Pools on downward slope, pics and considerations

[toxdocar]

Hello TFP.
Planning (hoping) to put in a pool starting 1.5-2 years from now. I'm a planner
We live in central Arkansas on a small mountain, practically solid rock, backyard off existing concrete patio slopes downward. So some sort of retaining system, wall system will be required. I would like it to be freeform, to have some natural rock, small rock waterfall grotto, sun ledge. I haven't decided on depth, but probably 6'6" to 7". I would love close to 40'x20', but dolla bills yo.

I would love to see pics of TFP member's in ground (i guess semi-in ground) pools on a slope. Also any advice on building (gunite vs other), cost considerations, and maintenance issues (colder water in winter etc).


There aren't a ton of images on google. I did come across this one. I don't believe our slope isn't this steep.

 

[Jimrahbe]

tox,

Before you do to much planning, I'd get some basic ideas on cost first.. My guesstimate is that the pool in your pic costs between $150 and $200K... Maybe more for the parts we can't see...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JamesW]

You should consider doing an infinity edge since you have the slope.

You're going to need a good geotechnical engineer to come up with an engineering plan to make sure that everything is done correctly.

What type of budget are you thinking?

 

[bmoreswim]

We have a decent slope. I think it was like 6’ rise over 30’ run. You can see the link to our build on my signature with lots of pics.

Note that our poured retaining wall actually goes around the entire structure where the deck meets the grass/landscaping, to support the deck on the lower side. It was a great solution for us.

Round numbers ours was $100K including $15K cover. Infinity edge is probably a ~$25K adder for a large pool.

Great timeframe to do your research.

 

[martinkennedy]

You can also search "new build in south Texas" for our build. Lots of pictures. If you have any questions after looking at the build, let me know

 

[toxdocar]

Err, my budget is no where near 150-200k . Not many in Arkansas would pay that kind of money for a pool.
Although a infinity edge would be pretty with my view etc., I don't want to spend the extra $$, have to fight the pH, and have the kids fall over it

 

[jimmythegreek]

your gonna wanna go with a concrete pool if you want to avoid doing a steel wall vinyl and building a retaining wall. you will have more flexibility with a concrete pool as far as freeforming it and the rear wall can be structural and just made to look good with a veneer. depends on how bad the slope is and what your budget is.

 

[elizardbethday]

I was in your shoes 2 years ago, looking for pics of backyard pools installed on a slope. You're right, there aren't many photos out there! We went with a vinyl pool with 2 retaining walls and it ended up awesome-- though nothing at all like the pic you have shared!

Our yard slopes from the front left corner to the back right. From the front yard, we step down 3 steps into the pool decking. Left side has a wall that is at most 2 ft high. On the other side of the pool, there is a retaining wall before our grass space. That retaining wall is up to 6ft high. From the grassy area, we have a half dozen steps up to the patio under our deck, which is level with the pool deck.

It is a vinyl pool, 18x36 .... actual measurements are a bit bigger. Perfect size for us with 3 young kids! All in, including the pool, decking, fence and retaining walls & pool furniture-- was just under $50k. Suburb of Atlanta.

 

[bmoreswim]

Also check out @YippeeSkippy ’s build thread.

 

[Rebel-Redbird]

I have a thread “New Pool Build - Illinois Suburbs” where we just finished installing a fiberglass on our sloped yard. Retaining wall construction. Overall slope was maybe 3 feet drop over 20’ distance. So not as extreme, but you could get an idea, perhaps?

 

[Rickster03]

My build has about 6' fall over 40 feet. We will be bringing in some fill for the sides and have an over hanging deck on the back side. Infinity edge was also suggested for our build, but I opted to have the autocover (and no fences or gates) instead.