2. Pool Excavation
As a pool shell builder the excavation process is the source of many frustrations. Excavation can determine the length of time it will take to build a shell and how easy it will be to complete the task. So with this in mind it is important that it is done correctly and with some management (where necessary). You will need to excavate the site greater than the size of the pool. Generally this is the dimensions of your pool + the thickness of your concrete + 600mm. Any thing less will be the cause of many frustrations.
Large machinery will be coming to make a huge hole in your yard, and to make that hole, they need big equipment. An excavator a backhoe, bobcat and several dump trucks maybe at your home to dig the hole and haul away the dirt. The best preparation you can do is move everything that might be in their way. Give them all the room possible. Gates may have to be removed; sometimes it may be cost effective to simply remove a wall or fence. Many of these plant operators are professionals and they have probably manoeuvred around tougher spots. But accidents can happen, and they can work faster and better if they have an open work space.
Excavator or Bobcat?
The equipment used for your excavation is very much dependent on the ground type of your home and future pool area. Excavation can be completed by Bobcat or Excavator, depending on your pool access. The different machinery has different advantages when used.
Excavators have the advantage of being able to work in tight spaces. The reach of the arm enables a good operator to work above the excavation. Also when working in the hole an excavator has the ability to throw dirt away from the pool hole. They also have a better ability to get out of holes. The greatest disadvantage to an excavator is its mobility. Moving large amounts of soil becomes more time consuming when compared to the bobcat. A typical Mini Excavator can be as narrow as 700mm to pass through small openings and 1.3 tonnes in weight
A Skid steer loader (Bob cat) will require room to build a ramp and will also need room in the excavation hole for turning. It will be much better equipped to remove soil and be much faster than an excavator in moving soil over large distances.
The excavators will dig the hole in the ground for your pool. They will use the lines that have been laid out in the plans. While this process may sound simple an operator with experience in pool digging will make the process run much smoother. Larger operating companies are often equipped with Skid steer loaders, excavators, and large trucks for soil removal. Soil removal prices differ depending on travel time of dumping sites.
It should be noted at this stage that you will need soil for backfilling and for other landscaping needs that you may have. It may suitable for you to find building sites in your neighbourhood who could use clean fill. In some instances they will even cart it at no cost. There may also be a need during the excavation process to strategically place soil around the pool. This will be to help you when you are forming the pool. Benches and stairs may require soil to limit the cost of concrete.
