By HomeGuide's national 2026 figures, pool excavation costs $1,500 to $5,000 in soft soil, and $15,000 to $20,000 where the dig hits boulders, hardpan or rock ledge. North of Loop 1604, rock is the usual story.
All prices on this page are national ranges from HomeGuide, not quotes from us. In San Antonio, limestone, caliche, black clay, access and haul distance decide where a job really lands. Figures checked in October 2026.
What does it cost to dig an inground pool in San Antonio?
Digging an inground pool runs $1,500 to $5,000 in soft soil without obstructions, by HomeGuide's pool section, or $1,000 to $5,000 in its project table. Hard access or rock ledge that must be broken or blasted can raise it to $15,000 to $20,000. A finished inground pool costs $25,000 to $100,000 nationally.
Should the pool builder or an excavating contractor dig the pool?
Most often the pool builder schedules the dig and an excavating contractor does it for them. You can hire an excavator directly, but the hole must match the builder's layout and depths, so the two need to agree before digging starts.
How long does a pool dig take?
In clay, a pool dig usually takes one to three days. In limestone, it can take a week or more with a breaker or rock saw. HomeGuide puts small excavation jobs at 1 to 3 days and rocky projects at 3 weeks or more.
Is hauling the dirt part of the pool excavation price?
Sometimes; check the bid. A pool makes dozens of cubic yards of spoil, and HomeGuide lists hauling at $140 to $230 per cubic yard, or $1,400 to $2,300 per truck load. Broken rock from a north side pool can sometimes be used for a retaining wall or fill on the same lot.
What does it cost to fill in an old pool?
HomeGuide gives no price for filling in a pool. The work is breaking up the shell and opening the floor so it drains, filling in compacted layers with fill dirt at $5 to $25 per cubic yard, and grading. San Antonio and most nearby cities treat it as permitted work, and compaction matters if you will build over it.
What if there is rock or soft soil where the pool goes?
Rock where the pool goes slows the dig and raises the price; HomeGuide notes that hitting rock can add $15,000 to $20,000. Soft or wet clay may need over-digging and a compacted base. A good contract says in advance how rock will be charged, so neither side is surprised.
How much does ground prep for a home addition cost?
HomeGuide has no line for an addition dig. Its nearest figures are $1,000 to $5,000 for grading new construction or an addition, and $1,500 to $10,000 for foundation excavation. The new beams must tie into the existing foundation, and on clay, the soil under the addition should be prepared like the soil under the house.
What does a pad for a garage, shed or pole barn cost?
By HomeGuide's driveway, patio and pad figures, excavating and compacting a pad for a garage, shed or pole barn costs about $1,000 to $2,500. Barn pads on acreage around Seguin or Boerne can cost more because of clearing, rock or extra fill.
To get a number for your own site, have us walk it first; the price comes in a written quote. Call or text (210) 796-2675.