Desperate for help on fiberglass shell issue

[Noasis]

I am struggling to find answers or people to help! We had our Narellan Symphony 10 pool installed 9/22-12/22. Long story short, the install had some issues like basement flooding and stairs "settling" requiring excavation and pier installation. The pool builder had good reviews but expanded the business the year we had our install, and we did not have good subs. The issue I have the question about is whether or not our shell is ok structurally. There is a large hump in the shallow end, creating an abrupt drop off that has no support underneath in a large area of the pool bottom, which happens to be right in front of our returns/jets. The hump is in red, and the unsupported area is in blue.

This is a profile elevation of the issue:


The hump itself is about 1.5" high. The drop off from the hump is abrupt, and if I place a level on the top of the hump, it shows a 2 1/4" difference with the pool bottom. From what I've read, it is not good for fiberglass shells to have abrupt changes like this. So I have two questions that I cant find answers for, or who to ask. Is this hump a major problem or is this more cosmetic? Also, if the area under the jets is unsupported, could that create an issue with the plumbing to the jets if it settles? We spent several months just trying to get another pool builder to look at it. I'm wondering if I should try finding a composite material/fiberglass engineer to ask? I'm at a loss.

At least we're using it and its holding water I guess!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

I doubt you will find anyone who can answer your questions.

Unsupported areas under a fiberglass pool are never good.

Is this an indoor pool?

Can you get in from the side and add gravel or foam to support the bottom?

 

[Noasis]

Welcome to TFP.

I doubt you will find anyone who can answer your questions.

Unsupported areas under a fiberglass pool are never good.

Is this an indoor pool?

Can you get in from the side and add gravel or foam to support the bottom?

It’s an outdoor pool. I suppose you might be able to get in from the side, however it wouldn’t be easy because the electric and gas line run close to that side of the pool.

So you don’t think anyone on here would have answers or suggestions or that the questions aren’t answerable by anyone at all?
The PB says it’s cosmetic and the shell is strong, but it just doesn’t seem right with the fiberglass deflecting an inch and a half up over 6” and then down 2” over a 2 foot run.

 

[Noasis]

It’s an outdoor pool. I suppose you might be able to get in from the side, however it wouldn’t be easy because the electric and gas line run close to that side of the pool.

So you don’t think anyone on here would have answers or suggestions or that the questions aren’t answerable by anyone at all?
The PB says it’s cosmetic and the shell is strong, but it just doesn’t seem right with the fiberglass deflecting an inch and a half up over 6” and then down 2” over a 2 foot run.

Welcome to TFP.

I doubt you will find anyone who can answer your questions.

Unsupported areas under a fiberglass pool are never good.

Is this an indoor pool?

Can you get in from the side and add gravel or foam to support the bottom?

and thank you for the welcome! I’ve already found lots of help on this site with multiple issues so I appreciate you and everyone else that contributes.

 

[ajw22]

It’s an outdoor pool. I suppose you might be able to get in from the side, however it wouldn’t be easy because the electric and gas line run close to that side of the pool.

Not easy is different then can’t be done.

So you don’t think anyone on here would have answers or suggestions or that the questions aren’t answerable by anyone at all?

Who do you think can answer your questions? Best would be the pool manufacturer. They have any structural engineering data on the strength of the shell. But they are unlikely to comment since they don’t know any details about the installation.

Any engineer will say they have no structural data on the pool or about the installation.

Anything you get from people just looking are opinions not based on any data. Everyone has an opinion.

The PB says it’s cosmetic and the shell is strong, but it just doesn’t seem right with the fiberglass deflecting an inch and a half up over 6” and then down 2” over a 2 foot run.

Great. Did the PB give you that in writing? What warranty does the PB give to back up his statements? Or is that just another opinion?

 

[Noasis]

Not easy is different then can’t be done.



Who do you think can answer your questions? Best would be the pool manufacturer. They have any structural engineering data on the strength of the shell. But they are unlikely to comment since they don’t know any details about the installation.

Any engineer will say they have no structural data on the pool or about the installation.

Anything you get from people just looking are opinions not based on any data. Everyone has an opinion.



Great. Did the PB give you that in writing? What warranty does the PB give to back up his statements? Or is that just another opinion?

Thanks for your response. At this point even suggestions on who to ask are helpful. The PB created the issue but isn’t interested in doing anything. Latham is the North American channel for Narellan, and when I contacted them they said it was related to installation so not their problem. Narellan doesn’t respond.

If I wait until there is a problem, Latham only covers the cost of the shell and not any other costs associated with exchanging the shells. I’ve tried to be reasonable with all of the issues that have come up, like most recently a 20’ run of coping now completely loose, but I’m kinda at the point where I think the PB should have some accountability.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Your State Registrar of Contractors might be of help to you.

 

[Noasis]

Your State Registrar of Contractors might be of help to you.

Thats a good idea. thank you.

 

[Awilli8203]

I have had a fiberglass pool for 13 years . I don’t have the answer to your problem but offer the following information which may help you to feel better about it. First the steps on my pool have always sounded hollow when I pound on them so I have always assumed that there is a gap under them. This has never created any issues. Second my pool builder frequently displays an empty fiberglass pool set up on its side in his parking lot to show how strong the shell really is. Knowing how strong these shells are I can’t see how installing it on a bed of sand or gravel could result in your issue so I wonder if it came off the truck like that. Our builder inspected and had us inspect the shell before water was put in it. The only other far fetched idea that occurs to me is whether some large tool etc was left under the shell and has forced the hump,up. Try to enjoy your pool!

 

[Awilli8203]

Also I forgot to mention in my previous response that the movement of the 20 of coping may be tied into your other problem. The loosening of the coping shows something is moving that shouldn’t be.

 

[Noasis]

I have had a fiberglass pool for 13 years . I don’t have the answer to your problem but offer the following information which may help you to feel better about it. First the steps on my pool have always sounded hollow when I pound on them so I have always assumed that there is a gap under them. This has never created any issues. Second my pool builder frequently displays an empty fiberglass pool set up on its side in his parking lot to show how strong the shell really is. Knowing how strong these shells are I can’t see how installing it on a bed of sand or gravel could result in your issue so I wonder if it came off the truck like that. Our builder inspected and had us inspect the shell before water was put in it. The only other far fetched idea that occurs to me is whether some large tool etc was left under the shell and has forced the hump,up. Try to enjoy your pool!

Hey I appreciate the reassurance!