I don't want to dig the entire area (15-18 foot circle) with just a shovel. I can't afford a bobcat, so will a tiller or something like that be good to rent for the day from an equipment rental place? My yard slopes some, so I have to dig up a couple of feet on one side to make it level.
It would be best and economical to rent a bobcat for a day for about 400-450.00 a day and level off your land to insure that the pool would be level. Or contact your local Landscaper and Design Team and they ususally will have a bobcat ..But they Will CHarge Outrageously. Or Why wont you let the pool people do it for you..They probably will have to contract out..But it will be done professionaly. Unfortunately There are some things that We as Homeowners Must never try to tackle. good luck =}
yes, till it up shovel it around to level it. i did the same thing, till the high side up to move the dirt when its close, drive a metal stake in the middle till its 1 to 2 inches above the dirt, use a 2x4 8 ft long ,with a level on it have some one hold one end to the stake, then you hold the outer end to level out the dirt, [use the 2x4 to spread the dirt, ] then remove the metal stake.
Rent a rear-tine rototiller to break the soil free. You will also need a decent round-mouth shovel, a garden rake and a construction grade wheelbarrow. In addition, you will also need a level of some kind to check your progess. The easiest is a laser level but even a four foot builder's level and a nice straight piece of 2 x 6 will work. And 18 foot circle means that you will have to remove a lot of dirt. What are you going to do with it? You could end up with about 6 cubic yards that weighs almost ten tons. On top of that, you need to excavate at least two inches below the lowest grade point because these pools should have a minimum of two inches of brick sand under the liner to protect it from damage. Four inches is better. Don't get into this until you understand the entire scope of the job. You might be biting off a lot more than you can chew.
Hiring a professional excavator with a skid-steer or bobcat will more than pay for itself. Their speed and agility will astound you, and get the job done hella lot faster than hand working it. Check the local yellowpages for info on prices-you may be pleasantly surprised.
