[natural12]

Sorry if this has been discussed already.

We are getting ready to a project that involves installing a patio around a newly installed steel wall swimming pool. I have a couple of questions.

What is the best procedure for eliminating any settling around the pool. I am assuming the pool company will backfill after installation. Should they tamp in 6" lifts as they backfill. I really cant see them taking the time to do that.

Second, we would like to use large pavers for the coping to tie in nicely with the patio. What is the best method to install these? Should a concrete apron be poured for the coping to adhere to?

Any opinions and experiences with this type of installation would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[HRLand]

The pool company will not compact anything. Your best be twould be to use flowable fill.

[GLAN]

flowable fill?

[4seasons]

I was goingto suggest FF also.
HAve never used it but seems the way to go.
Only question I have with using it---- how do you deal with the plumbing?
Seemslike you have to take precautions with the plumbing
What if it springs a leak in the future? Easy to get to the problem?

[jshilan]

I agree that the pool contractor will do nothing but push the fill back into the hole. Not knowing the specifics of the situation, I would suggest installing the pool in the fall and then backfilling. This gives you the entire winter with several freeze thaw cycles to allow the backfill to settle (and it will).

If you are digging in the spring I would talk to your landscape contractor about backfilling and base prepping around the pool, instead of the pool company. Ultimately he will be responsible for the patio so he has a vested interest in properly compacting the base (in 4-6" lifts). It may cost a little more this way, but it is worth it. I would still suggest allowing as much time as possible to allow the base to settle before you install the patio.

Reguarding the large paver coping (or really any coping around a liner pool) you should definately pour a concrete footing under the lip of the pool to give the pavers something to hold onto besides the pool frame itself.

Also make sure that you install an expansion joint between the coping and the patio, and then caulk the joint. There are specific materials designed for this job. The reason for this is that the pool and patio will settle and or move at different rates. Without the expansion joint, the patio will push on the coping causing it to potentially pop off. This is a much more significant problem with gunite pools since the coping usually takes the tile and some plaster with it when it goes.

Good luck with the project.

Jody

[Rex Mann]

Your better off pouring a concrete base, then overlaying it. Also, behind the coping should be a 3/8-inch expandable flex joint. One more thing, polymeric sand not recommended for joints over concrete or asphalt.

Peace,

Rex

Paving stone installs Phoenix and valley wide residential and commercial

[GLAN]

Flowable fill.....

Would that be considered a more sandy material?

A more agregate type material?

Combination of both?

[natural12]

thanks for the replies. Yea I am sure the pool company will not tamp the fill. In fact I think they told the homeowner they will have to repeatedly soak the area so the soil settles. Does not sound like the best method to me.
I am going to recommend working with the pool company and compact the soil in lifts. My only concern is working around the plumbing and possibly damaging it.
What is flowable fill? I have heard it mentioned here before but have not clue what it is.

Also, the patio area is 2000 square feet so pouring concrete slab for the entire patio is out of the question. Probably just an apron around the pool.

Thanks for the coping advice. Pretty clear to me what to do with that aspect of the installation.

Mike

[Mau]

Originally Posted by natural12

What is flowable fill? I have heard it mentioned here before but have not clue what it is.

See: Flowable Fill

.

[4seasons]

from what I understand about FF-- its a type of concrete ,more sand and water than concrete. Never really gets hard like concrete. Can work on it the next day.
Get it to where you only have to use 6" of compacted base.
Its more expensive but ssaves labor.

[GLAN]

OK...very cool

[Rex Mann]

Flowable fill is really to be used to fill up the entire void. You can not use it as a top layer only. If you do, and you have settling, then the FF risks settling, too.

Peace,

Rex

Paving stone installs Phoenix and valley wide residential and commercial

[4seasons]

yeah Rex I might not have been real clear for some people-- FF from virgin soil up to where you would usually start ypur base for a patio.

[AZTLANLC]

Yes FF is the only way to go for a new pool specially if it's steel wall.
Keep raising the bar

[natural12]

Thanks. It was clear to me that the entire void needs to be filled.
Just wondering does the local concrete companies provide this product? Ready mix for example. Also, what is the cost of this stuff. I know it will vary from location to location but about.

Mike