Summer in Australia means long days outside, soaking up the sun. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like having your own backyard pool. If you’ve got a big patch of empty yard and no clue what to do with it, a pool just makes sense.
But before you start dreaming about pool parties, you need to pick the right spot for it. The ground under your pool has to be solid and safe, or you’ll run into headaches down the track.
That’s where soil testing for pool installation comes in. It’s not just a box to tick. Rather, it’s a must-do if you want your pool to last.
If you’re ready to dive in, your first move is to get a geotechnical engineering team out to test your soil in accordance with the soil testing Melbourne councils’ requirements.
In Australia, you can’t skip this step. Here, soil tests are mandatory for installing a pool. Let’s take a closer look at why thorough soil testing matters so much.
What Is Soil Testing For Pool Installation?
If building your pool is the first major build you’re involved in, then it’s essential to know that all building permits are dependent on performing the necessary soil tests and assessments.
Furthermore, since this is mandatory, there’s really no way to get around it.
Soil testing, or Site Classification Report (as some people like to call it), refers to a series of comprehensive tests that help to analyse the ground where the pool is going to be built. The main reason for this is to determine how well the soil will hold the weight of the pool.
Furthermore, during the soil testing for pool installation, the following aspects are tested to assess soil properties:
- Soil density.
- Bearing capacity.
- Moisture content.
- Soil composition.
Some samples are tested on site while others have to be taken to a laboratory for specialised testing.
Once the results are out, your engineering team will use the information. This will determine which materials are right for creating the perfect, most stable foundation.
In some instances, the team may need to adjust building techniques and implement remedial measures to strengthen soil properties.
The end goal is to ensure that the soil and foundation can bear the weight of the pool and also that it will hold up during floods and heavy rain.
Getting Your Pool Off To A Good Start
Designing and planning your dream pool doesn’t have to be stressful. Enlisting a geotechnical engineering company is always a good place to start.
Not only will they guide you during the testing process, but they will do all the hard work. We’ve compiled a list of the top benefits of opting for quality soil testing for pool installation.
It’s The Law
As we’ve already mentioned, soil testing for pool installation is regulated and mandatory in many parts of Australia. The main reason for this is that the soil in Australia is very diverse, and a one-size-fits-all building approach won’t work for all areas.
Your geotechnical engineering team will provide you with a list of mandatory tests in your area. Keep in mind that some areas or specialised types of builds may require additional testing to ensure soil stability and integrity.
Establish Soil Integrity
Installing a pool is about a lot more than digging a hole in the ground and filling it with water. Your building team will need to assess the characteristics of the soil. The goal is to identify unstable soil and expansive clays.
This is essential as unstable soil can lead to the pool foundation cracking, shifting, and sinking. If the area has poor soil, the building team will introduce the necessary building materials and techniques to ensure long-term stability.
Ensures Safe Excavation
No matter how big or small your intended pool is going to be, there’s more than likely going to be extensive digging and excavation.
The last thing your team needs is to encounter hidden obstacles such as high water tables or excessive rocks. Knowing what’s under the ground will enable your team to choose the right excavation techniques.
Eliminates Potential Building Risks
Just because you’re only building a pool outside doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prepare for potential building risks. The types of issues that can occur when building the foundation include the following:
- Settling.
- Water damage.
- Increased soil erosion.
- Poor drainage (can lead to flooding).
Enables Informed Design Options
You may already have the perfect pool design in mind, but the characteristics and potential snags in the soil may not make this possible.
As with the excavation process, engineers use the data from the soil test to choose the best pool shell, reinforcement, and foundation type.
Investing in the right techniques will prevent wasting money and time on the wrong processes, which need to be redone.
What Is The Process Of Soil Testing For Pool Installation?
As we have already mentioned, soil testing is a key geotechnical procedure for pool installation. This essentially determines if the ground has enough bearing capacity to hold the huge weight of a swimming pool and its water.
If you do not carry out these tests, there is a risk of structural failure. These include cracking or ‘popping’. This might put you $5, 000 to $20, 000+ out of pocket in emergency repair costs.
Below is the detailed layout of the process:
- Hiring a Professional: Generally, a geotechnical engineer or a specialized company is hired to carry out the study.
- Site Sampling: By means of drilling rigs or hand augers, technicians collect soil samples at different depths (in some cases, as deep as 20 feet).
- Lab Analysis: The samples are analyzed for texture, pH, moisture content, and density.
- Reporting: The detailed Geotechnical Report contains tailored construction guidelines, such as the application of reinforced concrete in case of clay or laying a gravel base for drainage.
Test Your Soil Before Pool Installation!
In conclusion, a comprehensive soil testing for pool installation is essential. It helps your engineering team to receive the necessary building permits.
Additionally, the results of the on-site and laboratory assessments will provide the engineering team with the necessary data. This will, in turn, create a stable and strong foundation for your swimming pool.
Fortunately, outsourcing the testing process to a credible geotechnical engineering team will mean that you don’t have to hassle with the testing process. Building your dream swimming pool has never been easier!
