Pool Retaining Wall: Why Have One
Whether youre getting a new pool installed for the first time or youre looking to do a backyard makeover, a retaining wall may be a vital part of your design.
What exactly is a pool retaining wall, and why would you need one? The answer might surprise you.
Read on to learn more about the why and how you might need to add a retaining wall around your pool so you can be prepared.
Why Would You Need A Retaining Wall For A Pool
People with a perfectly graded, level yard will likely not need a retaining wall for their pool. You can still opt to have one built, but it wont necessarily be required in order for your new pool to pass local building codes.
However, if your yard is on a slope, this type of wall is probably required. The purpose of a pool retaining wall is to prevent materials like soil and debris from running down the slope and into your pool or onto the deck or patio.
Backyards with a particularly high slope are at a much higher risk of eroding over time. The retaining wall helps to serve as a sturdy, protective barrier to keep the soil and rocks from falling onto your patio or into the pool which can cause serious damage.
Areas with particularly loose or very sandy soil will certainly need some kind of retaining wall to keep everything in place. In Florida, the high levels of humidity and heavy annual rainfall are contributing factors that can make soil especially vulnerable to eroding or coming loose.
Before you determine whether or not a pool retaining wall is required, talk to the contractor who is overseeing the pool installation. They can take a closer look at the grading of your yard as well as the soils stability. Once they do a thorough inspection, the contractor can tell you whether or not a pool retaining wall is needed.
How Steep Can A Pool Slope Be
The American National Standard for Residential Inground Swimming Pools sets strict rules for building pools on slopes for example, The slope of the floor from the shallow end wall towards the deep area shall not exceed 1 foot in 7 feet to the point of the first slope change. Another standard is that the slope of the floor from the point of the first slope change toward the deep end shall not exceed 1 foot in 3 feet . A pool builder can assess your lawn to determine whether construction is possible and what the best building strategy is for your property.
Recommended Reading: How To Add Liquid Chlorine To Pool
What Is An Engineered Wall
When an engineer is contracted to design a retaining wall, they take all the site parameters into consideration. This includes the soil type, surface water flows, the height of the wall, slopes both in front of and behind the wall, and any surcharges the wall may support. All engineered walls will include a full drainage system.
For a segmental block wall like the one above, the capacity of the retaining wall is increased by adding geogrid. The geogrid is installed between rows of blocks and extends back into the backfill. Geogrid is a strong plastic material . The depth of the geogrid will be 60% of the wall height or a minimum of 4-ft. This will increase if the wall supports a surcharge, is founded on clay or other soft material, or if your property is in a seismic region. A wall like the one above may require geogrid that is 70% or 80% of the wall height.
A concrete or cinder block wall will include rebar in the wall tied to a footing. The amount of rebar and the size of the footing will increase as the wall height increases, to support a surcharge, or for different soil types. Wood walls require specific design depending on the site conditions.
Although this wall didnt collapse , this is still considered a wall failure. The wall will slowly creep until it eventually collapses. If you want to ensure your retaining wall project stands the test of time, checkout services to talk to an experienced engineer.
Water Features And Pool Retaining Walls
If you can imagine it, you can build it! When you have different elevations, one could plumb their retaining wall for a sheer decent water feature or a natural stream bed, deck jets, water spouts or tall overflowing planters. Anything is possible. Very small fountains can be run off of your filter pump, but if you are planning a large volume water feature, you typically will install an additional pump, which draws water out of a wall intake and pumps it to your waterfall, cascade or jets.
Read Also: Cheapest Pool Builder In Arizona
Options For Retaining Walls
SLAB: The most durable material would be a concrete slab or poured concrete for a retaining wall. This is not normally used for small backyard retaining walls, however. More commonly used is a type of retaining wall known as a Gravity Wall.
TIMBERS: Many retaining walls are made of timber, usually pressure treated 6-inch by 6-inch. Depending on the weight and slope pushing on the timber, this may not be suitable. Timber often doesnt hold up as long as concrete, boulder or slab retaining walls. Wood retaining walls can be made stronger with the use of perpendicular supports, whats called a dead-man. These are equally spaced behind a wall, every third course, to keep the wall from being pushed too easily in the wrong direction.
BLOCKS: A popular option are interlocking concrete blocks, commonly known as a segmented retaining wall. These walls can be easily built and are engineered to create an extremely strong wall when properly installed.
STONES: A concrete block wall, mortared in place and strengthened by steel and concrete, is finished with a facing of flagstone, or field stone, with cap stones on top. It certainly is one of your most expensive options, but also one of the sturdiest retaining walls. Various stone types and several methods of stacking would be available.
