Pool crete or can i get away with just sand and cement for in ground vinyl base.

Jump to latest Follow Reply
A

ahreno

Well-known member
Apr 11, 2024
75
Redwood valley, ca
Pool Size
45000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
i am about to get going on my inground vinyl pool again. I got a late start last fall (thanks royal pools for sending damaged and incorrect items). i was concerned about high water table but i think i may not have to worry.

i have my pool dug to 8' and theres zero standing water. It was dug out over winter and it definitely had times the hopper filled and a few inches of shallow end with water. but it was only when we got some major rain storms... like atmospheric rivers of 10" in a few days. it's now late spring and theres zero water in the bottom.

i can do a a pool crete type base and mix vermiculite with portland cement but its another $3k for vermiculite or so. or i can just mix with sand and save some money.

so, how do i know?
 
ahreno said:
i can do a a pool crete type base and mix vermiculite with portland cement but its another $3k for vermiculite or so. or i can just mix with sand and save some money.
Click to expand...

Sand is more likely to wash out over time.

If everyone were successful with a sand and cement base, is everyone else just stupid to use pool crete?
 
ajw22 said:
Sand is more likely to wash out over time.

If everyone were successful with a sand and cement base, is everyone else just stupid to use pool crete?
Click to expand...
Well it owuldn't be pure sand. it would be sand and crete mixed.

the pool provider basically says there are two options so im just trying to figure out which to use. so no, i'm not saying anyone is stupid to use pool crete.

SAND & PORTLAND CEMENT

The combination of sand and Portland cement is the next step up from using sand and merging the two materials will form a hard floor free of those pesky sand footprints.

Portland cement is available from your local hardware store. This is one of the more common floor bottom materials used by our DIY customers.

VERMICULITE & PORTLAND CEMENT

The other commonly used mixture is used by both DIY and even some of our pro swimming pool installers. Vermiculite & Portland cement can and should be used anytime you're concerned about ground water issues. This could be anything from having a high water table to water seepage.

Vermiculite can be purchased in 4 cubic foot (average weight 20 lbs - 30 lbs) that must be mixed with Portland cement or in 42 lbs bags that is already mixed with Portland cement.
Click to expand...
 
As I said, a sand based floor can wash out.

Vermiculite & Portland cement can and should be used anytime you're concerned about ground water issues. This could be anything from having a high water table to water seepage.

It is your money to decide what chances you want to take.
 
ajw22 said:
As I said, a sand based floor can wash out.

Vermiculite & Portland cement can and should be used anytime you're concerned about ground water issues. This could be anything from having a high water table to water seepage.

It is your money to decide what chances you want to take.
Click to expand...
Well you said sand, not sand based in your original reply. Considering "sand", "sand with cement" and "vermiculite with cement" are the choices, I wanted to clarify.

You also made it sound like I was saying sand and cement is for everyone, which I'm not, and is precisely why I'm asking which to use.

It does seem to be an option for a significant portion of people though and considering the difference is thousands of dollars (significant savings short term, but not worth it if it's a bad idea long term) I'm here trying to get smarter people's opinions. No attitude needed, after all this IS a discussion forum.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply