Wanting to build a pool? After you receive a permit and decide what type of pool and size you are going to build comes the daunting task of excavating. But you can do it! We hired someone to come out to dig a majority of the dirt. We needed to dig the length and width of the pool plus two feet on each side to allow room to install the plumbing and run the electrical. Once the guy helping me left I realized I was a little off on my measurements and had to go in and correct a few things. I rented a skid to help me clean up the corners and compact the shallow end. I also rented a mini excavator with a 12 in bucket from a local company for 24 hours. I corrected my measurements for the outer width and length of the pool and also dug out the deep end. The last step was digging out the slope from the shallow end to the deep end.
One of the things I wish I would have done differently is that when I rented the excavator I wish I would have dug out the deep end more. I was nervous to over dig the deep end because in the instructions in bold letters it said "over digging is a huge problem." As a result we had to still dig quite a bit the old fashion way with shovels and a wheelbarrow. If I could do it again I wouldn't have been so worried because I found out later it is easy to fill it back up with rocks.
So far we have spent $28,189.30 on our pool. Doing it ourselves we have saved about $70,000-$90,000. Below is the break down of the costs so far. Keep your eye out for the next steps which include the cement collar, electrical and plumbing.
Laser Level / Boots / Wheelbarrow / Gloves / Shovel