Pool depth

[Benwestpool]

Hi,
Our pool was supposed to be 3.5-6 ft and the majority of the middle being 4-4.5 We went in the pool after the gunite has hardened and noticed the majority of the middle is closer to 5 feet deep instead. We are having a pebble finish and we’re wondering if there is a way to correct this depth with the pebble/plaster? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Bperry]

Hi,
Our pool was supposed to be 3.5-6 ft and the majority of the middle being 4-4.5 We went in the pool after the gunite has hardened and noticed the majority of the middle is closer to 5 feet deep instead. We are having a pebble finish and we’re wondering if there is a way to correct this depth with the pebble/plaster? Any advice is appreciated.

Are you measuring from the middle of the waterline tile?

 

[kimkats]

I was just going to ask if they were sure they were measuring WATER depth. From the bottom of the pool to middle of the skimmer opening.

 

[Benwestpool]

Are you measuring from the middle of the waterline tile?

Yes, we are measuring halfway down the waterline tile.

 

[Benwestpool]

I was just going to ask if they were sure they were measuring WATER depth. From the bottom of the pool to middle of the skimmer opening.

Yes, we are measuring halfway down the waterline tile

 

[kimkats]

Okay then you know what you are working with.

They CAN add some gunite to the bottom to build it up. It has been done many times. Talk to your PB with your contract in hand. Just point to the depth profile and see what he says.

Let us know what he says.

 

[HermanTX]

Yes, we are measuring halfway down the waterline tile

Are you using a laser measurement? Just want to be sure it is measured correctly before adding extra gunite.

 

[Benwestpool]

Are you using a laser measurement? Just want to be sure it is measured correctly before adding extra gunite.

We didn’t have one so we ran a string from halfway up tile on one side to the other and then used a tape measure from the string to the bottom.

 

[Bperry]

I guess the plaster will add another half inch to an inch. I think I’d leave it alone, rather than risking pouring more good night on top.

 

[wireform]

I could live with it and be bothered with a reverse problem of too shallow more but it's your pool...

 

[HermanTX]

We didn’t have one so we ran a string from halfway up tile on one side to the other and then used a tape measure from the string to the bottom.

Okay. Just remember that kids grow and most people on the forum complain that after gunite the pool is too shallow. So you are in a better position if you elect just to go with it.

 

[Benwestpool]

Okay then you know what you are working with.

They CAN add some gunite to the bottom to build it up. It has been done many times. Talk to your PB with your contract in hand. Just point to the depth profile and see what he says.

Let us know what he says.

Pool builder said they would come out today to take a look at the depths and discuss options. They stated the pebble will only be 5/8 inch so it won’t make any difference in the depth and could not be fixed that way. We were supposed to plaster this Sunday now we need to decide is it worth changing at this point. I am so conflicted on what to do and if it will really be as big of a deal to be 5 ft vs 4.5 as I’m imagining? We have 3 small kids 6 years and under and wanted to have a larger shallow end. We do also have a sun shelf so it has area for the kids to play on.

 

[kimkats]

Take a tape measure. See where 4.5' and 5' hits the shortest ADULT in the family. Go from there to see what YOU want to do. The kids are growing as we speak so don't base it on their current size.

 

[HermanTX]

Pool builder said they would come out today to take a look at the depths and discuss options. They stated the pebble will only be 5/8 inch so it won’t make any difference in the depth and could not be fixed that way. We were supposed to plaster this Sunday now we need to decide is it worth changing at this point. I am so conflicted on what to do and if it will really be as big of a deal to be 5 ft vs 4.5 as I’m imagining? We have 3 small kids 6 years and under and wanted to have a larger shallow end. We do also have a sun shelf so it has area for the kids to play on.

You may want to review the slope of change from shallow to deep. If that is fine with the 6 inch deeper depth then I would go with the existing depth. My 6 and 7 y.o. grandkids love diving down for rings, and things. It improves their breath holding and there kicking skills.
Especially if you have a sun shelf for the little ones.

Just list the pros and cons on a page and go with what meets your short term and long term needs.

 

[Benwestpool]

You may want to review the slope of change from shallow to deep. If that is fine with the 6 inch deeper depth then I would go with the existing depth. My 6 and 7 y.o. grandkids love diving down for rings, and things. It improves their breath holding and there kicking skills.
Especially if you have a sun shelf for the little ones.

Just list the pros and cons on a page and go with what meets your short term and long term needs.

This is exactly the kind of feedback I’m looking for. I like hearing everyone’s pros and cons. My biggest concerns are so many people complaining that once it goes deeper than 5 ft it’s not really usable space. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bperry]

This is exactly the kind of feedback I’m looking for. I like hearing everyone’s pros and cons. My biggest concerns are so many people complaining that once it goes deeper than 5 ft it’s not really usable space. Thanks for your input.

I suspect you’ll find with kids that it’s the shallow end that ends up being useless space once they learn to swim.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

From a construction end, this may possibly engineer a weak spot in the areas as they feather out the edges from the old Gunite to the new. Yes cold joints are common and need to be prepared properly. Having a layer 6” in depth would concern me in the future for cracks.