When embarking on building a new swimming pool or renovating an existing one, homeowners are often unprepared for the sheer volume of dirt that ends up on their property after excavation. This dirt, sometimes referred to as “spoil” or “excavated soil,” is a byproduct of digging into the ground to create the structure for the pool. But what do you do with it? Leaving it piled up in your backyard is not a visually appealing or practical solution. Fortunately, there are several effective, creative, and environmentally friendly ways to handle this surplus dirt.
In this article, we’ll explore various strategies for reusing and repurposing excess pool excavation dirt, including landscaping, gardening, driveway solutions, erosion control, and more. Whether you’re planning a renovation or have just completed your pool project, this guide will help you transform what seems like a problem into an opportunity.
Understanding the Amount and Type of Excavated Dirt
Before discussing what you can do with the soil, it’s essential to understand the typical types and amounts of dirt you might have on your hands.
Type of Dirt
Excavated dirt often consists of subsoil, topsoil, clay, sand, or a mixture of these. The composition of the soil will affect its usability:
- Topsoil—This is the uppermost layer, rich in organic matter and nutrients. It’s ideal for gardening or landscaping.
- Subsoil—This is usually compact and less fertile. It’s not suitable for planting but can be used for fill or structural support.
- Clay—Clay-heavy soil is dense, which makes it good for compaction but poor for drainage.
- Sandy soil—It drains quickly but lacks moisture retention, which may restrict planting potential.
Volume of Soil
Depending on your pool’s size and depth, you could end up with anywhere from 10 to 30 cubic yards of dirt. A typical in-ground pool excavation moves about 20 cubic yards, which is enough to fill 3 to 4 dump truckloads. Without a plan, this pile can easily become a source of inconvenience.
Smart Uses for Excess Pool Dirt
Now that we’ve covered the type and amount, let’s dive into what to do with the dirt.
1. Use it for Retaining Walls and Raised Garden Beds
A practical and attractive way to reuse dirt is by creating a retaining wall or building raised garden beds. This is especially ideal if your property has a slope or you’re looking to level your backyard.
Retaining walls made with the excavated soil can provide both beauty and function. You can reinforce them with materials such as wood, stone, or concrete blocks to ensure stability and longevity. This not only reduces soil erosion on sloped yards but also gives you more usable space for landscaping.
For raised garden beds, the top layer of soil (topsoil) should be used because of its fertility. The subsoil can be layered at the base for structure.
Benefits:
- Eco-friendly reuse of materials.
- Improved drainage and soil structure in gardens.
- Visually appealing landscaping solution.
2. Improve Existing Lawn Areas
You can grade and spread the soil across uneven or low-lying parts of your yard. This leveling process can help improve the overall appearance of your yard and also prepare the area for future lawn or landscaping work.
Tip: Use a skid steer or bobcat if you have access to one for faster and more efficient spreading. For best results, mix topsoil layers into deficient areas and grade with a rake.
This method is especially helpful if your property suffered from compaction or heavy equipment traffic during the excavation phase.
3. Build a Berm for Visual Interest and Wind Protection
A berm is a raised mound of soil that can be used for beautification, to separate areas of a yard, or to act as a windbreak. They’re a perfect solution for blending leftover dirt into your landscape.
Berm construction uses the excess dirt to create a gentle rise that can enhance your property’s visual interest. You can incorporate a walkway or seating area into the design or plant shrubs and grasses to stabilize the structure.
Educated design tip: Keep a distance from the house to prevent drainage issues near foundations. A berm should slope gradually and avoid abrupt changes in elevation.
4. Create a Functional or Decorative Mound
Much like a berm, a mound can serve practical or aesthetic purposes. These soil structures can be used to frame a backyard seating area, as a backdrop for garden elements, or to hide unsightly yard features like pool equipment or air conditioning units.
Decorative mounds often include lighting features, sculptures, or water features at the top to create a focal point. A well-designed mound is both a functional and artistic use of excavated dirt.
5. Use in Driveway or Pathway Construction
If your pool isn’t the only home improvement project on the table, consider repurposing soil for building or repairing a driveway. Subsoil that’s rich in clay can be used as a stable base layer, especially if mixed with gravel and properly compacted.
This is a particularly cost-effective method for improving access points in your property. The compacted soil provides a solid foundation for concrete, asphalt, or gravel driveways.
Important note: Only soils that are free of debris, highly compactable, and non-expansive should be used to support driveways or heavily trafficked areas.
