How to Go About Pool Digging

Pool digging can be tricky and a costly process if it's not done correctly. Often, the building conditions can make digging for a pool a challenge, and the contractor will bring in large earth-moving equipment or a dump truck to do the job. Other times, a smaller Bobcat or smaller excavator can be used, but this can cause a delay in the process and increase the overall cost of excavation. Before starting the pool digging process, it's best to stake out the area you want to dig. The area you stake out should be 5 feet wider and longer than the pool's size. Then, dig a hole approximately 21 x 37 feet. Then, place string lines and stakes all around the area. To ensure a level bottom, use re-bar that has been painted white for visual purposes. Place them at key measurement points. Strings placed around the perimeter will represent the finished height of the pool's bottom.

Having a little extra space on top of the string will allow you to assemble the walls, pour the footer, and smooth out high spots. If your excavator cannot reach all the corners of the pool, use marker paint to help him mark the line for the transition line from shallow to deep. Once you've positioned the line, you can install stakes to mark the final depth of the bottom. This will ensure that you don't accidentally dig any dirt or rocks when building the walls. The excavation process generally takes one to two days, but it can be longer if there are complications. Once the excavation is complete, steel, plumbing, and electrical will need to be installed. Once that is completed, the excavation can take three to four weeks to dry. A swimming pool can be finished within a few weeks, but it's best to plan ahead so that the project doesn't run into a long delay.

Next, you'll need to decide whether you'd like to install an inside or outside perimeter step. You can choose from vinyl over steps, corner steps, and bolt on/drop in steps. Choosing the right steps is an important decision and can affect the cost of the whole project. When you're unsure, you can consult a pool installation manual for help. Choosing the right type of pool can also affect how much time it takes to complete the project. While the installation process is generally faster than that for other types of pools, fiberglass pools are generally more durable and can be installed faster than any other type of pool. They are also stain resistant and don't harbor as much algae as other types of swimming pools. You can learn more about this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool.