How to Dispose of an Above Ground Pool

An old above-ground pool can become a safety risk, attract pests, and take up valuable yard space. Disposing of it properly protects the environment and ensures compliance with local waste laws. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or done with pool maintenance, here’s a complete guide on how to drain, disassemble, and dispose of your pool responsibly.

If you’d rather skip the heavy lifting, JunkIsRemoved offers quick and eco-friendly pool removal in Kent, WA and surrounding areas.

Step 1: Drain the Pool Safely

Before dismantling your pool, you must drain all the water properly — not just for convenience but also to meet environmental regulations.

Neutralize Chemicals

Add a chlorine neutralizer or wait 5–7 days for chlorine to dissipate naturally. Never drain chlorinated water directly into storm drains or natural waterways.

Pump Out the Water

Use a submersible pump placed at the pool’s lowest point. Direct the drainage hose toward a grassy area or sanitary sewer, ensuring it doesn’t flood neighboring yards.

Remove Remaining Water

Once most water is gone, cut a small section of the liner near the bottom to release the rest. Sweep or push any puddles toward the cutout for a clean drain.

Pro Tip: Always follow your local city or county’s drainage guidelines to avoid fines.

Step 2: Disassemble the Pool

Once the pool is empty, it’s time to take it apart. This process can take a few hours depending on size and materials.

Remove accessories: Disconnect ladders, pumps, hoses, and filters.
Detach the liner: Use a sharp utility knife to cut the vinyl liner into smaller, manageable sections.
Disassemble the frame: Start from the top rails, then remove wall panels and posts. Most are bolted together — label reusable parts if you plan to sell or reuse them.
Stack components neatly: Organize parts by material — metal, plastic, or vinyl — for easier disposal or recycling.

Step 3: Dispose of the Components

Recycle the Metal

Your pool frame likely includes steel or aluminum that can be recycled:

Take it to a local scrap metal yard or recycling facility.
Ensure pieces are clean and free from debris.
Call ahead to confirm they accept mixed metals.

Dispose of the Liner

Vinyl liners aren’t recyclable in most curbside programs, so you’ll need to:

Cut them into small, trash-friendly pieces.
Bag them securely to avoid tearing.
Drop them off at a transfer station or include in bulk trash pickup if allowed.

Dispose of Plastic and Accessories

Plastic rails, caps, and fittings can often go in your regular trash or plastic recycling, depending on type.
Check your local waste management guidelines for accepted plastic types.

Hire a Professional Junk Removal Service

If you prefer convenience, let professionals handle it.
Junkisremoved specializes in above-ground pool removal and large outdoor item disposal across:

Their team can drain, disassemble, and haul away your old pool responsibly — ensuring all parts are recycled or disposed of safely.

Step 4: Clean Up the Area

Once your pool is gone:

Remove any sand, dirt, or leveling pads from the base.
Fill and smooth the ground for new landscaping.
Schedule a final debris pickup for leftover materials.

If you used a concrete pad, you can reuse it for a patio, shed foundation, or outdoor seating area.

Final Thoughts

Disposing of an above-ground pool requires time, preparation, and the right disposal strategy.
If you’re located in Kent, Renton, Auburn, or nearby areas, Junkisremoved offers complete pool removal, debris hauling, and cleanup services so you can reclaim your backyard hassle-free.

From draining and dismantling to eco-friendly disposal, they handle every step with care — saving you time and effort.