.
Full removal: The entire pool structure — walls, floor, plumbing, and decking — is demolished and hauled away. The resulting hole is larger and deeper than the original pool because you've removed the shell. Full removal requires more fill dirt but leaves no concrete in the ground. Some municipalities and future construction may require full removal.
How Much Fill Dirt for Your Pool
Pool shapes and depths vary enormously, but here are the ranges we see consistently across hundreds of pool fill jobs:
Small above-ground pool (removed, hole remaining): 10-15 cubic yards. These are typically 12-15 feet round or 8x12 feet oval, with a shallow excavated area 1-2 feet deep. Some above-ground pool removals don't need any fill at all if the pool sat on a level pad.
Medium in-ground pool (12x24 ft, 3.5-6 ft depth): 30-40 cubic yards. This is the most common residential pool size in DFW. A standard 12x24 pool with a 3.5-foot shallow end and 6-foot deep end averages around 35 yards of fill for a partial removal. Full removal adds 5-10 yards because the hole is larger once the shell is out.
Large in-ground pool (16x36 ft, 4-8 ft depth): 50-70 cubic yards. Larger residential pools and older gunite pools with diving wells fall in this range. The diving well adds significant volume — a single 8-foot-deep section can account for 10-15 yards by itself.
Very large or deep pools (custom, commercial, or deep diving): 80-100+ cubic yards. Oversized pools, those with attached spas, extensive deep ends, or commercial pools can easily exceed 100 yards of fill. We've filled single pools that required 120+ yards — six or more end dump loads.
What Material to Use
The fill (90-95% of the volume): Use clean fill dirt. Not structural fill, not topsoil — standard clean fill dirt at $10/yard (DFW) or $15/yard (Denver). Pool fills are non-structural applications. The dirt fills a hole; it doesn't support a building. Spending $20/yard on structural fill for a pool removal is unnecessary unless you plan to build a structure over the filled pool.
The top layer (5-10% of the volume): If you want grass over the filled pool area, top the fill dirt with 4-6 inches of screened topsoil. For a 12x24 pool, that's roughly 2-3 yards of topsoil at $17/yard (DFW) or $22/yard (Denver). This gives you a growing medium for sod or seed.
Compaction: Why You Can't Just Dump and Walk Away
This is where most DIY pool fills go wrong. Dumping 40 yards of fill dirt into a pool hole and walking away guarantees one thing: a giant depression in your yard within 6-12 months.
Proper pool fill compaction means placing the dirt in 12-inch lifts (layers). Each lift should be moistened — not soaked, but damp enough that the material compacts rather than just sitting loose. Each lift should be compacted with a plate compactor, jumping jack, or roller before adding the next layer. This process is tedious but critical. Skipping it means the fill settles unevenly, creating a bowl-shaped depression where the pool was.
Even with proper compaction, some settling is inevitable. Plan for it. Mound the fill 4-6 inches above the surrounding grade. Over 6-12 months, it will settle to roughly level. If you compact well and mound slightly, the settling is minor and manageable.
Settling Timeline
Expect the filled pool area to settle over 6-12 months after completion. The first 30 days see the most dramatic settling, especially after the first heavy rain. Well-compacted fill may settle only 2-3 inches total. Poorly compacted fill can settle 6-12 inches or more, creating a visible depression.
Don't pour concrete, install pavers, or build any structure over a filled pool for at least 12 months — and even then, consult a geotechnical engineer first. The fill will continue to micro-settle for years, and anything rigid built on top will eventually crack if the fill hasn't fully stabilized.
Drainage Considerations
A filled pool can become a buried bathtub that collects and traps water if drainage isn't addressed properly. Before filling, holes must be punched or drilled through the pool floor to allow water to drain into the subsoil below. These drain holes are standard practice in both partial and full pool removals.
The fill material should be reasonably well-draining — another reason to use clean fill dirt rather than heavy clay. Some contractors also install a gravel drain layer at the bottom of the fill to help water move toward the drain holes. Surface grading after filling should slope away from any structures so rainwater doesn't pond over the filled area.
Cost Estimates
DFW (fill dirt at $10/yard): A medium in-ground pool (35 yards fill + 3 yards topsoil) costs approximately $350 in fill dirt and $51 in topsoil — around $400 in material. A large pool (60 yards fill + 5 yards topsoil) runs about $600 in fill and $85 in topsoil — roughly $685 in material. These prices include delivery.
Denver (fill dirt at $15/yard): A medium pool (35 yards fill + 3 yards topsoil) costs approximately $525 in fill and $66 in topsoil — about $591 in material. A large pool (60 yards fill + 5 yards topsoil) runs $900 in fill and $110 in topsoil — roughly $1,010 in material.
These are material costs only. Demolition, equipment rental, and labor are separate. Total pool removal projects (demo + fill + grading) typically run $5,000-15,000 depending on pool size, removal type, and local labor costs.
Permit Requirements
Most cities require a permit for pool demolition and fill. The permit process typically involves submitting a demolition plan, specifying the fill type and compaction method, scheduling inspections during the fill process, and providing a final grading plan. Check with your city's building department before starting. In DFW, most cities require a demolition permit. In Denver and surrounding cities, requirements vary by municipality. Your demolition contractor typically handles permit applications as part of the project.
How to Order Fill for Pool Removal
Text us at (469) 523-6420 with your pool dimensions (length, width, shallow depth, deep depth) and whether it's a partial or full removal. We'll calculate the yards you need, recommend the right truck size for your property, and schedule delivery coordinated with your demolition timeline. We deliver Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 5 PM, with same-day delivery available on orders placed before 10 AM. For larger pool fills requiring multiple loads, we can schedule deliveries across multiple days to match your compaction schedule.