17
EXCAVATION
Once the layout is complete, choose the elevation for the top
surface of the pool. If you are using bullnose coping, make
sure to note that the top of the coping will also be the top of
your finished deck. Normally the surface will correlate with a
surrounding walk way, patio deck, or the highest ground
elevation of the pool site. The top surface of the pool must be
at least two to four inches (2" to 4") above the highest ground
elevation to prevent rain and debris from draining/overflowing
into the pool. In order to determine the depth of the
excavation, you’ll need to use the standard calibrated survey
shot stick (level measuring stick) and transit or water level. A
2 x 2, telescopic pool pole approximately 10' long, or other
similar stick can be substituted for a standard shot stick.
In an out of the way place that will not have to be moved during construction, set and level the
transit or water level and then locate the highest ground elevation of the area around the pool
site. This is done by placing a shot stick at selected areas and marking it at the level indicated by
the transit. With a pencil, mark the stick at the point where the transit cross-hairs intersect with
the shot stick. When using a water level, mark the shot stick with duct tape at the level of water
in the tube. Add two to four inches (2" - 4") to this elevation mark. This will now be your
reference point for the elevation of the top surface of the finished pool coping and deck (or the
top surface of brick coping). The finished elevation indicated on your dig spec is measured to
the top of the pool wall (usually 42" not including the height of the bullnose coping). The dig
measurement indicated on your dig spec is usually 42" for the shallow end of the pool and 2"
deeper than the finished depth of the deep end of the pool. This does not include the additional
height of excavation needed for your selected coping.
Next, measure 44½" above the level mark on the shot stick and mark with tape or marker. This
new mark now determines the excavation depth for the shallow end and over dig ledge.
Transpose/transfer this elevation mark to a deck, sidewalk, mortar joint on a block/brick wall,
or drive a stake in an out of the way place and mark for future reference. The depth of the pool
wall footing excavation will be 44½" below this reference point.
TOOLS
Shot stick (or level measuring stick), Transit/Water level, Excavation Digging
Tools/Machinery, Rebar Stakes, Hammer, Spray Paint, and String
IMPORTANT! Height of
standard pool wall is
42” plus the height of
your selected coping,
which must be added
to the wall height to
get the accurate total
wall height.
