Can I Install a Fibreglass Pool on a Sloping Block?
Fibreglass pools are a durable and affordable option when it comes to installing a new swimming pool on your property. As for installing a pool on a sloping block, any fibreglass shell can be installed into the ground if the correct planning and preparation is carried out before-hand. This can involve excavation and may take some additional time to coordinate. If you are in need of some guidance or assistance, the team at Master Pools can visit your home and help you with some potential options for your pool installation, as well as decide on the flattest area of the block that the pool will suit best.
Whilst you can install a fibreglass pool on a sloping block, it’s important to remember that the number one priority is to plan thoroughly so you know exactly which style of pool and landscaping you want, as well as where the pool will be situated on the property. There are generally two options when building on a sloping block, either using a retaining wall to separate the pool from raised ground, or site work. The team at Master Pools are very experienced with installing pools on sloping blocks and have installed many over the years using both retaining walls and site work. We will visit your home to help you with any drawings, planning and preparation that may be needed.
If you can install the pool in an area that avoids the steepest angle of the slope, you can potentially save money on excavation costs as less land will need to be moved. Certain suburbs around outer Melbourne such as Upwey, Belgrave, and other suburbs around the Dandenong Ranges which are very hilly can create challenges with a fibreglass pool installation on steep blocks. Fortunately, with a long history of installations on sloping blocks in various suburbs, we can confidently say that Master Pools is up for the challenge. Whether your property requires excavation or a retaining wall, an important part of the planning process is considering drainage around the pool. This includes the pool itself, patio and any retaining walls. If your property is excavated and graded then it is extremely important to make sure that the patio slopes away from the pool and drains water away from the edges without leaving any behind. Any areas that the patio or decking touches the retaining wall will also need adequate drainage. All retaining walls require a drainage system to be installed behind the wall structure which is similar to the drainage that surrounds your homes foundation. Although we have plenty of water in the pool, it can damage the areas outside and it’s important to manage this correctly.
Fibreglass pools are designed to be installed underground as the structure of the shell relies on the natural ground for support. A fibreglass shell is unable to sit more than half a metre out of the ground on the sloping side as there is not enough support for the shell. This mean that the land must be altered to allow enough depth for the pool to sit comfortably in the ground. If the gradient of the block is not too steep, excavation is usually a fairly straight-forward process and involves removing and shifting the ground from the slope in order to create a flat area where the pool can be installed. The amount of dirt you need to create the correct angle of slope will depend on the distance your deck or patio extends into the yard, as well as the amount of flat ground that is beyond the decking.
Another thing to consider with a sloping block is access to the property, which may be at an additional cost if excavation equipment is unable to reach the site. Properties that are in close proximity to neighbouring properties such as those found in newer estates like Pakenham and Botanic Ridge may not have much space available and can therefore become challenging to excavate in preparation for a pool construction on a sloping block. Most of these properties require a Bobcat, and as the block sizes get smaller, the access becomes more tight and smaller machines are needed. Smaller machines take more time and therefore cost more money, which is factored in to the cost of the excavation Generally, excavation can be carried out in any location, but the price depends on the size of the excavation as well as the available access.
Installing a pool on a sloping block can give you a great advantage when it comes to landscape and design around the pool. Of course the biggest advantage of having a sloping block is the views, so you need to ensure you find a pool builder who can still maintain your views when altering the land. Lower retaining walls that separate the land from the pool can be used to provide some depth and character to your new pool area. You can even plant your favourite flowers or bushes on or around the wall to add to the design. Water spouts and features can also be incorporated into the design of the pool to provide a stunning landscape that flows perfectly into the sloping angle of the block. The pool itself may be the main feature but it certainly isn’t the only one. To create a truly beautiful and conventional pool area, a deck or patio is needed to provide some flooring around the pool. This can really make the property look spectacular, and can provide a space for other features, such as plants and outdoor furniture. When designing this area, keep in mind that the decking and landscaping should be incorporated into the natural gradient of the land around the pool for the best effect.
Whilst sloping blocks can create some challenges for a new pool installation, with the right planning and preparation in place we can overcome these obstacles and your new pool can be built and ready for swimming in no time. If you’re interested in a free site visit to discuss how to best install a new pool on a sloping block in South East Melbourne, Bayside, the Mornington Peninsula or surrounding suburbs please contact our Construction experts here.
Pool installed on sloping block (Belgrave)
Pool installed on sloping block (Belgrave)
Pool installed on sloping block (Belgrave)