6. Reinforce Erosion Control Measures
Areas prone to water run-off or soil erosion can benefit greatly from strategically using excess dirt. Silt fences, check dams, and swales can be reinforced with excavated soil, allowing rainwater to slow down, absorb into the ground, and prevent loss of topsoil.
This is especially beneficial in steep or uneven terrain. Using on-site soil for erosion control reduces the need for imported fill materials, which cuts both time and cost.
Key Elements for Erosion Control with Dirt:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Silt fence | Used alongside soil mounds to trap sediment and prevent it from flowing away with water. |
| Check dam | Constructed in small gullies or ditches to slow water flow and encourage soil deposition. |
| Swales | Shallow, broad channels that direct rainwater to safer areas using soil buildup. |
Landscaping Ideas: Let the Dirt Enhance Your Outdoor Space
Beyond the obvious uses for grading and leveling, there are landscaping ideas that give your excavated dirt artistic and aesthetic roles.
1. Design Contour Gardens
A contour garden follows the natural curve or topography of your land. Excavated dirt can be used to craft such a design by altering the slope to create organic gardening beds.
Curved garden beds made with dug-out soil can be used to plant vegetables in undulating patterns or incorporate ornamental flowering plants. The irregular layout can make your garden feel more wild and natural.
2. Construct Swales and Drainage Trenches
If your backyard has water pooling or drainage issues, swales (shallow ditches with gently sloped sides) can help. Using dirt to raise the sides of swales helps guide water flow where needed or simply manage runoff effectively.
This is one of the most practical applications in regions with frequent or heavy rainfall. You can even plant vegetation along the swales to prevent erosion and add visual appeal.
3. Reuse for Temporary or Future Projects
Sometimes the best approach is to retain the soil and strategically store it for future projects. This can include:
- Future garden expansions
- Planting new trees or hedges
- Repairing lawn damage from pets or construction
Storing the dirt in a protected area of your property (e.g., under a tarp in a fenced-off space) can preserve its usability until needed.
Responsible Disposal and Transport
If you’ve maximized your property’s potential and still have leftover soil, here are your options for responsible elimination.
1. Hire a Soil Removal Service
Many contractors offer dirt haul-away services, and some even include it in excavation pricing. You can negotiate a price for removal or look for companies that specialize in disposal services. Always ensure the company disposes of the soil legally and avoids environmental harm.
2. Offer the Dirt for Free Locally
Websites and platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local community boards often have takers for free dirt. Gardeners, landscapers, or other homeowners might want fill dirt for their own projects.
You can advertise it with keywords like:
- Free Fill Dirt
- Excavated Pool Soil Available
- Free Soil Delivery
Make sure it’s accessible by pickup truck or trailer for easier transport for interested parties.
3. Use It for Municipal or Civic Projects
Some municipalities or local conservation authorities accept clean soil for public land restoration projects or park expansions. Contact your local public works department to see if this is a possibility.
Environmental Considerations When Using Excavated Dirt
Before repurposing, consider the environmental impact of the dirt on your site:
1. Soil Contamination Risk
Ensure the excavated dirt isn’t contaminated, especially if it came from near a garage, driveway, or an older home. Testing the pH and nutrient balance can help determine its usability for planting projects.
2. Drainage and Water Runoff Impact
Changes made to soil structure, elevation, or flow paths can affect local waterways. Understanding local regulations and best practices for stormwater management can help you avoid legal penalties and ecological damage.
3. Native Vegetation Compatibility
If you’ll be growing plants on top of or in the excavated soil, it matters whether the soil is compatible with regional plant species. Introducing inappropriate soil into an area can disrupt ecosystems or hinder plant growth.
Conclusion: Creative, Practical, and Sustainable Solutions
Excess dirt from a pool excavation doesn’t have to be a hassle or an eyesore. With a bit of planning, creativity, and the right understanding of soil properties, you can turn what seems like waste into a valuable resource. Whether repurposed for gardens, landscaping, or construction support, using the dirt on your property increases sustainability while cutting down on waste disposal costs.
The key takeaway: Don’t rush to haul the dirt away. Explore its usability, get creative with your landscape goals, and think long-term. This not only enhances your property aesthetically but also makes the pool excavation project more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Start by classifying your dirt, identifying your backyard goals, and considering the outlined options. Before you know it, that mound of soil will serve a vital and attractive purpose in your outdoor space.
So, the next time you ask, “What on earth do I do with this dirt?”—remember there’s a solution that’s useful, beautiful, or both.
Can I reuse the dirt from my pool excavation for landscaping?
