Updated for 2026: If you’re trying to figure out what it costs to remove a concrete (gunite) pool in Connecticut, here’s the straight answer and the real reasons the numbers move.
If you’re not 100% sure what kind of pool you have (gunite vs poured vs liner vs fiberglass), start here first: Types of Pools (Identify What You Have). It matters—concrete jobs are a totally different animal than liner pools.
Quick Answer: Concrete (Gunite) Pool Removal Cost in CT (2026)
Most concrete/gunite pool removals in Connecticut land in the $15,000–$25,000 range.
- $15k–$25k is the “normal” range for typical concrete/gunite removals with reasonable access and a normal amount of concrete/hardscape.
- $30k+ happens when the pool is extra thick/rebar-heavy, the access is tight, the deep end is huge, there’s a large concrete or paver patio involved, or the town/site requires a true full removal / haul-out.
Want the broader statewide cost guide (all pool types + full vs fill-in)? See: Pool Removal Cost in CT (2026).
| Scope | What it usually means | Typical CT range | Best when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fill-In / Managed Removal | Pool is demolished/managed to allow backfilling, then the yard is rebuilt with stable fill, compaction, and grading. | Often $15k–$25k | You want lawn/landscaping and you’re not putting a structure or new pool in that exact footprint (and the town allows it). |
| Full Removal (Haul-Out) | Concrete/hardscape is removed and hauled to an approved facility, then the area is rebuilt with suitable fill and graded. | Often $25k–$35k+ | You want the cleanest slate for future construction, the town/site requires haul-out, or there’s heavy patio/hardscape and you want it all gone. |
For the deeper explanation of full vs fill-in (and when each makes sense), read: Full Pool Removal vs Pool Fill-In (2026 Guide).
Why $15k–$25k is a “real” range (and why concrete pools cost more)
Concrete pools are expensive to remove because you’re paying for a combination of:
- Heavy demolition (you need the right equipment—especially for thick shells and rebar)
- Material handling (moving and staging thousands of pounds of broken concrete safely)
- Trucking (concrete is heavy—loads max out fast)
- Disposal (reinforced concrete is expensive to get rid of, and not every facility in CT accepts it)
- Backfill + compaction (doing it right reduces settling and future headaches)
- Finish grading (so the old deep end doesn’t become a soggy low spot)
Concrete with rebar is a huge driver. A rebar-heavy shell can take longer to break and handle, and once it’s broken up you’re dealing with a disposal stream that’s more limited and more expensive. That’s a big part of why concrete/gunite jobs sit above liner pool removals.
If you’re looking specifically for concrete/gunite removal (not just generic “pool removal”), here’s our dedicated page: Concrete & Gunite Pool Removal in CT.
Different Types of Concrete Pools (and why they don’t price the same)
Homeowners say “concrete pool,” but in the field we see a few very different builds—each with different demo speed, rebar density, and debris volume:
1) Gunite / Shotcrete Pools
The most common “concrete pool” in Connecticut. These shells are sprayed and can vary a lot in thickness. Some break clean. Some are thick and packed with rebar and require serious hammer time.
2) Poured Concrete Pools
Often dense and rebar-heavy. Some older poured builds are beasts—especially when they’re tied into surrounding decks, patios, and walls.
3) Concrete Block / Cinderblock + Concrete (Mixed Construction)
These can be a lot of work and often land toward the higher end of the range. You’re dealing with mixed materials and sometimes partially above-ground structures.
4) Hybrid / “What Even Is This Pool?” Builds
We see pools that have concrete bases with fiberglass walls, add-on spas, weird retrofits, thick bond beams, and all kinds of surprises. That’s why photos matter for accurate ballparks.
Not sure what you have? Again, this makes it simple: Types of Pools (Identify What You Have).
What Drives Concrete Pool Removal Cost Up (CT-Specific Reality)
Two pools can look similar and price wildly different. Here are the biggest “real world” drivers we see in Connecticut:
Concrete thickness + rebar density
All pools are made differently. Wall thickness, floor thickness, beam thickness, and rebar spacing can vary a ton—even on pools the same size. More thickness + more steel = more time, more wear on equipment, and heavier debris to handle.
Surrounding patio / hardscape volume
A pool with a large concrete patio (or thick pavers on a heavy base) can absolutely push a job over $30k. The patio often adds as much—or more—debris volume than the pool shell itself.
Disposal + trucking (the “invisible” cost most quotes ignore)
This is a big one in 2026: reinforced concrete is expensive to dispose of, and only certain facilities in CT accept it. When concrete has rebar, you’re not just “dumping rubble.” You’re paying for handling rules, limited acceptance, and the trucking/labor to get it there.
Access (tight gates, long distances, hills)
Access is one of the fastest ways to blow up cost. If equipment can’t get in cleanly, everything slows down and material handling becomes more labor-heavy.
Depth (deep ends, diving boards, and fill volume)
Deeper pools cost more because they require more backfill material and compaction time. A diving board often means a deeper pool—so it’s usually more expensive than a shallow play pool.
Built-in hot tubs / spas
Spas are frequently very thick and heavily reinforced. They take longer to break and they add a surprising amount of heavy debris.
Town requirements (permits, inspections, and what’s allowed)
Many CT towns require permits and inspection steps. Some towns are also stricter about how materials must be handled. If you want the general permit/inspection overview, read: Pool Removal FAQ’s.
Burying Concrete / Patios vs Hauling Everything Away
Here’s the practical truth: it often makes the most sense to keep/bury a concrete or paver patio (or process concrete on-site) as long as:
- Your town allows it for the scope of work, and
- You’re not putting a new pool, addition, garage, pool house, or other structure over that exact footprint, and
- The end goal is lawn/landscaping (not a foundation).
