Digging your own pit, expert advice?

[solexian]

i was wondering if anyone who's dug their own pits could offer some insightful ideas on general labor, and how to really shape, deepen, and fill back a hole properly. I've had the same dig site for about 3-4 years, but it gets just harder to dig it out and freshen it every time. also, as someone who's been interested in full submergence, i've never been able to get it deep enough for the real show or wide enough to lower myself.

[Jon Smith]

I have dug pits before, but I'm not an expert. I have never had an easy time doing it. From my experience, it's easiest to dig beach sand and hardest to dig dense clay, especially when there are roots. What is the soil like where you want to dig?

[Fred588]

i was wondering if anyone who's dug their own pits could offer some insightful ideas on general labor, and how to really shape, deepen, and fill back a hole properly. I've had the same dig site for about 3-4 years, but it gets just harder to dig it out and freshen it every time. also, as someone who's been interested in full submergence, i've never been able to get it deep enough for the real show or wide enough to lower myself.

I don't think your question can be answered with the info provided. You have indicated that your interest is full submergence, so that pretty much gives an answer to the stated problem of not being wide or deep enough. To that issue I would suggest your pit needs to be deep enough to match your own height without crouching.

But, to really consider your questions I think we need to know what kind of material you are dealing with. Beyond whether the soil is sand, clay, or whatever, how pure is it? For example, if a pit is dug in what is a mixture of clay and sand, when water is added in abundance there will be a tendency for the sand to sink to the bottom. This means the pit is effectively shallower than you thought. It MIGHT also explain whay it is getting harder o dig, as pure clay will turn into brick when dry whereas sandy clay will tend to remain more crumbly (I think). You might also just be getting older. Another consideration is safety. Is the material you are digging in stable, especially when saturated with water, or are the walls going to collapse, especially when the pit is an empty hole or a hole filled with just water?

[solexian]

thanks for the advice, but as for the comp of the soil, its interesting. to start off, its hard packed red clay for the first 2-3 feet. but because of my location, my next layer is a grey clay/sand mix. worst problem is the fact that i haven't been able to fill it back. i'm not able to use most of what i pull out due to this sandy mix at the bottom, and the dirt i've been using is packed pretty well. not undiggable, just hard.

[Boggy Man]

Perhaps what you need is to dig a deep wide pit, put in some sort of liner, add water, and then mix in peat. It is easier to remix than clay/sand/silt, and is easier to submerge in due to its lower density. The liner will hold the water, so it won't dry out quickly. When it gets too thick, you can stick a hose down to the bottom to add more water, and then mix it in with your body. The peat will be a bit coarse at first, but over time it will turn finer (and slimier) as it breaks down. Because it is organic, decomposition could result in it developing bubbles of swamp gas, which will be an added bonus.

[efs1845]

I have similar soil in my area 2 feet of red clay a couple of inches of super hard white then a mix of red clay and sand
when I dig it up I use a small electric tiller to break up the ground then shovel it out i mix it in a small cement mixer from harbor freight let it set for a few minutes the sand settles out I wash that out later pour it through a screen to catch rocks and sticks and get a very creamy mix

[solexian]

sadly, the only way to add water to the pit for me is to get 5 gallon buckets and fill them at a nearby creek, so a hose is not available. as for sifting out the sand, that's a great idea, something i may have to try if i can find the equipment.

[Mynock]

Sounds like you got the mixing part down to a science. Are you putting any kind of liner in the pit? A pond liner would definitely help keep it fresh longer. Covering it would help too, throw a piece of plywood over it or something when not in use.
<edit>
Ooops, Boggy Man beat me to it. Great minds think alike.

[solexian]

the main problem i guess is that i'm digging in the backwoods of my area, which it covered enough to allow a private pit in the summer when in full bloom, but still trafficked enough that someone would possibly notice anything. so unfortunately, I have to keep things kinda invisible. that's been what's holding me back also in terms of getting my hands on some new materials to fill it in with I suppose, besides cost.

[Mynock]

Being semi-public kind of puts a damper on things. I would still try the pond liner idea, or for something more disposable try using a plastic tarp for a liner. That'll keep your mix "fresh" and you'll only be out a few bucks if someone discovers your handiwork and tears it up or something.