Hillside Pools Are Possible
Thanks to hillside stabilization methods, installing a hillside pool is very much possible. Hillside pools are defined as pools that require grade beams to support the pool foundation due to the angle of the slope. Pools can be constructed on inclines at 45-degrees or more with the right crew.
One of the best examples of a hillside pool is an infinity-edge pool.The vanishing edges of infinity pools create a breathtaking view that showcases the Los Angeles landscape. Water spills over the side and vanishes into a concealed reservoir to give the illusion of a border that never ends. A hillside property pool construction also opens up the opportunity for more usable backyard space. Infinity pool basins can be built so that there is a low patio surrounding the pool. This way, homeowners can enjoy outdoor lounging and incorporate patio furniture into their outdoor design.
Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Remove Pool
Pool Retaining Walls For Sloped Yards: Cost Materials And More
Retaining Walls, Fence, and Landscaping | Swimming Pool Design
Few yards are perfectly flat.
Some yards have only a teeny-tiny grade , so pool builders can grade the dirt off the patio to compensate for the difference.
However, not every situation is so simple. When you have a big slope, you need a big solution. How will you keep the water from running onto the pool deck? How will you keep the pool in place?
Enter retaining walls, stage left.
Here at River Pools, we specialize in manufacturing and installing fiberglass poolsand “installing” includes the accessories, plumbing, patio, landscaping, and… you guessed it… retaining walls . Whether or not you’re getting a pool from us, we’re here to share our knowledge so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
Things you should know about retaining walls:
- What exactly do you use them for?
- How do you design them?
- What are they made of?
- Can they have water features?
- How much does a retaining wall cost?
How To Build A Swimming Pool On A Slope
If you want a pool but live on a sloping block, the idea of installing one may seem too hard. Were here to tell you there is a simple solution an above ground swimming pool. Above ground pools are perfect for sloped yards. Youll end up with a finished product that not only looks great but is also safe and hassle-free.
Heres what you need to know.
Recommended Reading: What Size Filter Cartridge For Pool
Solutions For Building A Pool On A Slope
There are a few different ways that you can address a slope on your property in order to level the area and install a pool. If your slope is minimal, it can pretty easily be fixed with construction equipment and grading. Most yards are not perfectly level.
However, if you have a noticeable or significant slope in your yard, then grading is not going to be enough. Fortunately, there are some other solutions that can be utilized the address the issue.
Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind.
Can You Put An Inground Pool On A Hill
Put simply: yes! Techniques like grading, terracing, or constructing retaining walls can all be used to help install the inground pool of your dreams even if you live on a steep hill. Your pool builder will help you determine which technique is most appropriate for your property with regard to safety, functionality and aesthetics.
You May Like: Romantic Getaways In Maryland With Hot Tub
Contemporary Metal Retaining Wall Landscape Ideas With Stoned Steep Slopes
This is a perfect example of a contemporary design of retaining wall. Unlike the usual walls that are usually made out of stones, this wall is made of metal. It is a Cor-Ten steel. Have you ever heard of it before? It is a trademark name for this kind of steel featuring a weathering patina. This steel is an ideal option for outdoor installation, as seen here.
There is no chemicals used on the steel. It is just let naturally oxidized. The result is awesome. The color has more grayish feature on the surface. The retaining walls here are designed in terraced style, so there are a few steps and stairs from the garden that lead to the main building of the property.
What makes it more unique is the combination of granite and grass here. The pavers are made out of granite. There is no detailed information about the granite used here. However, if youre going to imitate this gardens look, you can use Polished Tile, Bianco Catalina, 30q. ft., 12×12 from Wall and Tile. Bianco Catalina is a subtle speckled white, gray, and black color combination. It is a durable granite, perfect for exterior and interior applications as well. For outdoor usage, this granite is recommended for landscaping, flooring, and areas with freezing temperatures.
The green thick grass in the steep slopes makes the whole landscape look fresh. It is also combined with bushes above the retaining wall and some trees around the property. This property looks modern and natural at the same time.
Pitfalls To Avoid In Planning And Placement
- Have proper plans before you begin a retaining wall. What type of material will be used?
- Do not forget how it will be viewed from inside your home. Will the wall be eye-popping?
- Know your soil: rocky, expansive, loamy. Plan for proper drainage around the wall.
- Read more detailed references on the topic.
ITS sells DIY Inground Pool Kits. If you have other questions on swimming pool retaining walls, or any part of DIY pool construction, give us a call at 800-374-1500. We can help you plan accordingly.
Read Also: How To Build An Infinity Pool
Narellan Pools Can Turn Your Sloping Block Into A Backyard Oasis
If you have a sloped block, Narellan Pools has a wide variety of above ground pool designs to choose from.
