My pool's pump, filter and salt generator are all located on a concrete slab right next to the side of my house. When I installed it 12 years ago, I had no idea that the soil near the foundation would settle (its 13 years old). The lawn prior to the pool's installation wasn't built up at all and now our sump pump is running quite a lot and the concrete slab has unleveled itself. I can regrade the lawn, but this requires redoing a lot of things. Can I even, idk, extend the existing pic out of the ground so I can raise everything else? Idk if I can bury that electrical conduit (see pics) or if I can get rid of the existing concrete slab easily. Should I just hire this out? This doesn't seem like a common pool service job.
Re-grading lawn, need to save settling concrete slab
- Thread starter hyperchord24
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I would demo the existing slap, dig down and prepare a new base with gravel, then pout a new slab with some mesh in it. It is not a big job for a contractor or it can be done DIY if you are strong enough.
If I do raise it, I'll have to bury that conduit which is something idk if I can do and extend the pvc. Is that even possible?
If you bury a conduit for electric service, you’d need to figure out if there’s enough cable left to avoid having a splice underground. Why not just leave it above ground?
To grade my lawn properly, that conduit would end up underground (see pics). And I don't think I'd need to access/change the electrical there the rest of the pool's life so I'm not sure why I'd want to splice it
I meant that if you lower it enough to bury it the right depth, there might not be enough cable to reach where you need it to, hence needing to splice in an extra section which isn’t a good idea.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Why not keep the conduit above the the lawn and pad grade? It is easier raising the conduit then lowering it.
I don't mean to raise or lower the conduit. If I leave the level of soil near my foundation, water from rains will run towards my foundation. I want it to run away, which means raising the soil level near my foundation. To do that, I will have to cover up the conduit. I didn't mean "bury" as in move it. I meant cover it with dirt. I will however have to raise the pvc pipe. Does anyone actually have any idea what Im talking about or am I the only one who has a problem with ground settling near his foundation with a pool?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
So adjust the grade of your lawn and then raise the conduit so it is above the new grade. Raising the conduit should be an easy adjustment.
Is it easy? Wouldn't that involve splicing? Edit: Is there any problem with just covering it with the soil? It sounds easier. I'm no electrician
Last edited:
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I get it now. You can break up the concrete with a big sledgehammer. Then regrade as needed, then pour a new slab. If the cable or conduit is rated for burial, it’s ok to bury, but I hate buried cable that’s not at least 24” deep cause I’m always the one to “find it” with my shovel when I’m trying to plant something. Personally I’d leave it exposed, but it’s your call.
I don't want to touch anything with wires. The risk is too high. Idk what I'm doing. Whats the worst that can happen if I cover it with 1 or 2 inches of dirt?
Is the new pad going to be the same size? Will the conduit run under the new pad? I’m not seeing why raising the pad would put that under any dirt.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Depends what you bury. That junction box does not look to be direct burial and waterproof. You will likely get water and corrosion in it leading to breaker trips. Then you will have to dig it out and do it right.
Aren't these junction boxes exposed to rain and snow build up anyway? That whole line of conduit is covered most of the winter in some amount of snow.
With regards to the pad, it'll be at least a foot higher than the existing pad, so I'd imagine it'd be covered in dirt. All though I could be misunderstanding you. I just wish I could have a live person just come to my house and assess the situation with more experience than me.
Didn’t realize it needed to be raised a while foot. Just assumed it would be a few inches.
If you’re uncomfortable with DIY, that conduit run would be pretty reasonable cost for a basic handyman to redo for you. It’s only 3 feet long.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,127
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
There is a difference in electrical circuits rated for direct burial. If you want to bury what you have you should have an electrician evaluate if what you have is suitable.
I can tell you the right way to do it. I cannot tell you if the shortcuts you want to take will work.
If you do it right you will only have to do it once.
I can tell you the right way to do it. I cannot tell you if the shortcuts you want to take will work.
If you do it right you will only have to do it once.