Construction concerns when adding Baja shelf to existing pool

[mamacrumbcake]

We are planning a major remodel to our pool—new coping, surface, tile, equipment. We are also considering adding a Baja shelf. My concern is the potential for problems when adding new construction to an old pool. I understand that there can be structural integrity and plumbing problems, but I don’t know if it is common or rare. I’d appreciate learning from the experience of anyone who has done this. Did you have any problems after the addition? What potential problems should we be aware of? Tips on how to make sure the construction is done right?

Here is a draft from our contractor that places a new Baja shelf where the entry steps are currently located. The pool is 16’ x 32’ and we are trying to preserve a lane for swimming laps. The deep end of the pool is cut off in this image.

Thanks for sharing your experience and advice!

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Will the Baja shelf be constructed completely inside the original shell of the pool?

 

[mamacrumbcake]

Will the Baja shelf be constructed completely inside the original shell of the pool?

Yes- the plan is to convert a corner where we have an existing bench/steps to Baja shelf

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

When adding a reef step/baja shelf to an existing pool within the shell, it’s best to start by getting a steel engineering plan that is designed for the extra weight that the new shelf will be exerting on the pool shell (depending upon the type of material used to build up the area).

Rebar should also be used if the shotcrete will be thicker than 9” in this area.

Epoxy is used to secure the rebar to the existing structure (cored holes).

When the process is done correctly the new structure should have no problems in the future, if you have any questions during this process PM me and hopefully I can answer them and give you some insight about the situation, Ray.