Partially Above Ground Fiberglass Pool? Possible with Concrete Collar/Wall?

[eFoil_Pilot]

Hello TFPers!

I'm looking to install a small, simple rectangular pool in Austin, Texas this year (max 14' x 26'), and I'm evaluating fiberglass versus gunite. Pool will be for adulting/beveraging/beating the heat, ideally with a small tanning ledge. Going rectangular so we can install a hidden cover.

My backyard is sloped away from the house/deck. We want to have the coping of pool approximately level with the back door (accounting for drainage, of course), and ideally the deep end of the pool will be ~16-20" above the flowerbox on the far side of the pool.

I did a fair amount of research/searching, but I cannot find an answer to my question - can a fiberglass pool be installed, trouble free, with the deep end of the pool partially above ground? IE can we build a concrete wall on the far side of the pool (away from the house) that collars/locks the fiberglass shell in place?

If so, would that collar/wall need to be thicker than the 12" coping that the gunite PBs are recommending? The other two sides of the shell will have 4-5' concrete pours up to the foundation of the house and deck.

Attached are photos of the back yard, along with renderings from one of the gunite PBs we are considering. Hot tub is an above ground Hot Springs Grandee that will go on a concrete pad we'll pour as part of the pool build. That pad will be lower than the decking for the pool, so entry to the tub will be easier and safer.

Thanks,
JP

 

[kimkats]

First things first-You have an AWESOME house! I love it!

Okay on to the question..............I am not sure. I know what my guts says but I am going to call in a couple of people who may know @ajw22 @AQUA~HOLICS I know you do granite pools but maybe you can help with the concept.

Kim

 

[ajw22]

You cannot leave the fiberglass side on the deep end exposed. The fiberglass pool needs to be supported by soil under and around it.

You can construct a retaining wall on that side that surrounds the fiberglass pool and then fill in between the retaining walls and the pool.

 

[eFoil_Pilot]

First things first-You have an AWESOME house! I love it!

Thank you for the kind words Kim!

I've got the 16' x 16' screened patio coming along well with a built in BBQ + fridge, outdoor TV and speakers, electric heaters, and a hanging bed for lounging. I'll put up some pictures as part of a build thread once I decide on a direction for gunite vs fiberglass

 

[eFoil_Pilot]

You cannot leave the fiberglass side on the deep end exposed. The fiberglass pool needs to be supported by soil under and around it.

You can construct a retaining wall on that side that surrounds the fiberglass pool and then fill in between the retaining walls and the pool.

Thanks Allen! How far away from the pool would the retaining wall need to be? 12"? 18"? 24"? If more than 24", I worry that it may add enough impervious cover to my plan that I get darn close to the limit of what is allowed in Austin.

Is this how we'd want to sequence the construction?

1. Complete the dig into the natural grade, to the required depth for the shell
2. Frame and pour the retaining wall above the natural grade to the height needed
3. Install the shell
4. Fill the space between the retaining wall and the shell just as you'd fill the excess space dug around normal/level pool install
5. Install the coping/deck between the pool edge and the retaining wall

 

[ajw22]

Typical overdig is 12-18 inches around where the pool is placed.

So I would think the retaining wall giving that space is what you need.

You may want to dig and place the pool first. That allows access to pack fill under and around the pool.

Then form the retaining wall and pour the wall as part of installing the concrete collar around the pool.

You should discuss the plans with the pool manufacturer and the installer and get in writing that they warranty the pool with the retaining wall installation.

Fiberglass Pools - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

How are Fiberglass Pools Installed?

Want to learn more about how fiberglass pool installations? Learn best practices, how long the process takes, and what every...

www.riverpoolsandspas.com

 

[kimkats]

Very solid advice being given by @ajw22 he is saying what my gut was thinking. THANKS again Allen!

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Only have experience with Shotcrete pools, I would be in contact with my steel engineering firm and get the requirements of the retaining wall to better understand what sequence to follow regarding placement of the pool or retaining wall first.