Concerned about large tree near pool - Just signed contract

[rjk2012]

Hi everyone,

We are in Tampa, FL! We signed a contract to put in a in-ground 14'x26' pool but have a very large tree in the corner. There will be 15ft from the corner of the paver decking to the base of the tree (plus 4' - 3" deck before the water). My concern is the roots that may continue to grow and crack the pool/move the pavers.

My second option is the take away 3ft of the deck space and 2ft of the pool which would move the pool and deck 5 more feet away from the tree. The pool would be 14'x24', which is still a decent size pool.

Anyone have experience with large trees and if i should be concerned?

3rd picture is the view straight up from the corner of the deck.

 

[bmoreswim]

My view is that the pavers could be an issue. You are within the root zone (though I don't know how many surface roots live oaks have), so that concerns me about the pavers. The pool shell will not be affected by the roots - it's massive rebar reinforced concrete. You may also have plumbing on that side of the pool subject to roots. My biggest concern though is the tree itself and the proximity to the pool from the 'debris in the water' perspective. I would not want that tree close to or overhanging my pool. I'd prefer a 30' free space around the pool minimum from tall trees from branch tip to water. I realize this isn't realistic for most.

I cut down one tree I liked because of summer leaf litter. It was 30' from the pool (branch tip to water). But it was a constant headache.

Beautiful tree. I love trees. Trees and pools are not best buddies. There was thread in the last year here about a tree close to the pool. Thread started out similarly. Ended up as firewood.

 

[Jimrahbe]

rjk,

I love trees, just not anywhere near my pool... I completely agree with bmoreswim..

If this were my pool build, the first thing that would happen, is that tree would be gone...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[rjk2012]

Thank you both! We will have the pool screened in so the debris falling in the water should not be a problem. I did't think about all the plumbing that will be running on that side.

 

[Arizonarob]

That is a huge tree, and being in Tampa Fl, you are prone to hurricanes. (Not as many as the east coast, but it only takes 1) One branch snaps during high winds, and your screened in enclosure will have a new door.
Roots are invasive, and like others have said, it can, and probably will, have some negative effect on the plumbing down the road.

With that being said, is the tree worth keeping VS your hard earned money putting in that pool?
If it were me, the tree would be gone! You can always add landscaping later, but to take the tree out after the pool is built, will be more difficult and costly.

 

[scdaren]

Also keep in mind the shading you'll get from that tree. Which direction is it from your pool? We have trees on the south side of our pool in the neighbors yard, and the further away we get from June the more shade those trees put on our pool. The trees provide really nice privacy, but they have a big impact on our heating costs on the fringes of the season.

 

[bmoreswim]

Plus for the screen house keeping debris out.

Minus for cooler water from screen house and any tree shade.