Pool Excavation
Adelaide
Digging your own pool? Our 1.8T mini excavator is perfect for residential pool digs. Fits through standard gates, powerful enough for the job. Add our tipper for complete spoil removal.
DIY Pool Excavation Made Possible
Installing a swimming pool is one of the best investments you can make in your Adelaide home. But pool builders charge a premium for excavation - often $3,000-$8,000+ depending on access and soil conditions. Many homeowners are discovering they can save thousands by handling the dig themselves.
Our 1.8T JCB mini excavator is ideal for residential pool excavation. At just 990mm wide, it fits through standard side gates - solving the "access problem" that makes many pool quotes expensive. Hire our excavator and tipper combo, and you can dig and remove spoil yourself.
Not confident operating machinery? Choose wet hire and Jack will dig your pool hole to spec. You get professional excavation at a fraction of pool builder prices.
Our Excavator vs Your Pool Requirements
2,290mm
Max Dig Depth
✓ Deeper than most pools
4,030mm
Max Reach
✓ Covers standard pool widths
990mm
Machine Width
✓ Fits standard gates
1.8T
Operating Weight
✓ Safe on residential lawns
Pool Types We Excavate
Fibreglass Pools
The most common pool type in Adelaide. We dig the hole to your pool shell supplier's specifications, ensuring correct depth and dimensions for crane placement.
Concrete Pools
Concrete pools often have more complex shapes and benching. We excavate to your pool builder's marked specifications, including steps and ledges.
Plunge Pools
Compact plunge pools are perfect for Adelaide's smaller blocks. Our mini excavator is ideally sized for these smaller digs, even in tight backyards.
Pool Excavation Process
Get Pool Specs
Your pool supplier provides excavation dimensions. We dig to their specs.
Check Access
Measure your gate/side access. 1m+ opening? We're in. Send photos if unsure.
Book Equipment
Excavator only, or combo with tipper for spoil removal. Dry or wet hire.
Dig Day
We deliver, you dig (or Jack digs for wet hire), and remove spoil as you go.
Before You Dig
- • Call Dial Before You Dig (1100) to locate underground services
- • Confirm pool position is marked by your pool supplier
- • Check council requirements for setbacks and approvals
- • Organise where spoil will be dumped (tip run plan)
Soil Conditions
- • Clay soil (common in Adelaide) - slower going but manageable
- • Sandy soil - faster excavation, watch for collapse
- • Rock - may require rock breaker (ask about availability)
- • Water table - discuss with your pool builder first
Pool Dig Cost Comparison
See how DIY pool excavation compares to pool builder quotes
Typical Pool Builder Quote
Excavation component
Total: $4,500 - $10,000+
Varies significantly by builder and conditions
DIY with Equip Hire
Excavator + Tipper Combo
Potential Savings: $2,000 - $6,000+
Depending on original builder quote
* Prices are estimates only. Contact us for current rates and a quote specific to your pool project.
Dry or Wet Hire for Your Pool?
Dry Hire (DIY)
You Operate
Maximum savings - you do all the work. We deliver the excavator and tipper, provide orientation, and you dig the pool yourself.
Good for you if:
- You have excavator experience (or want to learn)
- You have a helper for spotting and measuring
- You're comfortable working to pool specs
- Maximum budget savings is the priority
- You have a suitable tow vehicle for the tipper
Wet Hire
Jack Operates
Professional excavation, still cheaper than builder rates. Jack digs to your pool specs while you handle tipper runs (or we can quote on full-service).
Good for you if:
- You want guaranteed accuracy to pool specs
- No excavator experience (and don't want to risk errors)
- Complex pool shape with benches/steps
- Rocky or difficult soil conditions
- Time is more important than maximum savings
Popular choice: Wet hire for the dig, you handle the tipper runs to the tip.
Pool Excavation FAQs
Can your excavator dig deep enough for a pool?
Yes - our 1.8T excavator has a maximum dig depth of 2,290mm (nearly 2.3 metres). Most residential pools range from 1.2m to 1.8m deep, well within our capability. For deeper ends, we work progressively.
Will you damage my lawn getting to the backyard?
Rubber tracks spread the machine's weight and minimise damage. Some lawn marking is inevitable, but nothing that won't recover. We're careful with access and can use boards if needed for soft ground.
How long does a pool dig take?
Typically 1-2 days for a standard fibreglass pool. Factors include pool size, soil conditions, and access. Add time for spoil removal trips. Plunge pools can be a half-day job.
What do I do with all the dirt?
Hire our excavator + tipper combo. Load the tipper as you dig, tow it to the tip (Wingfield, Edinburgh North, or your local), dump, repeat. Plan for 4-8 trips depending on pool size.
What if I hit rock?
Adelaide soil can be rocky, especially in the Hills and parts of the north. Our excavator handles reasonable rock. For heavy rock, we can discuss rock breaker attachment options. Call Jack to discuss your site.
Do I need council approval to dig?
Pool installation typically requires development approval from your council. The dig itself usually doesn't need separate approval, but check your pool builder's requirements and local council regulations.
Ready to Dig Your Pool?
Call Jack to discuss your pool project. Bring your pool supplier's excavation specs and we'll provide a quote.
Pool Dig Ready
1.8T Excavator + Tipper
Based In
224 Kelly Rd, Modbury Heights SA 5092