Fiberglass ledges sound hollow

[backyardescape]

First time poster here so hoping this is the correct thread…

We are in the midst of a fiberglass pool install. Upon completion of the first installation the pool was out of level by roughly 2” and the seating and ledges felt hollow - backfill was done using pea gravel.

After some back and forth the PB agreed to send a different crew out to crane out the pool, dig out the backfill, reshape the hole, and reinstall/backfill the pool.

The second installers were able to fix the leveling issues, but the ledges sound and feel even more hollow this time around. #1 stone was used to backfill the second time.

The PB and manufacturer rep assure me this is normal for a fiberglass pool.

I do not agree. I have been in fiberglass pools with ledges/seating before and have never felt any hollow spots like these. The pool feels extremely cheap when walking around inside and I fear I will have issues down the line with the integrity of the pool shell.

I have spoken with other local installers and repair companies and they too are telling me the pool should feel solid and if it doesn’t now there will be major issues down the road.

I have attached a couple videos of the spa area for reference but this is not the only place where we have these issues.

Watch unnamed | Streamable

Watch unnamed | Streamable

The PB has not offered to even come take another look, instead they are demanding the remaining balance .

Looking for feedback from others with more experience with fiberglass.

Thanks in advance!

 

[jdsaengine]

we had our fiberglass installed last fall with steps and a large baja ledge. Backfilled with pea gravel. They took a lot of time with a big leaf blower to blow pea gravel under the steps and ledge and the bigger guys kept bouncing on top of the steps and ledge to make sure there were no flexing. Perhaps just re-excavating around the edge of the pool/spa and using high powered blower to blow some extra pea gravel under the steps would work.
my steps and ledge

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Ours was backfilled with sand (before TFP knowledge), and over the last 11 years I feel some areas along our bench where it appears the sand has settled. I don't worry about it too much at this point and feel the shell itself is quite strong. But with a new (second time) install, you certainly have that right to be satisfied. Holding back payment is your last bit of leverage.

Hopefully the decking hasn't been done yet so a crew can try to gain access to each side.

 

[backyardescape]

Thanks for sharing! The decking is not in yet so now is the time to get this corrected. We’re exploring flowable fill as a possible option.