The cost to fill in a pool with dirt depends on pool size, dirt type, fill method, and local labor rates. This article presents practical price ranges in USD, including per-cubic-yard and per-square-foot estimates, so buyers can plan a budget and compare quotes. Key drivers include volume, dirt spoilage or disposal, and site preparation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fill dirt (cubic yards) | $12 | $20 | $35 | Standard compactable fill; delivery may limit small gaps |
| Labor to load, haul, and spread | $300 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Depends on pool size and access |
| Truck delivery (per load) | $250 | $500 | $1,000 | Typically 6–10 cubic yards per load |
| Site prep and grading | $200 | $800 | $2,000 | Rocks, debris removal, grading needed |
| Permits or disposal fees | $0 | $150 | $1,000 | Region dependent |
| Equipment rental (compactor, skid steer) | $50 | $150 | $400 | Occasional, for larger sites |
| Total project cost | $1,000 | $4,000 | $10,000 | Includes dirt, labor, and disposal |
Typical Dirt Quantities Needed Based on Pool Size
Small residential pool (12×24 ft) typically requires 50–100 cubic yards of fill depending on existing depth and desired final grade. Larger in-ground pools (20×40 ft or bigger) may need 150–350 cubic yards. These volumes drive both material and haul costs. Assumptions: standard ballast dirt, normal access, Midwest pricing.
Major Cost Drivers in Filling a Pool With Dirt
Material volume and dirt type determine the majority of expense. Durable, compactable fill costs more per cubic yard but reduces post-fill settling issues. Delivery logistics, especially remote sites, can add a premium. Regional labor rates and permit requirements also shift the total.
Concrete and Structure Prep Impacts the Bottom Line
Site grading and debris removal affect the budget beyond dirt alone. If a pool has a concrete shell or rebar remains, removal or breaking out material may be necessary, adding to labor and disposal costs. Expect higher costs when access is tight or slopes exist.
Regional Price Variations You Should Expect
Prices vary by region and climate zone. In the West and parts of the South, dirt and hauling costs can be higher due to distance to quarries or disposal sites. In rural areas, delivery fees may be lower but access charges could apply. A practical delta is roughly 10–25% between urban and rural markets.
Labor Hours and Crew Size That Move the Quote
Labor typically ranges 10–40 hours depending on pool size, depth, and site access. A two-person crew may finish a small job within a day, while larger pools can require multi-day scheduling. Labor rates commonly fall in the $75–$125 per hour range per crew.
Per-Unit Pricing You Can Benchmark
Delivery per load and fill per cubic yard are the common units used. Expect dirt to cost about $12–$35 per cubic yard from the supplier, with delivery adding $50–$150 per load depending on distance. Per hour labor typically runs $75–$125, and overall project price tends to scale with cubic yards and access.
Disposal and Backfill Logistics That Change Totals
Disposal or reuse options influence final cost. If excavated materials are acceptable for reuse, disposal fees drop. Otherwise, tipping fees can add $0 to $25 per cubic yard, and significant backfill may require hauling contaminants to licensed sites, increasing expense.
Three Realistic Quote Scenarios for a 20×40 ft Pool
| Scenario | Dirt Volume (yd³) | Material Cost | Labor | Delivery | Disposal/Prep | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative fill, tight access | 180 | $2,160 | $1,200 | $600 | $300 | $4,260 |
| Moderate fill, standard access | 250 | $3,000 | $1,800 | $900 | $450 | $6,150 |
| High-grade fill, large volume | 320 | $4,000 | $2,400 | $1,200 | $600 | $8,200 |
How to Read a Dirt-Fill Quote for a Pool
Focus on volume, not just the total. A lower total can hide high per-cubic-yard costs or stiff delivery fees. Look for itemized rows: dirt, delivery, labor, site prep, and disposal. Ensure assumptions match your site conditions and region.
Ways to Trim the Price Without Skimping on Safety
Control scope and timing by batching the project with other outdoor work, selecting standard fill rather than engineered fill, and scheduling during non-peak seasons. Compare multiple quotes, consider reuse of excavated material, and confirm access to minimize hauling time.
Assumptions Behind These Price Ranges
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard fill dirt, typical access, no structural removals, and basic site restoration after backfill.