Pool renovation - using broken off plaster as fill for new beach/steps

[BoilerHorn]

Doing a fairly major renovation to my pool. It includes removing old plaster, installing new surfacing, moving some returns, adding a beach and moving steps, etc.

When removing the original surface, the builders took most of it out and left some behind to be fill for the new steps and beach. There will be sandbags around it, rebar, etc. before they blow gunite. My concern/question: will the fact that the fill is not "solid" be a problem? There will be some air gaps in there, etc. And, could it shift over time?

I am told this is a common approach and I have no reason not to trust the builder. However, I figured I could ask the group if it was a common approach. I've seen similar approaches for sidewalks, driveways, etc. and even sandbags for home foundation fill. I just want to make sure I don't have to look forward to fixing something in his space in 5 years.

Thoughts?

 

[ajw22]

@AQUA~HOLICS what do you think about this?

I think if the chipped out palster is the size of the equivalent gravel that would otherwise be used as fill it is ok. The rebar and gunite will hold it all together so settling should not be anymore of an issue then if gravel was used.

Gravel Around Pools - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Any type of fill that is not compact/solid may have settlement issues in the future.
The smaller the product used the more open areas their will be in between each piece.
High compression foam and/or a slurry mix with broken concrete materials are what I see most commonly.

 

[BoilerHorn]

Thank you!