Liner Float / Drainage / Backfill

[krisiak11]

Hello all, just had the pool company come out today to position the layout for us. We are not in a flood zone, we do have a flat yard where the pool will be going with a 4-6 foot pitched grade in the back, about 20 feet behind the pool. The installer mentioned we may want to back-fill with gravel and add some extra pipes to run under pool drainage to prevent liner float ($1500.00).

I never really heard of liner float, but the couple questions I have:

Shouldn't liner pools always be back-filled with gravel?

How concerned should I be about liner float?

Is this something I probably don't need that is being pushed on me to drive revenue for installer?

Thanks as always for any insight you may have.

 

[Brianf60]

In my opinion every pool should be back filled with non-organic back-fill. In my case I used clear gravel. I also installed a sump pit that be used to put a pump if there is ever an issue. I used 10" drainage pipe for this and install an additional skimmer lid in the concrete deck around the pool. I would rather spend a few bucks now and not have to worry later. It may be different in your area (I'm in Canada and temperatures are an issue) but I would not trust a builder that would back-fill with soil. I'm sure some more knowledgeable people will respond but that is my opinion. Good luck!

 

[jza1736]

We also have a flat yard. Our pool builder is going to bring the grade up a little (3-6") around the pool. He didn't add extra for that. He is also doing our stairs and Patio and the patio will be level with the pool. build starts 9/5.

 

[Saturn94]

Even if not in a flood zone, liner float is still possible. Personally, I'd opt for it (learned the hard way).

 

[krisiak11]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, good luck with the build jza1736!!

 

[ntobik]

Don't have a flat backyard, but live on a hill. In theory we should have zero groundwater because water rushes down the hill to the creek. But groundwater is a mystery.

I wish I had a sump system under the pool. I've had the liner float numerous times. If I could pay $1500 to make sure it'd never happen again I'd be signing the check right now.

Your other options are:
-Drill down and create a drywell that's deeper than your pool
-Risk it

Once the pool is built these options become extremely expensive. I had one guy look at the concrete and wall he'd have to tear up to dig below the pool and say "I won't do it, it'd cost too much, I'm not even sure it's possible."

Personally I've worked on surface drainage. I've also priced out renting a drill myself to get 9-10ft underground. But they aren't cheap, and you need to know how to operate it.

Pay the $1500 and be happy. Seems decent of your PB to mention it. Make sure you have adequate surface drainage too.