If you’re planning on building a swimming pool in your backyard, you’re likely wondering about the current pool excavation cost.
The average cost to build swimming pools is $22,200, but the price will vary depending on the size and shape of the pool you’re going for.
Before building your pool, you’ll need to excavate the land to remove the soil and make room for the structure. You also need to find a trusted local pool contractor that can help you prepare the area for pool builders who will build the new swimming pool.
If you’re wondering what it would cost to build an inground pool, here’s what you need to know.
What Does Excavation for a Pool Mean?

Excavation is the process of removing or hollowing out a space in the ground before the pool installation process may begin. A pool contractor will use heavy machinery to reduce the time it takes to complete the process.
[Read: Why Is Excavation Important In Construction?]
An Inground Pool Versus Above-ground Pool

Inground pools are concrete pools built into the ground as a permanent structure, while an above-ground pool is a semi-permanent structure. Although above-ground pools aren’t permanent, you’ll still need to excavate in order to build one.
Can I Excavate My Own Swimming Pool?
Yes, you can excavate your own pool. However, this is a laborious process that requires a lot of man work, and if you’re in a hurry to get the job done, your best bet would be to hire professional pool contractors to take care of the hard work.
Moreover, when excavating inground swimming pools, it is easy to damage the surrounding land, and without any prior knowledge, you could be at serious risk of injury.
Plus, without the proper construction equipment, you’ll have to spend long, hard days in the hot sun digging out a space for your inground pool.
A professional pool builder can take care of the heavy lifting and get the job quickly, efficiently, and within a much shorter time frame!
[Read: Pool Excavation Contractors Near Me: Are They Worth Hiring?]
How Long Does It Take to Excavate for an Inground Pool?
The average time to excavate for a swimming pool is one to four days. However, this time may vary depending on the shape and size of the pool and the contractor you use for the job.
[Read: Swimming Pool Excavation: 4 Things To Ask Your Contractor]
What Influences the In-ground Pool Cost?

Several factors come into play when determining the cost of building a pool. Here are some of the things you’ll need to consider:
The type of pool being built | Costs for an inground pool ranges based on the type of pool you need to be installed. Associated costs for the installation of fiberglass pools differ from that of a vinyl pool. |
Pool shape and size | Going for a more unusual shape could make the job a little more complicated, which could increase inground pool costs. |
The time of year | Yes, you read that correctly! During the colder months, the ground can freeze, which could increase the amount of work that pool builders will have to do to excavate. |
Your choice of pool builder | Contractors will have different rates per square foot for excavating land for your swimming pool. You should go for a pool builder that is affordable and provides services that are within our budget. |
When you need the project completed | Pool installation costs will also increase if you need the job done sooner. If you have a week to complete the project, for example, you’ll need more manpower to complete the pool than you would with a month-long deadline. |
Contact Speciality Grading – A Reliable Pool Builder and Excavator
Are you ready to build your swimming pool? Specialty Grading can help! With an experienced workforce and 27+ years of experience, we have the tools and skills to take care of your pool excavation!
Get in touch with us to find out more about our services and get a quotation from our highly-preferred contractors!

Specialty Grading
We are a family-owned and operated business in different areas of Yavapai County such as Prescott, Prescott Valley, Dewey, and Chino Valley for over 20 years since 1995. With the help of our certified and licensed excavating and grading contractors, we take pride in providing our customers with efficient services and excellent value.