[Tanner]

Hi,

I would appreciate some feedback on this.

We've done many pools in the past using only a standard ICPI approved paver base for a pool deck. We've also done them using a pored concrete deck. There seems to be strong opinions for both methods.

We're in Zone 5, lots of frost. I've seen many concrete decks fail. Crack and lift. What are the thoughts out there.

On the same note, a contractor that works in our market--a very good contractor and competitor that we respect--insists on putting concrete under all the walls of his raised patios. Any ideas on that? Would an ICPI base not be sufficient?

Tan

[ianc]

"insists on putting concrete under all the
walls of his raised patios"

been doing that for years - makes for long term stability and peace of mind
That's why he is a good/respected contractor

[mrusk]

Putting concrete under walls of raised patios defeats the propose of using SRWs to being with.

[ianc]

mursk

"Putting concrete under walls of raised patios defeats the propose of using SRWs to being with"

How do you figure?? I have seen lot's of walls/steps that sag over time, so this is the base that failed - right - granular base contaminated over time -

clarrify your statement about SRW

[EpicInterlock]

I have a question about granular bases. I realize that a concrete base is obviously much stronger, but unless you put the concrete below the frost line (3 feet or more deep), the concrete will crack and shift, thus shifting the wall. With a granular base, provided that it was excavated deep enough (I usually go at LEAST 6"-8" deep) and compacted the crap out of, I find that my walls never shift or my patios never shift either.

Not one.

As for my driveways, I always excavate a minimum of 10"-12", not including the pavers and I have never, ever gotten ONE complaint.

Isn't putting concrete overkill, and expensive? Granted, if I had a customer who wanted a concrete base, I have no problem doing it if he/she is willing to pay the extra $ for it.

Thoughts?

[LerchBros]

Since pools obviously have a lot of disturbed soil. We are involved once the re-bar is installed. We mark all of the lines and excavate the backfill 2' down from our finished level. We compact the sub-soil with a trench compactor. After the final coating is applied to the pool and pressure checked. We install our base and compact with a reversible plate. We screed and lay. Concrete is fine too, provided it is installed correctly (rarely do i see it).

As far as concrete for raised patios and walls -- Concrete is pointless unless it is bellow the frost line. A properly installed granular base and wall will not fail.