Yes, the dirt removed during pool excavation can be effectively used for landscaping purposes. Depending on the soil type, it can be used to create mounds, raised garden beds, or as fill material for leveling the yard. If the soil is rich in organic matter and free of large rocks or debris, it can provide a good foundation for planting. However, it’s important to assess the soil quality before using it to ensure it supports healthy plant growth.
Additionally, you may need to mix the existing dirt with compost or other soil amendments to improve its structure and nutrient content. You should also consider drainage requirements, especially if you’re using the dirt for grading near your home’s foundation. Proper compaction and grading will prevent water from pooling around your house and causing potential foundation issues.
How do I dispose of extra dirt responsibly?
One of the most responsible ways to dispose of excess dirt is to contact local landfills, transfer stations, or construction and demolition recycling centers that accept soil. Many facilities have designated areas for dirt disposal and may charge a small fee depending on the volume. Always call ahead to verify their policies and any specific requirements for delivery, such as covering the load during transport.
Alternatively, you can check with your local municipality or environmental agency to ensure your disposal method complies with local regulations. Avoid dumping dirt in unauthorized areas such as vacant lots, waterways, or forests, which can cause environmental harm and may lead to fines. Recycling dirt at approved sites helps ensure it is repurposed appropriately and reduces landfill strain.
Can I use the excess dirt to build a garden?
Yes, using excess dirt to build a garden is a practical and sustainable option. Raised beds or berms can be formed using the excavated soil, especially if it’s topsoil or loamy soil with good nutrient content. You can also mix the dirt with compost and organic matter to enhance its fertility for planting vegetables, flowers, or shrubs. Be mindful to remove rocks, roots, and debris before preparing garden beds.
Before filling garden beds, test the soil for pH levels and contaminants, especially if your property was previously disturbed or developed. If the soil has low nutritional value or is too clay-heavy, incorporating store-bought soil or amendments can improve growing conditions. This method not only gives the dirt a new use but also avoids the costs associated with hauling it away.
Is it safe to keep the dirt on my property?
Yes, it is generally safe to keep excavated dirt on your property, but some precautions should be taken to ensure it doesn’t become a liability. Leave the dirt pile in a secure, accessible location that doesn’t block gates, driveways, or utilities. Properly grade the pile to prevent water from collecting around it and compact it slightly to reduce erosion, especially during heavy rains.
Also, check local zoning codes or homeowners’ association rules before storing large amounts of dirt on your property. Some communities have regulations about pile heights, types, and placement to maintain neighborhood aesthetics and drainage standards. Storing dirt responsibly allows you to use it when needed later without violating local ordinances.
Can I give the dirt away for free to others?
Yes, offering excavated dirt for free is a great way to reduce disposal costs while helping others in your community. Landscapers, farmers, gardening enthusiasts, and local construction projects often seek quality fill dirt or topsoil. Advertising locally via social media groups, neighborhood bulletins, or online platforms like Freecycle or Craigslist can connect you with those who may need your dirt.
When giving the dirt away, clearly communicate its location, volume, and transportation requirements. Let recipients know how they can access the pile and whether they’ll need to shovel and haul it themselves or if you have machinery available. This not only benefits others but also keeps the material out of landfills and supports sustainable reuse practices.
Can I sell the dirt from my excavation project?
It is possible to sell excavated dirt, especially if it’s clean fill dirt or high-quality topsoil. Dirt from pool excavations is often sought after by landscapers, contractors, and DIY homeowners. Research local demand and contact nearby landscaping companies or topsoil suppliers to explore potential buyers. You may also list it for sale online through local marketplaces or materials exchange platforms.
Be aware that selling dirt involves logistics and potential liability. You’ll need proper equipment to load and transport large volumes, and buyers may inspect the dirt for quality before purchasing. You should also understand and comply with any local regulations about selling or transferring soil to avoid legal issues. With some planning, turning extra dirt into a small income source is feasible.
Is it possible to use the dirt for erosion control?
Yes, excavated dirt can be used effectively for erosion control projects around your property. By creating berms, terraces, or fill slopes in areas prone to water runoff, you can re-use the dirt to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Adding vegetation to these dirt structures can also reinforce the soil with roots, improving long-term erosion resistance.
It’s important to ensure that the dirt used for erosion control is compacted appropriately and doesn’t wash away during rainfall. In some cases, you may want to mix the dirt with mulch or erosion-control blankets for improved stability. Using native plants or grasses that thrive in your region can further anchor the dirt and support a sustainable landscape. This strategy not only repurposes the excess dirt but also enhances your property’s environmental resilience.