Many pools are constructed in highly reactive soils, currently classified as “H”. These soils are problematic for engineers and builders, and significant work continues in researching soil behaviours and foundation systems. The new residential slabs standard has significantly strengthened the site specific analysis to be carried out by geotechnical engineers, and has subdivided the “H” classification into two new categories of “H1” and “H2”.
This is considered by us to be a good development for our industry, as it will assist in identifying high risk sites. We are considering how we will approach these new requirements, and we will be talking to SPASA about our conclusions shortly. In the interim, we recommend that all pool builders should obtain site specific geotechnical advice when advising their clients and preparing quotations, unless they are very familiar with local geotechnical conditions.