Yes, a homeowner can generally hire an excavator or digger and do the excavation work themselves — but before a single bucket of soil is moved, there are several critical steps you must take. Getting these right will keep you safe, protect your property, and keep your project legal under the NZ Building Code.
You'll Almost Certainly Need a Building Consent
In New Zealand, installing an in-ground swimming pool almost always requires a building consent from your local council. Swimming pools are not listed as exempt work under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, and the pool structure, fencing, and associated plumbing must all comply with the NZ Building Code.
Pool fencing alone is governed by the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and NZS 8500, and your council will check compliance as part of the consent process. Always contact your local council before you start — do not assume consent isn't needed. You can find general guidance on consents at MBIE Building Performance.
Locate Underground Services Before You Dig — This Is Critical
This is the most important safety step. Striking a buried gas line, electrical cable, water main, or drain can be fatal and will be extremely costly to repair.
- Contact Dial Before You Dig (0800 248 344 or dialbeforeyoudig.co.nz) to request a service location plan for your property.
- Hire a cable and pipe locator from your hire company, or engage a professional locating service.
- Mark out all services with spray paint before excavation begins.
- Treat every unmarked area with caution — plans are not always 100% accurate.
WorkSafe NZ has clear guidance on excavation safety that applies whether you're a professional or a DIYer.
Hiring the Right Equipment
For a typical residential pool (say 8 m × 4 m × 1.5 m deep), you'll likely need:
| Equipment | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 3–5 tonne excavator (digger) | Main excavation |
| Tip truck or skip bins | Soil removal |
| Compactor plate | Backfill compaction later |
| Laser level or builder's level | Checking depth and grade |
Most hire companies — including those listed at Bunnings and Mitre 10 — offer excavator hire, but you'll need a valid licence or proof of competency to operate machinery above certain sizes. Check with your hire company about operator requirements. If you're not experienced with an excavator, hiring a qualified earthmover is strongly recommended — an inexperienced operator can damage underground services, destabilise neighbouring ground, or tip the machine.
Soil Type, Stability, and Shoring
The type of soil on your section matters enormously:
- Sandy or loose soils can collapse without warning — this is a serious risk of burial and death.
- Clay soils can be stable but may swell or crack seasonally.
- Rocky ground may require specialist breaking equipment or even blasting (which is definitely not DIY territory).
For excavations deeper than 1.5 metres, WorkSafe NZ requires that the sides are either battered (sloped back), benched, or shored to prevent collapse. This is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, not just a recommendation. If your pool is deeper than 1.5 m, you must plan for this before you start.
If you're on a sloped section or near a boundary, retaining walls or engineered solutions may be required — check with a geotechnical engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). You can find LBPs at Licensed Building Practitioners.
What Happens to the Spoil (Excavated Soil)?
A standard pool hole generates a significant volume of soil — often 50–100 cubic metres or more. You'll need to arrange:
- Tip truck hire or multiple skip bin deliveries
- A legal disposal site (check with your local council — you can't just dump it anywhere)
- Temporary storage on site if needed, keeping it well clear of the excavation edge to avoid surcharge loading on the hole walls
Restricted Work You Cannot Do Yourself
While the excavation itself is generally DIY-legal, the work that follows involves licensed tradespeople:
- Plumbing and drainage (pool pipework, backwash drains, water supply): This is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act. Only a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board can carry out this work.
- Electrical work (pool pump wiring, lighting, bonding): This is restricted electrical work and must be done by a registered electrician registered with the Electrical Workers Registration Board. Water and electricity are a deadly combination — never attempt this yourself.
- Pool shell installation: Concrete, fibreglass, or vinyl liner installation is typically done by specialist pool builders.
When to Call a Professional
Consider engaging a qualified earthmover or excavation contractor if:
- You have no experience operating an excavator
- Your section has difficult access, slopes, or unstable soil
- The excavation is deeper than 1.5 metres
- You're close to boundaries, trees, or existing structures
- Underground services are complex or unclear
A professional earthmover will work faster, more safely, and often more cost-effectively than a first-time DIYer. You can find qualified local earthmoving contractors right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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