Maybe not our best “Iowa Brag” but it is what it is! Freeze/thaw climates create a special circumstance for construction. If not built properly, the repetitive freezing and thawing of our winters can cause soils and structures to move and become damaged and/or uneven. We have all seen sidewalks and driveways and other flat concrete surfaces develop cracks and experience shifting.
A knowledgeable pool builder will be able to correctly evaluate your construction site and the adjacent structures in order to develop a design that manages and minimizes the effects of freeze/thaw—cracking, moving out of alignment, tripping hazards, and aesthetic issues. Pool Tech’s design and construction techniques help to protect your investment from costly repairs.
The concrete shell that is created for a pool is similar to that of your home’s foundation. As your home’s foundation is designed to support your house, your pool shell is designed to withstand the pressures of the earth. It’s a sturdy concrete formulation and is reinforced with steel. The weight of the water in the pool serves an important function to provide equal pressure to the interior of the pool shell (this is why you leave the water in your pool over the winter). Equalizing the pressure helps stabilize the structure.
This pool in Iowa City, Iowa is over 25 years old! Proper construction and design techniques have ensured that the pool operates well and looks good!
An attractive coping finishes off the top edge of the pool and is attached to the pool walls. Your deck also is supported by the pool walls. The coping and deck slab are not attached to each other which allows for movement. The soil at a construction site is carefully reviewed and may need to be amended to ensure the integrity of your outdoor environment.
There are numerous other design and building techniques that we employ to take the freeze/thaw of our winters into account so that your pool and outdoor environment remain a valuable and enjoyable asset for you for many years to come. Doing things right means we can stand behind what we build!