Builder Making Design Decisions Going Against Contract without Consulting

Saintmiz

Member
May 1, 2025
5
Tracy, California
Hi TFP folks,

This is my first pool build and have been very excited with the process but unfortunately ran into some issues now post Gunite, which i am not sure why there weren't identified prior or builder just decided against what was planned.

Issue 1: We have a 12X7 Shelf with a singular bubbler that was supposed to be center but it is off by 8" left to right and off by 6" front to back

Issue 2: The shelf also was supposed to be a depth that would have 9-10" of water but as it is measuring now it would only contain 6" of water

I have discussed these issues with the builder and they said they can rectify them, my concern though is the integrity of the shelf after chipping/shaving down 3 inches and shifting the bubbler to a centered position. This would be a pure loss of 3" of concrete as it is on a mound of dirt underneath. Just trying to get some opinions on the best approach for these issues and the long term viability of this section of the pool.


Thanks.
 

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Issue #1: the shelf can be trenched/chipped out to relocate the bubbler, problems will occur if the rebar cage is cut and not properly re-installed.

Issue #2: Check the steel engineering plans to confirm the minimum depth of shotcrete required for the shelf and if 3” is removed will it still be within parameters, most likely not, also, in picture #2 it shows approximately 9” on the tape measure and this would leave approximately 5’ of water if the water level is kept in the middle of the tile line ( 3” of exposed tile and approximately 1” thickness of plaster on top of the shotcrete).
 
Issue #1: the shelf can be trenched/chipped out to relocate the bubbler, problems will occur if the rebar cage is cut and not properly re-installed.

Issue #2: Check the steel engineering plans to confirm the minimum depth of shotcrete required for the shelf and if 3” is removed will it still be within parameters, most likely not, also, in picture #2 it shows approximately 9” on the tape measure and this would leave approximately 5’ of water if the water level is kept in the middle of the tile line ( 3” of exposed tile and approximately 1” thickness of plaster on top of the shotcrete).

Thank you for the all the info.

For Issue #2: I'll have to check the plans and see as you said but if they are not in params. after removal of the 3", how could this issue even be addressed and repaired properly?
 
Thank you Aqua-Holics. The builder has agreed to rip out the shelf and re-do the whole thing with a centered bubbler.

If you don't mind, whats the process of tying to the existing structure now? What should i look out for prior to the new pour to ensure it looks proper?

 
After the demolition of the shelf is completed, the existing shotcrete must have a rough surface area in order for the new shotcrete to adhere to and also be properly hydrated prior to application.
The new steel cage must be core drilled into the existing shell and epoxied (see pic) in place, on a side note, inspectors typically will want to see the spent epoxy tubes that were used.
IMG_0735.pngIMG_0736.jpeg
 
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I require shelf’s to be excavated at a minimum depth of 21” when the customer wants approximately 8” of water.
To obtain this it will require, 9” of Shotcrete, 1” of plaster, 8” of water and 3” of exposed tile above the water line.
If you would like send me pics of the work being performed and I can give you my opinion of items of concern, Ray.
 
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Looks like its too late but if I were in this situation I'd just live w/ it and negotiate a lower final price based on the f up. Too many things to go wrong in the future.
 

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