How to calculate a pool excavation
A pool hole is larger than the pool itself, because crews dig extra room for walls, plumbing, and bedding.
- Start from the pool dimensions and add working room, often 1 to 2 feet on every side.
- Use the average depth when the bottom slopes from shallow to deep.
- Convert to loose volume with a swell factor.
- Ask the contractor what is included in the haul away price.
Worked example
For a typical pool excavation with length 32 ft, width 16 ft, depth 5.5 ft, the volume is 2,816.00 cubic feet. Divide by 27 for 104.30 cubic yards. With a 10 percent allowance, plan for 114.73 cubic yards.
In dirt, 104.30 cubic yards weighs about 125.16 US tons at a planning value of 2,400 pounds per cubic yard.
Pool Excavation sizes and quantities
These common sizes are calculated with the same formula as the tool above, so you can find your number quickly.
| Size | Cubic feet | Cubic yards | With 10 percent extra | US tons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 by 12 ft, 5 ft deep | 1,440.00 | 53.33 | 58.67 | 64.00 |
| 32 by 16 ft, 5.5 ft deep | 2,816.00 | 104.30 | 114.73 | 125.16 |
| 36 by 18 ft, 6 ft deep | 3,888.00 | 144.00 | 158.40 | 172.80 |
| 40 by 20 ft, 6.5 ft deep | 5,200.00 | 192.59 | 211.85 | 231.11 |
Tips
- A deep end and a shallow end can be handled with the sloped area calculator.
- Large pools often produce hundreds of cubic yards.
- Plan truck access and dump sites early.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using only the pool size, not the hole size.
- Ignoring the swell of loose soil.
- Forgetting extra excavation for a gravel base.
These figures are planning estimates. Real material varies in moisture, size, and compaction, so confirm weights and order quantities with your supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How many cubic yards do I need for a pool excavation?
Multiply the dimensions in feet and divide by 27. The example above, length 32 ft, width 16 ft, depth 5.5 ft, needs 104.30 cubic yards before waste.
How much extra should I order?
Add 5 to 10 percent for waste. Add more if the ground is uneven or the material is loose.
Can I enter inches and feet together?
Yes. Each box has its own unit selector, so you can mix feet and inches.
How much does pool excavation material weigh?
104.30 cubic yards of dirt weighs about 125.16 US tons as a planning value.