Block Pool

tkle

I have a customer who wants me to build a block wall pool using a cement based sealer such as Thoroseal or Super Blockade.I contend that gunite is a much prefered method with less leakage.I want the job,but want it to be done by the best possible means.The only thing I see on the internet are block with liners which tend to wear out.Any input would be greatly appreciated.Thank you,Terry.

dirt diggler

Tkle

you've helped me on my last two "what now coach?" posts ... so hopefully i can return the favor

are you building this? or are you just installing the block walls?

tkle

Though I don't see myself as the most knowledgeable person on this board,I'm glad if I could help.I appreciate any help I can get.
This project is for an owner/builder who'll be doing much of the work himself.He's gotten me a lot of work and is a good guy to boot.Mostly I would do the block work but any info I could get him would be points in my favor.Bottom line,I want him to get the best product for the money.Even if I get cut out of the deal.
I called Merlex and their rep said their product would work,but once again he mentioned useing a liner.Alternatly he said I could use their Santa Barbara style (60 grit)plaster over the sealer.I just don't know how this would last.I've sealed ponds this way,one five years ago and it's still holding up,but I don't know about the long term or the effect of chemicals.
Thanks again,I appreciate any input.There seems to be some very Knowledgeable professional people on this board and it seems my best bet.You hear that Bob Villa.(LOL)

Tscarborough

IF you can prevent movement, then it doesn't matter. That is a great big if, and there is no way in hell that I would build myself a CMU pool.

dirt diggler

sorry tkle, im actually designing one right now ... due tomorrow

tscar's right about the ground movement ... however, there are solutions for this ... and I think what he's also getting at (or at least I am now) is that you "can't just go start stackin"

also, there is foam padding available that can be placed between the cinder blocks and the liner (this is used on steel-paneled vinyl pools)

hope your friend knows what he's doin ... and if he's such a good source of business --- it may even behoove you to stay out of the project. If he doesn't know what he's doing --- and there's a problem, then it may ruin the relationship ... just a thought

also tkle ... consider this: gunite (which btw is not a type of concrete -- it is a trade name for dry-mix shotcrete ... in other words, it is a METHOD, not a MATERIAL) can yield a strength of 5000 - 7,500 psi after 30 days

what is the strength of these blocks? more importantly, i suppose, what is the strength of your mortar??

and ... forget the structure for a moment

has your friend considered the plumbing?? I'd imagin he'd have to core through the walls to get return lines through .... he'd have to use hydraulic cement to seal them as well... i can't think of how he would do the skimmers

and ... heck, is the thing gonna look good after it's all done??

just bein pessimistic, is all --- let me know how it goes!!



there's a lot to em!

Teetorbilt

Pools are for the people that build them, There is much more than just creating a hole and filling it full of water. Go with the pros on this one.

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tkle

All good points.I've been recomending gunite the whole time amd am now totally convinced.There's plenty of work out there and don't mind losing this one.Like I said it's all about putting out the best product possible.Thanks for all the answers.
Incidently the shotcrete method was first used near here.The originater built what I believe was originally a restaurant in the shape of a dinasaur and needed a method to put a skin on them.

stacker

id tell him g'nite.call the next guy. even tho i hate to turn down work,this seems like a no win type of job tkle.he might be happy for a year or so,then when his pool develops all sorts of problems,he wont remember that you tried to talk him out of it.all he will know,is that you did the job,and you should fix it.
good luck on whatever you decide to do tkle.

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Brickie

I would also pass on this job. It's not worth losing a friend.

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nadonailer

As a former pool contractor in SoCal (the land of pools) I would pass also. Steel/Gunite or nothing - there is no substitute. It's not much more expensive either, why does this guy want block??

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tkle

I'm in Yucca Valley,got any sea walls you need veenered?
I'm not sure why he wants block.He has an A license as well as being an owner/builder and just good at everything he does.He wants to do much of the work himself to cut costs,but if you're not a pool contractor it's hard to get the gunite crews to come up here.They got too much work already down in the lower desert.Most pool builders around here just sub everything out,I'm trying to get him to go that route.