Can you build a pool pad if my backyard access is really tight?

In most cases, yes. Our 1.7-tonne excavator fits through very narrow access — on this Highland Park job it was the only machine that could get down the steep hill to the backyard. Tight access can add time, but it rarely rules a job out. Send us a photo of your access and we'll tell you straight.

Why pebbles first and then crusher dust on a pool pad?

We build the pad up in layers. On this job the pebbles went down first over the levelled and retained base, then the crusher dust went on top and was trimmed to a fine, even finish — a stable, consistent surface for the pool to sit on.

Do you work around other trades on site?

All the time. On this job the patio was under construction while we levelled, retained and built the pad — it just comes down to sequencing the work and talking to each other. We're also coming back after the pool to do the fencing.

Tight-Access Pool Pad at Highland Park | Level, Retain & Finish

Some jobs are decided by what can actually get to the work. At this Highland Park backyard, the access was down a steep, narrow hill — and the only machine that could fit was our 1.7-tonne excavator.

The finished pool pad at Highland Park — a level crusher dust surface with new retaining walls behind it — The finished pool pad — level, stable and ready to go.

Only one machine could get down there

No room for anything bigger, so the whole job ran on the 1.7-tonne — six days on site, working in around the patio that was being built at the same time.

The 1.7-tonne excavator levelling the ground in the tight space alongside the house at Highland Park — Tight all the way — the 1.7-tonne working in beside the house.

Level, fill and retaining

The backyard came first — levelled out, with fill brought in to build the area up, and retaining walls built to hold the new levels.

The levelled pad area lined with black plastic inside the new retaining walls at Highland Park — The area levelled and lined, retaining in — the pad taking shape.

Pebbles, then crusher dust

With the levels set, the pad got its layers: pebbles down first, then a crusher dust top to finish it off as a stable, even base for the pool.

The pebble layer spread across the pool pad area between the retaining walls at Highland Park — Pebbles down across the pad — crusher dust to come.

The crusher dust surface of the finished pool pad against the dark retaining walls at Highland Park — Crusher dust on and trimmed level — a stable pad for the pool.

And we're not done at this one yet — we'll be back to do the fencing.

You can see the full breakdown of this job in our Projects section.

Tight access? Steep block? We build for it.

From tight access excavation and backyard levelling to retaining walls and pool pads, we get the right-sized gear into the tightest Gold Coast blocks. Call John on 0409 494 096 or Chelsey on 0487 193 085 for a free quote.

Sollid Solutions — Solid Results.

Six Days Down a Steep Hill — Building a Pool Pad at Highland Park

Only one machine could get down there

Level, fill and retaining

Pebbles, then crusher dust

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