Forum

Piles vs Amended soil

Posted by Glen Brandsema on February 10, 2010 at 9:38am in Advanced Pool Design

I have built pools on wooden piles and have built pools by overexcavated adding gravel and compacting.

On Long Island's south shore we have lots of poor soil (sand.silt.bog,high water table, ect.). What is the best (most cost effective) way to support a gunite pool?

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Replies

  • Bruce Hudson February 16, 2010 at 9:07am
    Glen,
    In my limited experience dealing with engineers, there is no "Best" method that would apply to all conditions. Each situation calls for its own solution. Sometimes its piles down to bedrock, other times a beam system to give an anchoring footprint, and the next may be over excavate and place gravel to provide for drainage and expansion of the soil. Hire the Engineer and trust their design is what I'm trying to say.
  • ALLEN HUNZEKER February 15, 2010 at 11:16pm
    wouldn't know a geologist if he sat in my lap. But have seen in so.fla. reasonably small gunite pools supported on reinforced concrete piers.
    the piers were like 2.5 ft. diameter and 30 ft.deep.
    Perhaps you could contact a pool orginzation down there. i think dan essig at essig pools in n.miami bch .will be more than willing to help.
  • Glen Brandsema February 11, 2010 at 5:44am
    We have core samples and the customers engineer has done plans, this was to be a more general discussion on suporting a gunite pool, how much pressure is on the piles if in the ground vs above, types of piles, ect.

    Kevin Misley said:
    Glen because of the soil conditions I would strongly consider hiring a geologist to test the soil and determine the best course of action. A reputable structural engineer should also be hired as well. You should have a face to face meeting with both parties to go over the project.
    I would venture to say this will not be a cheap project. So determining the most economical way should not be the big factor but rather doing the project the correct way.
    Pilings are usually the way to go in this environment. Wood or concrete would be the engineers determination. Most likely you will have to deal with a water table issue before, during and even after construction to preserve your work.

    Good Luck!
  • Kevin Misley February 10, 2010 at 4:19pm
    Glen because of the soil conditions I would strongly consider hiring a geologist to test the soil and determine the best course of action. A reputable structural engineer should also be hired as well. You should have a face to face meeting with both parties to go over the project.
    I would venture to say this will not be a cheap project. So determining the most economical way should not be the big factor but rather doing the project the correct way.
    Pilings are usually the way to go in this environment. Wood or concrete would be the engineers determination. Most likely you will have to deal with a water table issue before, during and even after construction to preserve your work.

    Good Luck!
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