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Sara Oliver

Can An Inground Pool Collapse? Here’s What you Need To know

Updated: Oct 23





In Summer, heat is a challenge that you can’t ignore. People invest in an inground pool and seek alternate cooling options through it.



They want to have some freshness and getting some extra cool breeze gives them comfort. But there is an underlying question that bothers them a lot.


Can an inground pool collapse? Well, before coming to the answer, you must be knowing possibilities, causes and preventive measures saving the pool from collapse.


Relax, we’ll make sure you do all the necessary precautions observing such a happening. 

Can an Inground Pool Collapse


Yes, an inground pool can collapse but it happens rarely. The collapse is not because of an earthquake.


Rather, because of a combination of poor construction practices, improper maintenance or extreme environmental factors.


But if you’ll employ certain precautions and make your observations tight along, your inground pool won’t collapse. 


Causes Of Inground Pool Collapse

Poor Construction and Installation


If you suffer from an inground pool collapse, remember there were low-quality materials prior to its installation.


Due to water flowing and some vibration, there was a structural weakness in the pool.


In such a case, the walls and floor of the pool need to be built with high grade materials that can withstand pressure exerted by surrounding soil and water. 


Another reason can be improper backfilling. You see construction is an easy process rather you must give a detailed eye to each activity.


Backfiling is the process of filling the area around the pool after it has been installed.


If this is not done properly, voice can form around the pool shell, causing uneven pressure and eventually leading to collapse 


Improper Drainage. 


This is a leading cause of it. People often rush while building an inground pool and with absence of hydrostatic pressure, ground water builds up around the pool.


If the pool is emptied or if there’s significant rainfall, water pressure can push against walls. Hence, the pool will eventually collapse 


Ground Movement


Soil Erosion disturbs a lot and causes the ground around the pool to shift. If the solid supporting pool becomes unstable, it can lead to a structural collapse.


If your house is located in zones, which are prone to earthquakes, it can severely impact the integrity of an inground pool leading to a potential collapse.


Human Error


We all are humans and at times, we do errors revealing in latter stages. Over excavation happens to be an issue.


During the installation, excavation is deeper or wider than required, the backfill may not provide relevant support.


Which will make the pool collapse. Also, improper pool draining is an issue as well.


Draining an inground pool improperly, especially without professional guidance, can create an imbalance in pressure, causing the pool to cave in. 


This is the cause of the inground pool collapsing.


So, what do we know? Do we just create a problem and don’t come up with a solution? Not at all.


Following are ways to prevent inground pool collapse.


How To Prevent Inground Pool Collapse?


Choose a reputable pool contractor

Choose a pool contractor that knows how to work. This is not about marketing for someone.


But people give numbers that are false just to create an impression. Get a contractor that has tools, experience and exposure to inground hydraulics.


There must be best practices during installation and they must be best in doing what they do.


Proper Drainage Systems


Drainage systems are usually built in finishing stages. But if you’re working with an inground pool, you must install hydrostatic relief valves.


These valves help relieve pressure caused by groundwater,reducing risk of collapse.


Make sure your pool has a well designed drainage system that includes these valves.


Also regular maintenance is a necessity. Routine checks of the pool's drainage system can prevent issues from escalating.


Ensure that drainage channels are clear and functioning correclty.


Signs Of Potential Collapse 


Soil Testing and Stabilization 


Within soil, pre-construction soil testing and soil stabilization are important to consider.


Before construction begins, make sure you can design a pool structure that can withstand specific conditions of your site.


When it comes to soil stabilization, property is prone to erosion or has unstable solid, consider soil stabilization techniques such as adding retaining walls or soil compaction.


Avoid Draining the Pool


Well, let’s say you are looking for professional draining then hire a professional one to do it.


They will follow necessary steps to ensure that the pool structure remains intact.


Also, just drain the pool when absolutely necessary and avoid doing so during heavy rainfall or high ground water conditions.


Signs Of Potential Collapse 


So, you’ve identified causes of pool collapse and given the circumstance, added precautions to avoid them.


But what could be the signs of potential collapse, which can be problematic in the coming time.


Cracks in Pool shell


If there are cracks in the pool shell, the pool may indicate shifting ground or structural weaknesses.


If you notice any cracks, do not be an engineer by yourself. Rather, consult a professional by all means.


Uneven Pool Deck


Uneven pool deck is a dangerous sign that can never be neglected.


If the deck around your pool begins to settle unevenly, it could be a sign that ground beneath the pool is unstable, leading to potential collapse.


Water Loss


Unexplained water loss could indicate a leak or crack in pool structure. Persistent water loss should be investigated to prevent further damage.


Through these ways, you can mentally prepare yourself for any leaks in the pool.


Conclusion 


An inground pool can collapse. There are signs that indicate its collapse. They can be found in the structure, on the deck and also, due to human errors.


Make sure, you’ve carefully reviewed all the signs of a crack and applied rectifying mechanisms accurately.


Through these ways, you can try to save your inground from being collapsed!


If you want to hire a pool then Dream Pool spas is the right choice. With over decades of experience and testimonials, they provide expert services and do not let your pool collapse. They’re trustworthy and reliable in all determination.

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