If you are a homeowner in Northern Texas and you want the benefits of a backyard swimming pool, then it’s essential that you are working with a local team that understands the soil conditions in this area. Building a pool on clay soil is different than other types of land, especially because the clay in DFW is expansive and could potentially cause damage to your pool.
The good news is that our pool engineers know the best way to work around the clay and protect the lifespan of your swimming pool. When you choose Mid City Custom Pools, you can have confidence in knowing that you are receiving expert services every step of the way.
How DFW Clay Soil Affects Your Pool’s Lifespan
Here in Northern Texas, we have “Houston Black Clay” in the soil (also commonly known as “black gumbo”). The clay minerals contribute to a shrink-swell dynamic that causes the clay to expand with moisture and then shrink when it’s dry.
The issue with a backyard swimming pool is that if the clay conditions aren’t accounted for, then the clay expansion when it rains can put pressure on the pool and cause damage. Most of this movement happens in the “active zone,” which is usually about 10 to 15 feet deep.
Soil conditions vary by county and location, which is why every swimming pool construction on expansive clay soil needs thorough soil testing before the project begins. Our team always makes sure to have a detailed soil report in hand before we get started, showing the plasticity index, liquid limit, and PVR numbers.
What Soil Movement Actually Does to Your Swimming Pool
Even seemingly small shifts in the soil can cause serious damage to your swimming pool over time. The most visible issue is cracking in the pool, but there are other issues that are occurring at the same time: the coping and decking start to heave when the soil moves.
Another potential issue that can happen when the soil expands and shrinks is that the plumbing is pulled away because the swimming pool shell shifts. This can cause issues with filling and draining the pool since the buried lines are no longer in alignment.
Additionally, pop-outs can occur, which is when sections of the shell or decking suddenly lift up unexpectedly.
What is the Best Pool for Clay Soil?
Choosing the right pool material is one of the most important decisions that you are going to make, especially because each material responds differently to the wet-dry cycles that are driving the clay movement.
Fiberglass and gunite are two options that are commonly used here in DFW. The truth is that the “right” choice really depends on your site conditions and the type of soil that we are working with. We recommend scheduling an on-site consultation so that we can evaluate your property and provide personalized recommendations for the best type of pool based on your unique needs.
The Essential Steps for Building on Expansive Clay
No matter what type of construction project you are undertaking, it’s essential to have a geotechnical soil boring report done. Yes, it costs a bit of money for this soil testing, but it’s worth the investment to ensure that your construction plans are designed based on the soil conditions.
Once we understand your soil’s specific movement patterns, we can work with a structural engineer to determine the rebar and material layout. Depending on what we find in the soil report, it might be necessary to use drilled piers, over-excavation, or soil/chemical injections to protect your swimming pool from soil expansion damage.
Another important step is ensuring that you have a good drainage system in place so that the soil doesn’t store water. For example, we might recommend French drains or perimeter drainage to protect your swimming pool now and in the future.
Cost Considerations When Building a Pool on Clay Soil
As you are comparing estimates from different contractors in the area, it’s essential that you look at the scope of work to see what is included in the price. If you have a quote that seems too good to be true, then it’s likely that you are working with a less-experienced contractor, and they are cutting corners with the clay-specific line items.
Even though clay requires extra steps and additional cost, this expanded scope of work is worth the investment to reduce the risk of damage or complications to your pool in the future. You might spend a little more upfront, but save thousands of dollars later on due to pool repairs from clay soil damage.
FAQs
Can expansive clay soil crack my new pool?
Yes, clay soil can expand and crack your new pool if you don’t have the right engineering and drainage in place. In fact, expansive clay movement is one of the most common causes of pool damage in Northern Texas.
Do I need a soil test before building a pool in the DFW area?
Yes, you should always have a soil test before installing a swimming pool. This geotechnical soil report covers all of the essential information to ensure that the pool is engineered correctly based on your site conditions.
What is the best type of pool for clay soil?
We often recommend either fiberglass or gunite pools for properties with clay soil. Our team will share more information to help you compare the cost, warranty, and potential complications.
How much more does it cost to build a pool in DFW because of clay soil?
You can expect that a swimming pool installation will cost more when clay-specific factors need to be addressed. But it’s worth the investment to ensure that you have a long-lasting pool and reduced risk of damage in the future.
Personalized Swimming Pool Design for Your Family
When you are installing a swimming pool, make sure to invest in the design and materials that will last for decades. Our team at Mid City Custom Pools focuses on quality to ensure that you have a long-lasting swimming pool, reducing the risk of repairs that are needed just a few years later.
We’ve been working in North Texas for more than 50 years and understand the unique clay conditions in this area. For more information about available services, contact Mid City Custom Pools today.