We recently received a comment on our blog asking:
"What is the process of removing dirt during an inground pool installation?"
We find that this is a question that most folks have when considering an inground pool.
Today you're in luck because in the following jobsite video we tackle this, as well as other common excavation/dirt related questions.
But before we jump into the video, here are some other questions about the removal of dirt on an inground pool project that we receive on a daily basis.
How long does the dirt hauling process take?
This really depends on several factors such as:
- How close the dump site is to the home
- What equipment is used to load and haul the dirt
- And the accessibility of the backyard
But on average, it usually takes around a half day to excavate and haul away the dirt for a swimming pool.
What equipment is used to remove and haul away the dirt?
We use a track hoe, also called an excavator(shown above), to remove the dirt from the hole.
We typically load dirt directly into dump trucks with the excavator if the truck can make it into the backyard.
If not, we will move the dirt to the front of the home and load the truck with a skid steer front end loader.
How much dirt typically comes out of a pool excavation?
In the following video, we are installing a Cathedral 36 fiberglass pool and we hauled out 7 truckloads at 16 tons each- that's a LOT of dirt.
To calculate how much dirt will come out of the hole, simply take the dimensions of the hole and multiply them to find how many cubic yards of dirt will be removed.
A cubic yard is 3'x3'x3' and the ratio is typically figured at 1.35 tons of dirt per cubic yard.
Should I keep the dirt or have it hauled away?
Most people think they can keep all the dirt from the excavation after all is said and done, but as you'll see in the video, the amount of dirt is usually greatly underestimated.
Many times, people end up with literally tons of dirt that they can't do anything with, and it's often more difficult to get rid of than they initially thought.
So, take our word for it—if you're in doubt, just have it hauled out.
However, there are some reasons for keeping the dirt from the pool excavation such as:
- If you have a sloped yard
- If your property was struck by a meteor
Watch our video below to learn more. Enjoy!
For more information, check our other related articles and videos such as:
- Inground Pool Excavation: 4 Questions You May Not Think To Ask
- Inground Pools and Ground Water: How To Manage a High Water Table
- Hydrostatic Pressure and Dewatering Systems for Fiberglass Pools
At River Pools, we specialize in world-class fiberglass swimming pools for customers across North America. Why not take a look at some of our models to see if a durable fiberglass pool is right for you?
Want to know how much your fiberglass pool will cost? Contact us today to request pricing and to discuss the needs of your pool project. In the meantime, feel free to try out our fiberglass pool pricing calculator tool for a fast estimate.
Want to see about how much that cost will be with all your favorite pool accessories?
Use our Design and Price Tool to walk through your options and approximate price!
If you're still shopping around for an inground swimming pool, download our free ebook below which compares the three main inground pool types.
Editor's note: This blog article was updated on October 17, 2018.