Noted NJ Pool Builders Use Soil Testing to Design Long-lasting Pools
September 19th, 2014 | By: Mitchell Knapp | Pool Design Blog
NJ pool construction doesn’t start without testing the soil first. This is an important step to avoid future major damages in your pool.
An article by engineer Neil Anderson in the pool industry resource Aqua Magazine discusses the various soil-related problems that may be encountered without proper soil evaluation and management.
The ground at a potential pool site can be a mix of various materials like soil, clay, and rock, and a soil test will tell builders the composition of the ground. This information will then determine the suitability of the ground for pool construction; and would also be used in designing the pool to be built.
Keep in mind that, when the pool is built, the soil will exert its own force against it. Without the proper specs, the pool wall may leak, crack, lift, or collapse. If the site is a bedrock, builders may need to break up the rock to provide a stable base.
If the site is all-soil or part-soil, building a pool shouldn’t be much of a problem if the soil hasn’t been disturbed. Otherwise, builders will have to create what’s called an engineered fill, which is a wafer of geotextiles and polymer membranes, for structural support.
Expansive clay soil is another problem. This soil type can swell when there is too much moisture, or shrink when it is too dry. This could cause a concrete deck to heave, or rise. To maintain pool integrity, the clay soil is often pre-saturated, or subjected to ample amount of moisture so that it can resist future moisture absorption or loss, and the eventual swelling and shrinking.
Another problem, very common in the chilly north, is frost heave. This can happen when the temperature is consistently freezing, and the soil around the pool absorbs too much moisture. Builders must design the pool to have excellent drainage and prevent the accumulation of moisture, which could freeze and cause the pool floor and wall to heave. Other solutions include installing a locking collar, to help weigh down the pool and prevent it from heaving.
There are plenty of factors that pool builders consider regarding soil quality. This is one reason why you need professional NJ pool construction services like those offered by Tranquility Pools. They have the right equipment and expertise to conduct soil tests and assess the resulting data, which will help ensure your pool will last and give you worry-free enjoyment for a long time.
(Source: Understanding Soils, Aqua Magazine)
