Whether you’re replacing your pool or need to get rid of it, we can help! Scrapping an old pool can be a profitable endeavor during the summer months. This blog will guide you through scrapping a pool, including the types of metals you can salvage and how to maximize your profits when cleaning and separating any materials you may find.
Identifying Your Pool’s Metal
Above-ground pools are typically made from either steel or aluminum. Identifying the type of metal your pool is made of is crucial since aluminum pools are generally worth more than steel pools. Have a magnet handy and test in on all your materials to see what sticks and what doesn’t. A good rule of thumb is:
- Aluminum: Lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and non-magnetic.
- Steel: Heavier, magnetic, and prone to rusting.
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Preparing To Scrap A Pool
The first step in scrapping your pool is to drain the water. Depending on the pool’s size, this process can take up to 8 hours or more. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a water pump to siphon out the water.
- Ensure the exit side of the hose is placed in an area that won’t cause flooding, such as a sewer drain or a well-draining spot in your yard.
Once the pool is drained, you can start dismantling it. This involves removing all non-metal parts and accessories:
- Plastic caps and ledges: These can be pried off with basic hand tools.
- Liner: Cut and remove the liner carefully to avoid any leftover water.
- Filter and heater accessories: These may need to be unscrewed or unbolted.

Items You Can Scrap From A Pool
Apart from the shell and coping, you can find many other great items when scrapping a pool.
- Pool Filters: These are usually bought as electric motors. You can pull the motor out and cut it up to expose the copper inside.
- Heater: They can be full of copper, brass, or stainless steel. You can bring it whole, break it down, and separate the different metals.
- Pool Ladder: The ladders are often made of stainless steel but can also be made from aluminum. To withstand the effects of chlorine, they are often made from 316 stainless steel, worth more than the standard 304 stainless steel.
- Cleaning accessories: Many pool owners use vacuums to clean their pools. Like any regular vacuum, these have motors and often aluminum hoses that can reach the bottom of the pool.
Items Your Scrap Yard Will Not Accept
Plastic, cardboard, and liners must be separated from aluminum or steel. You can bring the plastic and cardboard to your local recycling center. Some yards accept a wider variety of non-metal materials, so contact your local yard if you aren’t sure what they take.
Why Scrapping Pools is Easy and Profitable
Scrapping pools can be an easy and profitable venture for several reasons. When pools break or become obsolete, homeowners usually face high costs for removal and demolition. If you’re a scrapper, you can offer to remove the pool for a lower fee than traditional pool removal companies because you can recoup the costs—and even make a profit—from the scrap metal value. Pool removal companies typically dispose of most of the material in a landfill, whereas you can take advantage of the valuable metals.
While taking down a pool can be labor-intensive, you’ll see the benefits when you get to the scale. Check out our YouTube videos and Facebook Group for more scrapping tips or information.