Browse Forums Pools & Spas 1 Jan 04, 2015 1:19 am Hi there pool experts. I have the situation where I am looking at a limestone retaining wall, probably costing about $10k-$15k. My question is, in broad terms, can the side of a concrete pool perform the role of retaining wall? My idea is to spend that money on the pool re-enforcement, infintiy edge rather than a limestone retaining wall. Any thoughts welcomed. Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 4Jan 04, 2015 10:33 am insider so do you mean extending the height of the side wall of the pool above ground level to act as a retaining wall ? Not quite. The pool is higher than the surrounds with the retaining wall below top of pool level down to ground level. http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/perthmps/fa41dd23299e344bd425ac99ff6402be_zps6e8a03dd.jpg Currently: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/perthmps/8479db617b3bca77387f1ee8707491e7_zpsaf9990b0.jpg Is this possible/cost effective?: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d156/perthmps/d8704c1de76005e0a23a5c8f884cdce5_zps213df8ce.jpg I still need limestone retain on the side of the pool and around the house. Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 5Jan 04, 2015 7:38 pm Best to speak to a engineer but your pool will have to have a significant footing most likely through the fill you have marked on your sketch. You may not be saving much once you have a engineered design pool wall which by the looks of it will end up having deep pier type footings.There may be issues with plumbing and access around the edge of your as well but could look fantastic if plausible. StructuralBIMguy and Leonardo_23 may be able to help Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 6Jan 04, 2015 8:34 pm To me it looks as though you want as you initially noted..one of the pools that the water flows over the edge. An option I think would be to maybe tier the retaining wall. Is there a reason the natural ground needs to be at the base of the pool? Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 7Jan 05, 2015 6:09 pm Crazyk Is there a reason the natural ground needs to be at the base of the pool? Need to confirm this with a engineer but having lateral earth pressure on one side and not on the retaining wall side may cause the pool to settle and tilt in fill.Designed retaining walls from what I have seen usually are founded into natural soil to prevent over turn when fill compacts under added pressure but again a structural engineer will sort that out. Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 9Jan 14, 2015 12:05 am Hi Perth_Euro. Yes you can do exactly what you are thinking about. The picture below is exactly what you are talking about. The pool isn't finished in the pictures but you get the idea. In this particular situation the house is on the low side but the top section of the pool is the retaining wall for the back section of the block including the next door garage (blue wall). When I was talking with the owner he said he had the same option, retain the whole back of the block and build the pool at the lower ground level or use the pool as the retaining and have an infinity edge. I think he said the total price was about the same and he has a striking looking pool. I was doing all the formwork for the honed concrete pool edging so never got to see it finished, although I may pop past and get some pictures now its all finished. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 10Jan 14, 2015 12:53 am My friend has a pool like you are describing. Was built in the 70s though. Recently moved to a 60's home in need of some improvement! http://s797.photobucket.com/user/leenii ... ch%20House Old house: http://s797.photobucket.com/albums/yy25 ... loo/House/ Re: Concrete pool used as a retaining wall 11Jan 14, 2015 7:39 am Our pool has two sides that are retaining walls. The walls were formed up and reinforced as part of the pool build, and the walls and pool are a single concrete pour. In the photo, the top of the two blue rendered sides of the pool shows where the ground level was before excavation for the pool. We did this to avoid having to step up 600mm to get into our pool from the deck. Thank you again Simeon.. I will call my certifier for that. Have a good day 4 5142 there is only 20% difference in concrete strength between 20 mpa and 25 mpa, so check with your engineer first if it fits his calculation tolerances. There are ways to… 6 18294 |