Proper slope for in-ground concrete pool steps

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L

lUNAMAR5

0
Jul 8, 2018
4
Boynton Beach
Hi All---

I am having a pool resurfaced with aggregate. It’s a concrete pool 15x30. I’ve had it done before 15 years ago. No issues. This time I am finding the 3 steps in the pool feel slanted forward as I stand on it and walk down them into the pool. It didn’t feel that way before this resurface job. The pool is empty now due to issues with the resurfacing so it gave us opportunity to put a small level on the steps. The bubble in the level is completely outside of the center bars. The steps are 11 inches from front to back. My question is, what is a normal and acceptable slant/slope from the back of the step to the front?


Thanks much,


Pat
 
Welcome to TFP! Good to have you here :)

No reason they shouldn't be flat! If it were mine, I wouldn't want it to be out of level by more than 1/8" of slope per foot of run because that would be fairly hard to notice. But they stay underwater so there's no need for them to drain off. I think flat is safest. Hopefully some of the experienced pool builders here have run into this question and will chime in.

Here's some information, but I couldn't find anything about the tread surface being flat. It's reasonable to assume that anyone writing a building rule would assume the steps will be flat.
http://www.poolspanews.com/how-to/design-construction/step-by-step_o (general article)
http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/commission/FBC_0512/commission_education_poc/359/359-1-MATERIAL.pdf (stairs on page 6)
The Florida one is handy because they seem to have put a lot of thought into it down there :)
 
My pool steps are level. You have some talking to do with your plaster company.

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I would think no more than 1/8-1/4” per foot, this is the generally accepted slope for drainage of surface water off concrete, but you wouldn’t even need that being underwater
 
Thanks for the Welcome to this Forum. I REALLY appreciate all the great feedback and the links and pic of a level pool step. I spend COUNTLESS hours surfing the web for info. I wish I found this first. You all seem to know a lot and I need that knowledge to be a good advocate for myself as a customer. Right now I feel like a dummy. I just measured the gap between the level and step. It's more than 1/4 in some areas. One area is 1/2 inch. So I now feel I have a leg to stand on to not accept this. But then what happens next? The steps have Mosaics in them and a 2 inch wide border of 1x1 tiles. How can they fix the steps with all that going on? The mosaics took 10 days to order and come in.

Humbly Yours-

Luna
 
I think you have to decide if the sloped steps are dangerous or cosmetic. I doubt there is a quick fix and they may have to chip the steps out and redo the tile and plaster.

You have to have discussions with the company and see what options they suggest, what satisfies you, and how much you want to press the issue. Would a money refund satisfy you?

You may have to talk with other pool professionals and see if this is considered a defect in workmanship. I dont know what your recourse is in FL with pool contractors for the State licensing or courts if you choose to escalate it.

Good luck and keep us informed with how the company responds.
 
Thanks Allen---

Good advice. They are coming back this evening. I will listen to what they have to say. It actually was not an issue until I stood on them and immediately sensed the forward pitch. That's when I measured it. Third time pool is being done in 30 years. My stairs never had a pitch to it before. I don't want to escalate it. I just want what I paid for...good workmanship. I am now also noticing a gap between the light fixture and the new aggregate. The light is not flush against the wall. Top left and right. Big enough for a child to stick their pinky finger in it. UGH!!

I'll keep you posted and thanks again!
Pat
 
Hi All---

SO here's your update. You all EMPOWERED me to stand up for what SHOULD be and not what the pool contractor said was acceptable. My Steps are being redone---free of charge. The difference on one of the very sloped and misshaped steps from inside to the edge was 3/4 of an inch. Significant. I pushed back with all the knowledge I gleaned from you guys!!. It worked. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU.

I have another question---In the process of getting this done, my pool was emptied a few feet below the bottom step and the new GREEN aggregate is being exposed to the air...something I read is a NO-NO. They are taking their time getting it done. We are NOT on their priority list I guess because we go them upset. My pool is without water for 7 days now. It's going to be at least 9 days before they finish and we refill. They say there will be no issues with the aggregate. I don't trust what they say. I'd feel better if I heard from knowledgeable people in this forum. They say we have a 10 year Warranted on the aggregate product from the manufacturer but isn't it void if it is not properly handled due to these workmanship issues? How do I protect myself from issues moving forward?

Thanks Much

Pat
 
Take pics. Document everything.

Get paperwork from the aggregate manufacturer confirming their warranty coverage on your location. Have you looked at what is required for warranty support on the aggregate manufacture website?

So far it sounds like your PB is stepping up to the problems. At this point you can hope he contines if there are more problems.
 
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