Behind the Scenes: Installing a Soft Shell Pool in Grove City, Step by Step
Double B Excavations & Grade LLC
Back to Where It All Began
HOW POOL INSTALLS SHAPED OUR EXCAVATION ROOTS
Sometimes business brings you full circle. Today we're back in Grove City, working on the kind of project that helped get Double B off the ground - a soft shell pool installation.
While we don't take on as many pool projects these days, there's something satisfying about returning to our roots and putting all those years of experience to work.
You know what they say about learning to walk before you run?
Those early days of pool installations taught us something crucial: perfect dirt work is the foundation of everything we do in excavation.
Whether we're preparing ground for a pool, a driveway, or major site work, those fundamental skills matter every single time.
Welcome to Double B!
Project Overview
Out here in the Grove City-Galloway area, we're tackling what might seem like a straightforward project - installing a soft shell pool. When we say "soft shell," we're talking about a specific type of above-ground pool that requires precise ground preparation. While these installations might look simple from the outside, getting the ground work exactly right makes the difference between a pool that lasts and one that causes headaches down the road.
The scope of work involves more than just digging a hole. We need to create a perfectly level surface, with proper compaction and drainage considerations. It's the kind of job where experience really shows - every scoop of dirt matters, and there's no room for "close enough." That's probably why these projects helped shape our approach to all the excavation work we do today.
The Ground Preparation Process
Let me walk you through exactly what we're looking at when we start a pool installation. First thing we do is evaluate the site - checking for any drainage issues, utilities, or ground conditions that might cause problems later. This isn't just about finding a flat spot in the yard - it's about making sure the pool will have a stable foundation for years to come.
The dirt work has to be perfect, and I mean perfect. When you're dealing with thousands of gallons of water, even a small error in grading can cause big problems. We've learned over the years that taking extra time during ground prep saves everyone headaches down the road. You can't just eyeball it - every measurement matters, from the depth to the level to the compaction of the soil.
Step-by-Step Installation
Here's where all that experience really comes into play. We start by stripping the topsoil - you can't build on loose organic material if you want things to stay level. Then we bring in our equipment to create the exact depth and grade needed for this type of pool. Some folks might think you just dig until it looks right, but there's actually a science to it.
The key is working in layers. We dig, check our measurements, compact the soil, and check again. Each step builds on the last one. If the base isn't perfect, nothing else will be either. That's why we take our time with the compaction process - it might not be the most exciting part of the job, but it's probably the most important. A properly compacted base means no settling issues later, and that means a pool that stays level season after season.
Project Insights
Here's something we've learned from years of doing this work: a pool is only as good as the ground it sits on. When homeowners call us about pool problems, nine times out of ten it comes down to improper ground preparation. Maybe someone rushed the job, maybe they didn't compact the soil right, or maybe they just didn't understand how important the foundation work really is.
That's why we're pretty selective about taking on pool installations these days. When we do them, we do them right. All those lessons we learned early on - about precise grading, proper compaction, and attention to detail - they don't just apply to pools. They've made us better at every kind of excavation work we do.
Project Insights and Closing
If you're thinking about installing a pool in your yard, here's what you need to know: don't skip on the ground work. It might not be the most visible part of the project, but it's definitely the most important. A properly prepared site means your pool will stay level, drain correctly, and last a lot longer.
Looking Forward
While we might not do as many pool installations as we used to, projects like this one in Grove City remind us why we got into this business in the first place. There's something satisfying about doing precise work that stands the test of time. Whether it's a pool, a driveway, or any other excavation project, the principles stay the same: measure twice, dig once, and never cut corners on ground preparation.
Need help with site preparation in Grove City or anywhere in central Ohio? We'd be happy to take a look at your project. Because at the end of the day, good dirt work isn't just about moving earth - it's about building foundations that last.
