I have an owner-builder pool under construction. Excavation and rebar phases are complete. We just had some rain. After the rain passed and the ground started to dry, I noticed there is a layer (about 2 inch thick) of the excavated wall breaking off in some areas. Is this not something to worry about, or is it a sign that a larger cave in could be in progress? If the latter, should I take any action now to try to limit the cave in? The part shown in the photo is about 5 feet from the edge of my house.
Walls breaking off after excavation
- Thread starter gary65536
- Start date
Just my opinion, but pretty typical after rain. You will need to remove the dirt that fell to preserve the space under and around the rebar.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,504
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
How long will it be before you do the gunite?
Some builders will flash the dig with a thin coat of gunite if there is a long delay between rebar and the gunite. Basically the gunite crew swings by and sprays a thin coat on to prevent the dirt cave in.
Some builders will flash the dig with a thin coat of gunite if there is a long delay between rebar and the gunite. Basically the gunite crew swings by and sprays a thin coat on to prevent the dirt cave in.
I’m not too far from you and we are getting some heavy downpours right now. Looks more like a surface deface than a cave in. That’s good for you but if the rain gets heavier you may want to cover the edges with plastic so you don’t get run off going over the edges and taking earth with it. This can be done with inexpensive painters plastic from any of the big box stores. If the forecast was for more rain in the future I would suggest throwing some cement powder over the exposed earth to help preserve its integrity. After the chances of rainfall are gone from this tropical storm the rebar will need to be checked for 3” clearance from the earth as this will be inspected prior to Shotcrete/Gunite by the city.
Last edited: