How to Permanently Fix a Settling Pool
If you’ve ever experienced the frustration of dealing with a settling pool, you’re not alone. Many pool owners face this issue, often after attempting repairs like mudjacking. Unfortunately, this leads to the problem worsening over time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why mudjacking isn’t a permanent solution. We’ll also explain how you can fix a settling pool once and for all.
The Problem with Mudjacking
Imagine this scenario: You mudjacked your pool two years ago, thinking the problem was fixed. But today, the pool has settled even more, and cracks have reappeared. What went wrong?
The answer lies in the nature of mudjacking itself. Mudjacking is a process where wet concrete is injected between the bottom of the pool and the underlying soil. But here’s the catch: if the soil beneath the pool is already weak and consolidating, adding more weight via the wet concrete only makes matters worse. This is especially true for the deeper end of the pool. It carries more weight than the shallow end, leading to further imbalance and potential cracking.
Understanding Pool Settlement
The root cause of pool settlement is insufficient soil strength. When a pool is installed, the soil must support not only the heavy steel-reinforced concrete shell but also the thousands of gallons of water the pool holds. Over time, the soil may consolidate under this weight, causing the pool to sink unevenly.
Adding to this issue is the fact that pools are often constructed with a deep end and a shallow end, creating an imbalance in weight distribution. This imbalance often leads to cracks, especially on the slope between the deep and shallow areas. And that’s why mudjacking, despite being a popular quick fix, isn’t a permanent solution—it fails to address the root cause: the soil.
The Permanent Solution: Helical Screw Piles
To truly fix a settling pool, you need to remove the pool’s weight from the unstable soil. The most effective way to do this is by using structural underpinning with helical screw piles.
Helical screw piles are steel shafts with helical plates attached at the bottom. These piles are screwed deep into the soil until they reach competent, load-bearing layers. Once embedded, they transfer the weight of the pool to stable soil far below the surface. This method ensures long-term support and prevents future settlement.
While the upfront cost of helical pile installation is higher than mudjacking, it’s a permanent solution that saves you from repeated repairs down the road.
Why You Need a Professional Engineer
Pool settlement repair is not a one-size-fits-all process. Every pool is unique in terms of size, shape, and construction, and the underlying soil can vary significantly from site to site. This is why it’s essential to involve a registered professional engineer in the repair process.
An engineer will conduct a thorough evaluation of your pool and soil conditions. This includes soil boring tests to determine the strength and composition of the soil layers beneath the pool. The engineer will then use this data to design a custom repair plan that meets the specific needs of your pool.
Unlike foundation repair salespeople, engineers aren’t incentivized to sell you a particular product. Their focus is on providing a lasting, structurally sound solution based on calculations and soil analysis. The engineer’s design will include everything from the placement of helical piles to the load-bearing capacity needed to support your pool.
The Installation Process
Once the design is complete, the repair process begins. First, the pool is drained, and core holes are drilled through the bottom of the pool shell at precise locations. These holes allow the helical screw piles to be driven into the ground using a hydraulic gear motor. The piles are advanced into the soil, and their capacity is verified by monitoring the shaft’s torsion during installation.
After the piles are in place, adjustable steel pier caps are installed on top of each pile. Hydraulic jacks are then positioned on the pier caps, and the pool is gently lifted back to its original level. Once the pool is level, the load is transferred from the jacks to the pier caps, and the void beneath the pool is filled with a concrete slurry to provide uniform support.
The final steps include sealing the access holes, repairing any cracks, and allowing the concrete to cure. Once these tasks are completed, the pool can be refilled and enjoyed, with no risk of future settlement.
Wrapping Up: Ensuring Long-Term Stability for Your Pool
Fixing a settling pool is no small task. With the right approach, you can achieve a permanent solution that restores your pool’s stability and extends its lifespan. While mudjacking may seem like a quick fix, it often fails to address the underlying issue of soil instability. By investing in helical screw piles and working with a registered professional engineer, you ensure a comprehensive repair that tackles the root of the problem.
A successful repair involves careful planning, precise installation, and thorough evaluation. From understanding the complexities of soil consolidation to executing a meticulous repair process, each step is crucial in achieving a lasting solution. By following these guidelines and consulting with experts, you can transform your settling pool into a stable and reliable feature of your home.
For more insights into pool repair or to get started on addressing your own pool issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who can guide you through the process. With the right expertise and approach, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool for years to come, free from the worries of settlement.