Area for an above ground swimming pool

All forms of block paving, brick paving, flexible or rigid, concrete or clays, new construction or renovation
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Bob_A
Posts: 861
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 pm
Location: SE London/ NW Kent

Post: # 26196Post Bob_A

I’d like to create a blocked paved area in the middle of a lawned area.
During the summer months I want to place an above ground swimming pool like this one on it.
http://www.splasherpools.com/proddetail.asp?prod=56949
It’s has a diameter of 15’ and height of 42" and holds 17570 Litres of water.
Is type1 ok for the sub base and sharp sand for the bedding layer. How thick should these layers be and lastly do I need a geo fabric. If so at what layer would it go.
Thanks in advance
Bob

matt h
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Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:14 pm
Location: gosport

Post: # 26202Post matt h

subbase and lean mix was recommended earlier cos of weight 1itr water equals 1kg approx in weight
general builder, maintenance engineer, gas and plumbing installations, extensions etc

Bob_A
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Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 pm
Location: SE London/ NW Kent

Post: # 26209Post Bob_A

In my thread created when I was going to use flags someone said place them on 100mm of leanmix, no mention of using a sub base.
Does that mean I can lay the blocks in the same way?
Thought I'd need a sub base?

matt h
Posts: 607
Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:14 pm
Location: gosport

Post: # 26210Post matt h

read main site!
general builder, maintenance engineer, gas and plumbing installations, extensions etc

Rich H
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Location: Reading

Post: # 26215Post Rich H

18 tonnes is a lot of weight, even over 15'. The foundation method and depth will be largely determined by the substrate.

You should use a sub-base of DTP Type 1 regardless of what you put above, preferably on a fabric if you suspect minor movement in the future from below (e.g. on clay or with a lot of tree roots). At least 100mm, I'd suggest.

For the bedding course, there are lots of ways you could do this but I'd favour a rigid rather than flexible approach as the weight will be concentrated in one place. You might think about concrete with weld mesh.

Bob_A
Posts: 861
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 pm
Location: SE London/ NW Kent

Post: # 26216Post Bob_A

matt h wrote:read main site!

Please be aware I'm a newbie.
I've got Tony's book and I've spent lots of time reading and enjoying the main site (which is great!) but one thing I lack is experience in making judgements.
I can understand the mechanics of creating a patio where only light foot traffic is expected and I understanding the need to create a structure that needs to withstanding the movements of heavy vehicles.
I'm just not sure about 17.5 tonnes of evenly distributed static water.

EDIT
Thanks Rich for your reply, most appreciated.
Didn't notice it as I was busy typing the above!

No tree roots but some clay present so will use a fabric.
Any other suggestions gratefully received. :)

Tony McC
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Post: # 26236Post Tony McC

I think you have to be guided by the condition of the sub-grade. If you have firm clay, then a 150mm sub-base of DTp1 might be adequate, but if there is any doubt, it may be a better idea to use a 150mm layer of permeable (no fines) concrete, cover this with a construction geo-textile (NOT a weed barrier), and then your block paving as per normal.

If you use a 'normal' concrete, then you MUST make provision for the laying course to be drained, especially as it is likely to receive a regular dousing from the summer pool. If the laying course becomes saturated, it will move and take the blocks with it. Take a look at the Laying Blocks over a Base page.
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Bob_A
Posts: 861
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2008 9:30 pm
Location: SE London/ NW Kent

Post: # 26266Post Bob_A

Thanks Tony. I'm going to seek advice about my soil before going any further.

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