A pool is one of the most common excavation jobs in sunny South Maui, and one of the most likely to hit rock. Here's what goes into the hole before any gunite goes in.
Permits come first
A pool is a structure, and Maui County requires a building permit to build any structure. The excavation and grading usually fall under that permit or need a separate grading permit. Near the shoreline, expect SMA review. Recent county SMA exemption reports include Kīhei homes with pools and retaining walls. See SMA rules and the permit guide.
Rock is the wild card
Many Wailea and Mākena lots hit basalt within a few feet. Then the job turns into breaking rock with a hydraulic hammer, which is slow, loud and priced accordingly. Ask whether rock is included and how it's charged. See digging in lava rock. A test hole where the pool will go is cheap insurance.
Access and spoil
- Access: can a machine get to the backyard? Tight side yards mean a smaller excavator and more hours. Walls or landscaping may need to come out and go back.
- Spoil: a pool creates a lot of dirt and broken rock. Plan whether it stays on site as fill, becomes boulder walls or gets hauled.
- Utilities: call 811 at least five working days ahead, and locate private lines like irrigation and lighting. See 811.
Drainage and storms
South Maui gets dry most of the year and then floods in Kona storms. Grade the pool deck so water drains away from the house, and plan where pool backwash and overflow go. Don't send water onto the neighbors. See drainage for Kona storms.
Sandy coastal lots
Sand is easy to dig but can cave in and may hide cultural sites. Know the law on burials before you start: what to do if you uncover iwi kūpuna.
Find pool-dig contractors in South Maui. Po Brothers, for example, lists pool and septic digs islandwide.