Pool Paver Technical Specifications

The decision to install a hardscape pad around the swimming pool can add considerable value to the property as well as sense of beauty and ambiance. This technical bulletin addresses the basics of pool hardscape construction design aspects. The overview will help the homeowner determine the type of product choice needed as well as understand what design features must be incorporated into the plan. These design features will impact the cost of the project.

There are a number of factors to consider such as — is the pad new, hence a new pool or is it replacing an existing concrete pad or wooden deck? Depending on the layout, it may be possible to lay the existing pavers or Flagstone over the existing concrete substructure without removing it. Coping choices will need to be made depending on the design of the pool lining. Lastly, the covering – tie down anchor points – need to be reinstalled to allow for cover installation in the winter time.

Therefore, our advice is — “learn about the type of pool you need and want and take your time to make a decision”. — We encourage the homeowner to examine as many different layouts and choices as possible. Look through the Wichman social media sites noted on the last page as well as examine “Pins” on Pinterest and” Ideabooks or Projects” on Houzz. Pick up and examine as many of the various landscaping design booklets or browse through the various product design brochures offered by the paver manufacturers as well as offerings made by the landscape supply houses, to get a sense of what is available in the way of product choices. For your convenience, we have listed embedded sites to view at the end of the bulletin.

This technical bulletin addresses the basics of pool pad construction design aspects and will help the homeowner to plan the best layout that meets their needs and budget.

Pools

The first consideration is the space around the pool that needs to be covered as well as a slight slope in the pad needs to be placed to facilitate rain run-off. This down ward slope will prevent water or run-off from back flowing into the pool. Next, look at the size it will encompass, as well as the shape that it will take. Add in other additions to define form and influence functionality such as: Landscape, Lighting, Privacy Walls, Walkways, Steps, Pool Houses, Pergolas, and Gazebos. All of these factors will greatly impact the cost of the design and hence your budget.

When considering a pool pad on an existing pad, the thinner the paver the better, especially if the existing concrete pad is going to be used as a sub base. In this case, 1” thick product, either as Flagstone, remodeling pavers or other products can be considered as a viable product to resurface the pad. Pool coping pavers will be a slightly thicker to allow for the necessary slope.

If the existing pad is to be torn out and removed or a brand-new paver hardscape is to be installed, then paver or flagstone choices can consider a thicker product. Discuss the options with Wichman Landscape Construction.

When first starting to scope out the project, consider these issues:

Neighbors. Depending on the project scope and the proximity to neighboring properties, let your neighbors know about your project before you begin.
Water Runoff. Always a consideration is water runoff and the necessary drainage system needed to channel water to the lowest elevation. Wichman Landscape Construction can advise the best system and method to manage run
Site Access. Depending on the work to done, ease of access and the ability to move equipment and material into and out of the work site needs to be considered and factored into the

Planning Your Pool Pad:

Use the embedded Wichman worksheet Grid technical sheet.pdf to lay out a plot plan.

Please fill in the blanks to develop the design:

Pool Width                                       Pool Length                                       Linear feet of coping
Outer dimensions of the perimeter around the area to be paved
Existing Pool Pad type                          _
Type of Winter Cover                   Walkways                          _
Fencing or Wall Needs                     Lighting
Others

Please consider the following:

A. Compliance of site to latest site plan

Does the site plan and layout coincide with current site conditions?
Do the section drawings match the topography of the job-site?
Have site utilities been accounted for?
Are there any recommendations for changes to the site plans to accommodate the added features?
Does a Permit need to be obtained from the township, borough, or municipality to install the pool?

B. Review of reported soil conditions with Wichman Landscape Construction and if necessary a soils engineer

Are on site soils consistent with soil parameters used in the design?
Does the site show indications of multiple types of soils and has this been accounted for?
Is there evidence of landfill areas on site?

C. Review of above-grade water management

Has surface runoff been accounted for in the site design?
Will this site be irrigated?
If storm drains become inoperable where will the water migrate to?
During renovation of land will temporary drainage be an issue?

D. Site Access

Does the site have easy access to earth moving equipment?
Is there a plan to remediate the property to its former condition if the equipment used to construct the pool damages the surrounding property?
Does the site allow for the transportation of material either taken from or brought to the site as fill?

E. Recommended material manufacturers that supply paver product into the Pittsburgh region:

F. Recommended Wichman & social media sites to view for further information and ideas.

Download the technical specifications sheet.

Download the grid technical sheet.

Product Specifications

Pool Paver Technical Specifications

Pools

Planning Your Pool Pad:

Please consider the following:

When in doubt or you if have any questions, please consult with Wichman Landscape Construction.

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