Pond & Pool Digging in Cincinnati, OH

Pond and pool digging are the largest single excavations most homeowners ever order. A pool dig follows the pool company's layout to the inch. A pond is shaped to hold water, take overflow safely and fit the land. Both produce a lot of spoil that has to be placed or hauled, and both change how water moves across a lot. Around Cincinnati's northern and eastern suburbs, where lots and acreage are larger, both are common requests.

Pool excavation

HomeBlue's Cincinnati figures put pool excavation at $3,900 to $6,800. HomeGuide lists in-ground pool excavation at $1,000 to $5,000 in soft, clear soil, rising to $15,000 to $20,000 where access is hard or rock is hit. Shale and limestone ledges are common here, so we look at nearby road cuts, neighboring digs and the slope before quoting, and we price rock as a separate line if it shows up.

Pond construction

A pond needs the right soil to hold water. The clay-rich subsoils common in the region often seal well when compacted, but sandy or gravelly pockets, especially in river valleys, may need a clay liner. A good pond has a properly compacted embankment, an overflow or spillway that will not erode, and side slopes safe for people and mowing. Larger ponds and dams can fall under state or local rules, which we check during planning.

Where the dirt goes

A 16 by 32 foot pool dug 6 feet deep produces well over 100 cubic yards of soil. Spoil can build berms, level low areas or be hauled. On hillsides, piling it on a slope is exactly what USGS research warned against, so we place it on flat ground or haul it. HomeBlue puts local hauling at $400 to $600 or more per load.

After the dig

We grade around the pool or pond so surface water flows away, set up for the deck or patio base, and seed or stabilize disturbed ground.