Pool Removal Rebate
Any pools in the process of being removed or already removed are not eligible for a rebate.
Overview
The intent of the program is to remove functioning in-ground pool/spas.
Rebate Amount:
$1.00 per square foot of surface area removed, up to $1,500.
- Pool and/or spa removal rebate measurements are based on the surface area and do not include the associated decking or hardscape.
Eligibility
- Must be in-ground pools and spas; above-ground are ineligible.
- Fountains, water features, koi ponds, etc. are ineligible.
- If removed together, can combine in-ground pools and/or spas to meet the one rebate limit.
Do not remove your pool and/or spa until you receive a Notice to Proceed. Any pool and/or spa removed before the Notice to Proceed will be denied. Photos of the project, before and after
the removal are completed, do not qualify. Per ordinance, all removal rebates require a pre-inspection to verify eligibility.
Deadlines:
Residential:
- Application Deadline: 2/28/2021
- Completion & Notification Deadline: 3/31/2021
Commercial:
- Application Deadline: 2/28/2021
- Completion & Notification Deadline: 3/31/2021
Acceptable Replacements
- Pools and/or spas cannot be replaced with other water-intensive features. This includes water features (fountains, koi ponds, etc.) and grass.
- Pools must be filled in, even if a deck or other building structure is installed over the top.
- Decomposed granite, Arizona-friendly landscaping, decks, patios, and other building structures are acceptable.
- All exposed soil in removal areas must be covered. If granite top dressing is used, a minimum 2” layer must cover the soil.
- Plastic sheeting (impermeable weed barrier) is not permitted in the removal area.
Pre-Removal Photos
- Take two photos of each removal area from different angles, see Figure 1 below. If applying for both a pool and spa removal, include photos of each area.
- Photos must be taken within 10 days of application submission – time stamps will be checked. Altered or mis-representative photos will be considered fraudulent and the rebate will be denied.
Figure 1: Pool/spa Pre-Removal Photos

Example of acceptable pool/spa pre-removal photos, two photos taken from different angles. If removing both a pool and a spa, include photos of each area.
Pre-Inspection, Measurement, Permits, & Notice to Proceed
- All in-ground pool and/or spa removals require a demolition permit (electric is included). Permit requirements may change. Contact the One Stop Shop at 480-312-2500 for more information.
- The applicant is responsible for all necessary permits and the rebate may be denied if required permits are not met.
- If necessary, in-person inspections will take place uring normal business hours. An inspector will call the number provided on the application to arrange an in-person inspection.
- Once the pre-inspection is complete, the Water Conservation Office will email a Notice to Proceed to the email address listed on the application.
- The rebate is based on the measurement in the Notice to Proceed. If there are concerns with the measurement, contact WaterConservation@ScottsdaleAZ.gov and do not remove the pool and/or spa. If the pool and/or spa is removed, the original measurement cannot be altered.
- Pool and/or spa removal rebate measurements are based on the surface area and do not include the associated decking or hardscape.
- Funds are reserved for removal projects from the Notice to Proceed date to the program completion and notification deadline. No extensions.
Post-Inspection
- To notify the Water Conservation Office of project completion, email WaterConservation@ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Final inspection instructions will then be sent via the email provided on the application.
- Project completion is defined as having the entire pool/spa filled in, no bare dirt, and the final landscape material installed.
- If necessary, in-person inspections will take place during normal business hours. An inspector will call the number provided on the application to arrange an in-person inspection.
- If the project is completed after the completion and notification deadline, but before the rebate program year ends on 4/30/21, the project may receive a rebate if there are unallocated funds. Email WaterConservation@ScottsdaleAZ.gov for more information.
Contact Information
City of Scottsdale - Scottsdale Water
9312 N. 94th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
P: 480-312-5650
F: 480-312-5663
WaterOperations-CustomerService@ScottsdaleAZ.gov
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