Hauling concrete is expensive because of the labor, trucking, and disposal fees—especially when rebar is involved. When allowed, a managed fill-in approach can be the smarter value.
If you’re deciding between the two methods, start here: Pool Fill-In vs Full Removal (2026).
A Note on “Contingencies” (and how we price concrete pools)
Some companies quote a base price and then add language like: “If the shell is over X inches thick, the price goes up.”
We don’t do that.
We’ve found those contingencies are confusing for homeowners and they usually create the worst kind of experience: you think you have a number, then you don’t. Instead, we scope the job properly up front and give you one clear price based on what we actually see—pool type, access, patio/hardscape, depth, and your end goal.
Fastest way to get a real ballpark (without guessing): Request a Free Quote and send photos—or text photos to the number on our site. Photos show the two biggest drivers immediately: access and scope.
Real CT Concrete / Gunite Pool Removals (Photos in the Field)
If you want to understand why concrete pool removal costs what it costs, photos help. These are real jobs showing the different types of concrete pools we see across Connecticut.
New Canaan, CT (Full Removal + Heavy Concrete)
This is a true full removal scenario—heavy demo, debris staging, and haul-out. See the full project page here: Concrete Pool Removal – Full Removal & Fill-In – New Canaan, CT.
New Canaan is in our Fairfield County Pool Removal service area, where we see a lot of heavy hardscape tied into gunite pools.
Wilton, CT (Gunite Pool Demolition + Fill-In)
Gunite demo with a hydraulic breaker is the cleanest way to break thick shell fast. Full project here: Gunite Swimming Pool Demolition | Wilton, CT.
If you’re in Fairfield County and trying to compare options, start here: Pool Removal in Fairfield County, CT.
Hamden, CT (Poured Concrete + Cinderblock / Mixed Construction)
These are often more work and usually price toward the higher end because of mixed materials, heavy structure, and demolition complexity. Full project here: Concrete Swimming Pool Removal | Hamden, CT.
Hamden is in our New Haven County Pool Removal service area.
A quick reality check: demolition days aren’t always “just demolition”
Sometimes we’re breaking concrete… and sometimes we’re doing a wildlife rescue mid-job. This little mouse got stuck in the deep end during demolition and was drowning. We grabbed a board and got him out.
Durham, CT (Concrete Pool Demolition)
Concrete removals in wooded/backyard settings are common in Middlesex County—access and staging space matter a lot. Full project here: Concrete Pool Removal | Durham, CT.
Durham is in our Middlesex County Pool Removal service area.
Niantic, CT (Concrete + Rebar Heavy Sections)
This job is a great reminder that “concrete pool” can mean a hybrid build. Some sections were roughly 8" thick with rebar, which is exactly the kind of thing that can push pricing up if the job isn’t scoped correctly. Full project here: In-Ground Swimming Pool Removal | Niantic, CT.
FAQ: Concrete / Gunite Pool Removal Cost in Connecticut
How much does it cost to remove a gunite pool in CT?
In 2026, most gunite/concrete pool removals in CT fall in the $15,000–$25,000 range. Heavy patios, thick rebar, deep ends, tight access, or full haul-out requirements can push it past $30,000.
Why is concrete pool removal more expensive than vinyl liner pool removal?
Concrete pools have a reinforced shell that must be broken, handled, and often hauled/disposed of. The demolition is heavier, louder, and slower—plus the debris is dramatically heavier.
What makes a concrete pool removal jump over $30k?
The big ones: large concrete/paver patios, rebar-heavy shells, built-in spas, deep ends, tight access, and full removal / haul-out requirements.
Is it cheaper to fill-in a concrete pool vs fully remove it?
Usually, yes. A managed fill-in avoids a lot of the trucking and disposal cost. But it has to match your end goal and your town’s requirements. Start here: Pool Fill-In vs Full Removal.
Can you bury the concrete (or patio) instead of hauling it away?
Often it can make sense when allowed and when your end goal is lawn/landscaping (not a structure). Town rules and project scope matter—always confirm before assuming. If you’re planning a new pool or a foundation in that footprint, hauling / full removal is often the smarter route.
Do I need a permit in CT to remove a concrete pool?
Many towns require permits and may have inspection steps. It varies, so the safest move is to confirm with your town. For general guidance, see: Pool Removal FAQ’s.
How long does concrete pool removal take?
Concrete/gunite removals often run 4 days up to ~2 weeks depending on access, thickness/rebar, hardscape scope, and weather/soil conditions. (We’d rather protect the property than force progress in mud.)
Will the ground settle after the pool is removed and filled?
Some settling can happen over time due to weather and freeze/thaw cycles. The way you reduce it is proper backfill placement (in lifts/layers), compaction, and drainage-aware grading.
Next Step: Get a real number for YOUR yard (without guesswork)
Concrete pools aren’t priced off a simple “size chart.” The fastest way to get a realistic ballpark is photos that show:
- One wide photo of the pool + decking/coping
- 1–2 photos of the access route (street → backyard, gate openings, tight turns)
- Anything that complicates the job (retaining walls, patios, slopes, septic, etc.)
Request a Free Quote here and we’ll give you a straight answer on scope, cost, and what makes the most sense for your property.
Want more proof (projects across the state)? Browse here: Completed Pool Removal Projects.
Related reading: Concrete / Gunite Pool Removal • Pool Removal Cost in CT (2026) • Sod vs Seed After Pool Removal • Pool Removal FAQ’s