Fiberglass bowing after backfill

[JulieRandomNumbers]

Hi! We're having a fiberglass pool installed and it is at the stage after backfill but before coping. It's got a curve in the one side (the other as well but not as bad). Well tomorrow they are going to cement it and said they would "dig it out a little and prop it until it's straight". This feels off though they said it's normal. Opinions?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Another member had the exact same issue recently, perhaps not quite as much of a bow though. The shells have a good bit of flex in them, but if it can be fixed that would be ideal. In your case, let them try to pull some soil away to give the shell some relief. Once the water pushes it back out it may hold better.

 

[duraleigh]

I would ask them to stop the concrete until the wall is made straight. Is that natural soil or dedicated backfill of some type. It looks like it might be very compactible. That would not be a good thing as it may settle out from underneath the concrete. Hopefully, they will replace it with washed rock which will support the concrete and not bulge the pool wall. Careless work for professionals, IMO

 

[Wolfepack88]

Fiberglass pools should have 3/4'' clean stone used as the backfill and they backfill and fill with water at equal levels. Agree with duraleigh, if its compactible fill that is no bueno.

 

[JulieRandomNumbers]

I would ask them to stop the concrete until the wall is made straight. Is that natural soil or dedicated backfill of some type. It looks like it might be very compactible. That would not be a good thing as it may settle out from underneath the concrete. Hopefully, they will replace it with washed rock which will support the concrete and not bulge the pool wall. Careless work for professionals, IMO

It's "crushed concrete". But it sure looks an awful lot like soil. It's a morning

 

[JulieRandomNumbers]

Fiberglass pools should have 3/4'' clean stone used as the backfill and they backfill and fill with water at equal levels. Agree with duraleigh, if its compactible fill that is no bueno.

Thank you! I've learned more about fiberglass pool installation in the past 24 hours than I ever thought I would. Well I guess I live the pool life now

 

[wireform]

Your pool your money your way and don't yake anything half $ssed.

 

[JulieRandomNumbers]

Welcome to TFP! Another member had the exact same issue recently, perhaps not quite as much of a bow though. The shells have a good bit of flex in them, but if it can be fixed that would be ideal. In your case, let them try to pull some soil away to give the shell some relief. Once the water pushes it back out it may hold better.

They dug it partially down, wedged it with a couple 2x4s, and cemented it in. It's straightish now but I worry the ledge below water isn't and that it might have some weird stresses and strains on it. The manufacturer had nothing to say about installation but recommended I go to insurance if concerned. Since I made it quite clear that I'm not 100% comfortable with all of this, the installer knows he is proceeding at risk. If he has to drill out a bunch of concrete later, that's just what will happen.

Plus side, pools in!

Thank you all so much for all of your advice

 

[Texas Splash]

but recommended I go to insurance if concerned.

That seems like an odd thing to say, but glad to see the installer made things better for you. Enjoy your pool.

 

[Tcadwall0]

One of the reasons that I went with RiverPools for my FG was that they required a lot when it comes to installation.

Mine isn't installed perfect (sides are all straight, but there is a slight dip at one end under a bench seat), but I know they used the right washed stone for backfilling, etc. The dip is due to the struggle to keep up with the water fill. One end of the pool is a ledge the other end a bench.... so they were having to hustle due to the water truck pushing them. I know it is there, but most people don't see it. I am confident that it is not a structural or warranty concern.

That said, I am wondering if the insurance comment was related to the installer not backfilling according to their warranty requirements. You may want to push for clarification on that.