Angi puts a typical pool dig at 4 to 8 hours of work. Most of the planning around it is about getting the machine in, keeping the pool where Gilbert allows it, and getting rid of the dirt.
Where the pool can go
Gilbert's Land Development Code puts residential pools in side or rear yards, at least 3 feet from any property line. On a corner lot, the pool stays at least 5 feet from the street-side line. A pool can't sit in a recorded easement without written approval from the easement holder. Details and the fence rules are on pool fence and setbacks.
What the dig costs
Angi's 2026 pool excavation guide gives a national average of $2,500. Most digs run $500 to $3,020, and large pools or rocky ground can reach $4,500.
| Pool (feet) | Cubic yards | Angi estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 12 x 24 | 64 | $1,100 |
| 14 x 28 | 87 | $1,500 |
| 16 x 32 | 114 | $1,930 |
Labor is about 80 percent of the total, by Angi's figures, and a dig typically takes 4 to 8 hours of work. Angi lists pool permits at $250 to $2,000.
The dirt
A 16 by 32 foot pool is about 114 cubic yards of soil, by Angi's table. Many excavators include removal in the quote. If not, Angi lists dumpsters at $300 to $480, and up to $800 for a 40-yard box. Some owners keep part of it to raise a low corner of the yard. See dirt hauling.
Before the dig
- Get HOA approval if your neighborhood needs it.
- Take down a section of wall or widen the gate if the machine can't fit, and plan how it gets put back.
- Request Arizona 811 so buried lines are marked.
- Ask who pulls the pool permit, and whether the fence plan is included.
Sources
- Town of Gilbert: Swimming pool / spa barrier clarification policy (April 22, 2003) with Land Development Code section 5.2.7
- Angi: How much does pool excavation cost? (Scott Dylan Westerlund, updated October 19, 2026)
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Rules, prices and contacts change, so check the source before relying on it.
Questions and answers
How far from the property line does a pool have to be in Gilbert?
At least 3 feet from any property line, in a side or rear yard. On a corner lot, at least 5 feet from the street-side line.
How much does pool excavation cost in Gilbert?
We don't have Gilbert-only figures. Angi's 2026 national average is $2,500, with most digs between $500 and $3,020.
Get your pool dig quoted
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