The Truth Behind Swimming Pool Popped Out Of Ground
The Truth Behind Swimming Pool Popped Out of Ground: A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Addressing the Issue
Seeing your inground pool seemingly "pop out" of the ground can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. It's a dramatic sight that often leads to panic. However, understanding the cause and taking the right steps can mitigate the damage and prevent it from happening again. This guide will walk you through the process of diagnosing the problem, understanding the risks, and exploring potential solutions.
Prerequisites:
- Safety First: This guide is for informational purposes. Dealing with a pool that has popped out of the ground can be dangerous. Do not attempt any repairs yourself if you are not comfortable and confident in your abilities. Contact a qualified pool professional for assistance.
- Insurance Coverage: Before taking any action, contact your homeowner's insurance company. Pool damage can be expensive, and understanding your coverage is crucial.
- Basic Understanding of Pool Construction: Familiarity with the basic components of an inground pool (shell, plumbing, backfill) will be helpful.
- Patient Attitude: This is not a quick fix. It requires patience, careful assessment, and potentially significant investment.
- Shovel: For investigating the surrounding soil.
- Level: To assess the degree of shifting.
- Tape Measure: For measuring the extent of the damage.
- Camera: To document the situation for insurance purposes and professional consultations.
- Notepad and Pen: For recording observations and measurements.
- Moisture Meter (Optional): To assess soil moisture levels.
- Observe from a Safe Distance: Before approaching the pool, observe the surrounding area. Look for any signs of instability, such as cracks in the surrounding deck, shifted landscaping, or water pooling.
- Turn Off Power and Gas: Immediately shut off power to the pool equipment (pump, filter, heater). If you have a gas heater, turn off the gas supply.
- Document Everything: Take numerous pictures and videos of the damage from various angles. This documentation is crucial for insurance claims and for providing information to pool professionals.
- Keep People Away: Restrict access to the area around the pool to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Check for Groundwater: Examine the soil surrounding the pool. Is it saturated or muddy? Look for signs of standing water or unusually damp areas.
- Inspect the Pool's Interior: Is the pool completely empty? Even a small amount of water inside can significantly reduce the buoyant force.
- Consider Recent Weather: Has there been heavy rainfall, flooding, or a significant rise in the water table in your area? These events are strong indicators of groundwater issues.
- Look for Drainage Issues: Are there any obvious drainage problems around your property that could contribute to water accumulating near the pool?
- Structural Damage: The pool shell itself can be damaged, leading to cracks, leaks, and structural instability.
- Plumbing Damage: The plumbing lines connecting the pool to the equipment can be stressed, cracked, or even broken.
- Equipment Damage: The pool equipment (pump, filter, heater) can be damaged by being lifted or strained.
- Surrounding Landscape Damage: The shifting pool can damage the surrounding deck, patio, and landscaping.
- Safety Hazards: The exposed pool shell and surrounding area can create tripping hazards and other safety risks.
- Pool Professional: Contact a reputable pool company with experience in dealing with structural issues. They can assess the damage, determine the best course of action, and provide a detailed estimate.
- Structural Engineer (Potentially): In severe cases, a structural engineer may be needed to evaluate the structural integrity of the pool and the surrounding soil.
- Insurance Adjuster: Work closely with your insurance adjuster to document the damage and file a claim.
- De-watering: The first step is typically to lower the water table around the pool. This can be achieved by pumping out the groundwater using specialized equipment.
- Adding Weight (Temporary): In some cases, adding weight to the pool (e.g., filling it with water, adding sandbags) can help to counteract the buoyant force. However, this should only be done under the guidance of a pool professional. *Adding weight to a structurally unsound pool can exacerbate the damage.*
- Structural Repairs: Depending on the extent of the damage, structural repairs may be necessary. This could involve patching cracks, reinforcing the shell, or even replacing sections of the pool.
- Drainage Improvements: Addressing the underlying drainage issues is crucial to prevent the problem from recurring. This could involve installing French drains, improving surface drainage, or modifying the landscaping.
- Complete Replacement: In the most severe cases, the pool may need to be completely replaced.
- Hydrostatic Relief Valve: Consider installing a hydrostatic relief valve in the pool floor. This valve allows groundwater to enter the pool, equalizing the pressure and preventing the pool from popping out.
- Proper Drainage: Ensure that the area around the pool has adequate drainage to prevent water from accumulating.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the pool and the surrounding area for any signs of water intrusion or drainage problems.
- Monitor Water Table: Be aware of the water table levels in your area, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.
- Can't find the source of the water: The water source might be underground springs or a break in a water main. A professional can help pinpoint the source.
- Insurance company is denying the claim: Gather all documentation, including photos, videos, and professional assessments. Consult with a public adjuster if necessary.
- Repairs seem too expensive: Get multiple quotes from reputable pool companies and explore financing options.
Tools (For Assessment Only - Not Repair):
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
Step 2: Identify the Cause (Most Likely Water Buoyancy)
The primary culprit behind a pool popping out of the ground is hydrostatic pressure, a fancy term for the force exerted by groundwater. When the water table rises, the buoyant force acting on the empty pool shell can exceed the weight of the pool, causing it to lift. Here's how to investigate:
Step 3: Understand the Risks
A pool that has popped out of the ground presents several risks:
Step 4: Contact Professionals (Crucial)
Step 5: Explore Potential Solutions (Discuss with Professionals)
The solution will depend on the severity of the damage and the underlying cause. Here are some possibilities:
Step 6: Prevention (For the Future)
Troubleshooting Tips:
Summary:
A pool popping out of the ground is a serious issue primarily caused by groundwater pressure. It requires a careful assessment, professional intervention, and a long-term solution that addresses the underlying drainage problems. By following these steps, you can understand the cause, mitigate the damage, and prevent it from happening again. Remember, safety is paramount, and consulting with qualified professionals is crucial for a successful outcome. Don't attempt DIY repairs without the necessary expertise.
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