The obvious choice is to install an inground swimming pool. On a sloping block, this can be expensive and time-consuming. A faster and more affordable option is an above ground fibreglass pool. Craning a pool shell onto a levelled pad, which is surrounded by a retaining wall and finished with a beautiful deck, can be cheaper than digging a big hole in the ground!
If your above ground pool extends off your home and into the horizon, a deck will give the finishing touch. Design your deck to wrap around the pool, ensuring ample space for a couple of sun loungers and a cantilever umbrella. When planning your above ground pool, consider if you want to add a spa. Spa pools are the perfect place to relax whilst the kids are frolicking about in the main pool.
Whatever you decide, Narellan Pools can help.
Retaining Walls For Pools On A Slope
As we mentioned earlier, retaining walls can help you build a swimming pool on a sloped yard. They make it possible to separate higher points in your yard from lower areas, ensuring that runoff wont end up in the pool . But these walls arent just utilitarian! On the contrary, they can double as dazzling design elements with water features or ledges for sitting and entertaining.
Constructing a retaining wall for a pool on a slope, which requires heavy machinery and extra materials, will add to the overall cost of your project. However, it will provide crucial support while adding attractive yet functional flair to your pools design.
Don’t Miss: Cheap Hotels In Pooler Ga
Install A Retaining Wall And Back Fill
With this project, there was an 8 drop in elevation from the back door to the property line. To create a level area for the patio and pool deck, it was necessary to install a boulder retaining wall and back fill the space between the wall and the back door. This wall is 30-36 so there are steps on the other side of the pool.
This full-sized swimming pool uses a salt-water filtration system perfect for those with sensitive skin. The pool is the centerpiece of a backyard design intended to bring together friends and family.
How Do You Level A Pool On A Sloped Yard
If you want to enjoy a safe and sturdy pool built into a hill, youll need to ensure that the water is level. To level a pool on a sloped yard, your builder will work to even out the high and low points of your property, creating a flat surface that provides a stable base for installation. If your lawn is on an extreme slope, different strategies may be required, such as using retaining walls or even creating an infinity pool as discussed above. The techniques and equipment necessary to build an inground pool on a hill depend on the shape, size and incline of the construction area, along with the composition of your soil.
Read Also: How To Add Algaecide To Pool
Building A Pool On A Slope: Design Tips For Great Falls Va Yards With Hills
Having a swimming pool might be part of your backyard dreams. But if you have a sloped property or a home situated on a hill, you might be wondering if its even possible. Can your swimming pool dreams still come true if your yard isnt completely flat?
Well get right to it. Yes, building a pool on a slope is definitely possible, though it can come with some additional challenges.
In this article well shed some more insight into whats involved with building a pool on a sloped yard, including some ways that you can actually use this situation to your advantage.
What Is A Pool Retaining Wall
A pool retaining wall is a small wall that surrounds part of a pool. The wall serves as a barrier around the pool, as well as housing for additional features such as waterfalls. These walls can range in height dramatically, from one to several feet.
Pool retaining walls can be made in any design scheme to suit your pool and the layout of your yard. They can even be designed so that they create a bench for additional seating on the pool patio. Waterfalls, jets, fountains, and planters are just some of the additions that can be added to your retaining wall. Not only do these additions increase the enjoyment of your pool, they also increase the value of the property.
The options are truly endless when it comes to the design of your pool retaining wall. The contractor that is installing your pool can help you to decide on materials that would be best for the type of design you would like to create.
Read Also: What To Put Under Above Ground Pool To Level
Additional Things To Consider
Lastly, here are some quick final tips and tricks that you should consider before you go ahead with your build:
- Do all of the materials work together harmoniously? Or is your yard looking a little haphazard? To help you visualise your new retaining wall and how it will work with other materials and colours in your yard, always get samples of your blocks to place near your pool to test it out essentially.
- If landscaping is your passion, you may wish to invest in design software that can help you develop a 3D render of your backyard with its modifications. That way, you can really understand the final picture before you get started.
- When taking measurements, as a tip, it is a good idea to order 5% extra to cater for any errors or breakage and save yourself trouble down the track.
What Is A Retaining Wall Made Of
A retaining wall is usually made of either concrete or stone, and falls into one of two categories:
- Masonry walls: either poured concrete or concrete block, and faced with another material
- Segmental retaining walls: pre-cast concrete blocks, dry-stacked together
Many people prefer a segmental block retaining wall because it’s attractive and budget-friendly. It’s also a good DIY project if you’re into that.
Bonus: many color options are available.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Algae In Pool
