I'm attempting a challenging project: digging a swimming pool entirely by hand, without any power tools. This is at my house in the woods, and I've committed to using only basic materials and techniques, so electric tools feel like cheating to me. It's tough, especially with all the grass roots and dealing with the incredibly clay-like ground. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Honestly, just keep repeating: grab, dig, toss! It sounds simple, but it will get trickier with depth. Make sure to watch out for roots, especially if you're in a wooded area. And hey, if it gets rough, don't hesitate to reconsider some modern tools. You might thank yourself later!
I suggest starting with a pickaxe to loosen the clay—it makes digging way easier. And yes, it’s going to be a ton of backbreaking work! Just keep at it, and don't be surprised if it gets tougher the deeper you go. Good motivation, though!
First off, you'll definitely need some strong friends! Grab a bunch of shovels and maybe a pickaxe to help break up the tough clay before shoveling it out. Make sure to decide where you're going to pile the dirt too, because moving it again later is just extra work. Good luck, and pace yourselves!
Haha, I wouldn’t dream of doing it alone! And I’ve got plans for the dirt; it's all going into bricks for a wall!
Good point about roots! They're a real pain, but I’m committed to doing this manually.