Pool digs cost $1,500 to $5,000 in soft soil and $15,000 to $20,000 where boulders, hardpan or rock ledge get in the way, according to HomeGuide's national 2026 figures. Around Minneapolis, the work we do most in this group is footings for new garages and additions.
All dollar amounts here are national ranges from HomeGuide, never our own prices for a Twin Cities job. Frost, glacial clay or sand, groundwater near the lakes, alley access and haul distance all move the real cost. The HomeGuide pages were checked in October 2026.
What does pool excavation cost for an inground pool in the Twin Cities?
Pool excavation for an inground pool in soft soil with no obstructions is $1,500 to $5,000 in HomeGuide's pool section, while its project table shows $1,000 to $5,000. Glacial boulders, hardpan or tight access can push it to $15,000 to $20,000. The finished pool itself is $25,000 to $100,000.
Should my pool builder or an excavator dig my pool in Maple Grove or Edina?
Usually the pool builder arranges the dig and an excavating contractor does it for them. You can hire us directly, but the hole must follow the pool builder's plan, depths and over-dig, so the two of us agree before the first scoop.
How long does a pool dig take in glacial soil?
A pool dig in glacial soil takes one to three days in sand or average till. Big glacial boulders, a high water table near a lake, or rain on clay add time. HomeGuide estimates 1 to 3 days for small digs and 3 weeks or more for difficult ones.
Does the pool dig include hauling the dirt away from the yard?
The pool dig may or may not include hauling the dirt away, so check. A pool produces many truck loads, and HomeGuide prices removal at $140 to $230 a cubic yard or $1,400 to $2,300 a load. Suburban lots sometimes have room to use part of the soil for grading.
What does it cost to fill in an old swimming pool in Minnesota?
Filling in an old swimming pool has no HomeGuide price. The work is breaking out or punching drain holes in the shell, filling with clean material compacted in layers (fill dirt is $5 to $25 a cubic yard), then topsoil and grading. Most cities want a permit, and compaction records matter if you build on the spot later.
What if there is soft soil, peat or rock where the pool will go?
Soft soil or peat where a pool will go has to be dug out and replaced with compacted fill, and rock or big boulders slow the dig. HomeGuide warns that rock in a pool hole can add $15,000 to $20,000 or more. A written rate for surprises in the contract keeps the job moving.
What does it cost to prepare the ground for a home addition with a frost footing?
Preparing the ground for a home addition combines grading and footing work: HomeGuide lists grading for new construction or an addition at $1,000 to $5,000 and foundation excavation at $1,500 to $10,000, with no separate addition figure. In the Twin Cities, the new footing must reach frost depth and tie into the old foundation as the plans show.
What does a pad for a new garage or shed cost in Minneapolis?
A pad for a new garage or shed costs about $1,000 to $2,500 to excavate and compact, based on HomeGuide's driveway, patio and deck pad figures. Many Minneapolis garages off alleys get a new slab with a thickened edge or frost footing, and the old slab has to come out first.
Need a real price for your Twin Cities property? Call or text (612) 688-4650; we walk the site first and then send the scope and price in writing.