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can I delete an Azure SQL elastic pool and keep the server and LTR backups?

Rivas, Hector 0 Reputation points
2025-05-08T18:23:36.07+00:00

Hi,

I have an Azure SQL Server and set LTR policies so I am able to restore deleted databases. I have an elastic pool associated to the server. Can I delete the pool without impacting my ability to restore the databases?

Azure SQL Database

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  1. TP 118.8K Reputation points Moderator
    2025-05-08T18:59:21.9566667+00:00

    Hi Hector,

    Yes, you can delete the elastic pool and still have the ability to restore deleted databases using Long Term Retention backups, so long as the backups are within their retention period. You could even delete the logical SQL Server and still be able to restore LTR databases, however, it is more difficult [with SQL Server deleted] since you can't use GUI interface.

    Please see screenshot of relevant excerpt from documentation article:

    User's image

    In addition to viewing available LTR backups in graphical interface, you may run command similar to below in Azure Cloud Shell:

    az sql db ltr-backup list --location eastus

    Please click Accept Answer and upvote if the above was helpful.

    Thanks.

    -TP

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  2. Prasad Chaganti 645 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2025-05-08T19:00:23.8766667+00:00

    Hi Rivas, Hector,

    It looks like you're considering deleting an Azure SQL elastic pool but want to ensure that it won't affect your Long-Term Retention (LTR) backups or your ability to restore databases.

    Yes, you can delete an Azure SQL Elastic Pool without impacting your ability to restore deleted databases—as long as you have Long-Term Retention (LTR) backups configured.

    LTR Backups Are Independent of Elastic Pools.

    LTR backups are stored in separate Azure Blob storage and are not tied to the lifecycle of the elastic pool.

    • You can delete the elastic pool.
    • Your LTR backups remain intact.
    • You can restore databases from those backups to any server in the same region or a different one, depending on your configuration.

    Note:

    • Do not delete the logical SQL Server that hosts the LTR backups unless you’ve confirmed the backups are accessible from another server.
    • Check backup retention policies before deleting the pool to ensure your backups are still within the retention window.
    • Restores from LTR will create a new database—you’ll need to assign it to a pool or standalone tier afterward.

    Hope this helps. Do let us know if you any further queries.

    If this answers your query, do click Accept Answer and Yes for was this answer helpful. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

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