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Yardage, Swell & Truckload Math

How Much Dirt Comes Out of a Pool Dig?

A pool's hole volume is length × width × average depth ÷ 27 — then add roughly 20–30% swell, because excavated dirt fluffs up. A 16×32 pool at 5.5-ft average depth is ~104 bank yards, ~130 loose yards: 10–15 truckloads leaving your street.

🕑 Updated August 2026 · reviewed quarterly
The formula: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Average depth (ft) ÷ 27 = bank cubic yards. Multiply by 1.2–1.3 for swell (dirt expands when dug). Divide loose yards by 10–14 (truck capacity) = loads. Add the over-dig (~10%) for plumbing and steel.

Truckload table by pool size

Pool sizeAvg depthBank yardsLoose yards (swelled)Truckloads*
10×20 spa/plunge4.5 ft~33~424–5
14×285 ft~73~927–10
16×325.5 ft~104~13010–15
18×365.5 ft~132~16513–17
20×406 ft~178~22216–24

*Loads at 10–14 loose yards per truck, including typical over-dig. Freeform pools: use the bounding rectangle × ~0.85. Last updated August 2026. Ranges are typical figures for our region; every yard is different — a free site visit gets you a firm number.

What the haul actually costs

Haul-off pricing rides on three numbers: loads, round-trip minutes to an accepting site, and the dump fee per load (clean dirt is cheapest; rock and mixed material cost more). It's why two identical pools in different cities haul at different prices — and why our quotes include haul-off explicitly instead of leaving it as a surprise line. Full pricing context in the cost guide.

Where does the dirt go?

Approved disposal and reuse sites — grading projects that need import, inert landfills, and soil recyclers. Clean native soil is a commodity; contaminated or trash-mixed soil is a problem. Keeping the dig clean keeps your disposal cheap.

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Loaded dump truck leaving a residential street, tarped

Related questions

Why does dug dirt take more space than the hole?

Swell — undisturbed soil is compressed; excavation breaks it loose and it expands 20–30% (rock even more). That's why a 100-yard hole makes ~125 yards of truckable spoil.

Can I keep some dirt for my own landscaping?

Absolutely — tell us before dig day and we'll stockpile clean native soil where you want it. It only saves money if it saves loads, and we'll do that math with you honestly.

Do bigger trucks make it cheaper?

Only when the street allows them — many residential streets and all tight cul-de-sacs limit truck size and turning. We size trucks to the street and price accordingly.

Ready to break ground?

Free site visits and same-week estimates across Ventura & Los Angeles counties. Call, text, or send the job details.

Call (805) 217-3863  Request a Free Estimate