Confirm electrical, gas and water requirements with layout sub. The steel unit itself. 5 bars, There shall be a minimum clearance between parallel reinforcement bars of 2 1/2 inches, Bars larger then # 5 increase the chances of shadowing (voids behind rebar), Skimmer is a weak point in the Bond Beam reinforcement, A common spec from a typical pool structural plan, Grade 40 Deformed Bars Conforming to ASTM A615, Rebar not securely tied, permits vibration of steel cage during gunite or shotcrete application, Inadequate coverage of gunite or shotcrete over reinforcement, Caused by reinforcement not following forms, The force due to soil pressure is assumed to be like a fluid pressure, Swimming pools are designed for inward soil pressure based on a term called, The fluid pressure of water is 62.4 lb/sq.ft. “Concrete swimming pools are structures and, therefore, by code, require structural engineering,” says Paolo Benedetti, principal for Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa in Morgan Hill, California. Metal parts greater than 12 ft vertically above the maximum water level are not required to be bonded [680.26 (B) (7) Ex 3]. 5 bars (No. The use cases of how to use rebar in pool construction are clearly defined below. With this, it’s imperative that the full tension strength is transferred from bar to bar, with higher tensile strength, equating a longer lap splice. Swimming pool or pool means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18" deep. Swimming Pool cubic yard gunite requirement Example 15′ x 30′ freeform pool 3′ to 6′ deep w/ 80 perimeter and 390 square ft.. Fences, retaining walls, and required These guys worked tirelessly from morning to evening and completed the job in one day. Horizontal spacing for #4 rebar is a minimum 2 feet, within 12 inches of the top and bottom of the wall. 10’ horizontal from the pool wall. Pool construction crews must place each steel bar and drop of concrete with precision to avoid future structural problems. Pool 3′ + 6′ = 9′ divided by 2 = 4.5′ average depth x 80′ perimeter = 360 sf walls. Here is more about the design and process that goes into it to make it awesome! He also recommends pool contractors continue their education, as new information is always available. It is the tight consolidation and encapsulation of the reinforcement that prevents them from corroding.”. At each point where … to 24 in.) 1962 NEC – Article 680 – Swimming Pools – 680-7 Grounding. BEFORE SUBMITTING PLANS, CHECK ALL REQUIREMENTS BELOW Two (2) copies of all pool plans and documents must be submitted with a completed Swimming Pool permit application form A signed Swimming Pool Barrier Agreement is required when submitting a * The pool Barrier location (fence) must be show, its height and gate location. 16M) and No. Swimming Pool Permit and Inspection Requirements Page 2 . “The structural engineering will define the placement of the reinforcing steel within the wall, the spacing of the bars, the diameter of the bars and their schedule (or strength).”. By Barry Justus Builders of swimming pools, spas and water features are required to work under a variety of conditions and in diverse locations. Spacing the bars too far apart or creating congestion with too many bars bundled together can cause what is called shadowing, or hollow pockets behind the bars.”, When one bar is too short and needs another attached to extend coverage, builders will often use lap splicing with steel ties to connect them. All Rights Reserved. Do fortify the bond-beam rebar as it gradually dips below the skimmer. STRUCTURAL SURCHARGES IN SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION. 4 reinforcing bar is the minimum size bar that should be used. They are used to support the concrete, which would move and break if set against soil alone. As licensed electricians, the team at KB Electric LLC has seen multiple botched electrical pool wiring jobs … Rebar must have protrusions to provide a mechanical bond, Rebar manufactured from hot rolled new billets, Reinforcement must have the protection (coverage) specified in the code or structural plan, Reinforcement workmanship related cracking. 7.4.1: At the time concrete is placed, reinforcement shall be free from mud, oil or other nonmetallic coatings that decrease bond. The cover required is 2 inches for foundation walls, or walls exposed to weather, and 1 1/2 inches for walls that aren't exposed. The tendency is to lay rebar the way one’s predecessor did it, passing down strategies through generations of pool contractors. The rebar is installed in a grid pattern by crossing lengths of the steel from side to side and lengthwise in the pool before the concrete is poured. to 6 in.) ... Verify steel blocking in place no cave‐ins, mud or other debris on or covering rebar. Depending on the design, we see a lot of pools with No. 680.9 Overhead wire clearance is min. is the definitive trade publication for the swimming pool industry, committed exclusively to reporting vital market topics and practical tips to aid pool professionals in the day-to-day operation of their businesses. below the subgrade. Wiring shall not First, electrical work can be dangerous, especially around swimming pools. Rebar is one of the most important materials required for the construction of any type of swimming pool. What Does Extra Strength in the Pool Wall Mean? Rebar is reinforcing steel that is used to give support to a concrete structure. The metal parts of ladders, 390 floor sf + 360 wall sf = 750 square ft. total.divide by 2 (walls are 6″ thick) = 375. Is it a monolithic shell? Lack of gunite coverage over rebar and/or poor workmanship are common causes of rebar corrosion. Reinforcing Steel and Swimming Pool Construction, Click Here to go Back to List of Technical Documents. 680.8 Max. Note: If your pool plans include a prefabricated ... or fastening requirements at the top of the ICF pool wall while the concrete is still wet. 1. By: Ron Lacher, P.E.Pool Engineering, Inc.Most Custom Swimming Pools are Constructed of Steel Reinforced Shotcrete GuniteWhy? The International Building Code, Reinforcement must be the bar size & spacing specified on the structural plan (or larger), Reinforcement must be the grade of bar specified on the structural plan (or stronger), Reinforcement must held in place (tied) to prevent movement & vibration, Reinforcement must placed in a manner to enable proper encasement in gunite or shotcrete, Reinforcement must be in the location specified on the structural plan, Reinforcement must be the bar size specified & spacing on the structural plan (or larger), The proper encasement of reinforcement is a critical issue in shotcrete & gunite application, Reinforced Concrete - concrete & reinforcement must be bonded to act as a unit, When rebar is not properly encasement, the concrete isn’t considered reinforced, The maximum size of reinforcement shall be No. Some of the Forces that Swimming Pool Structures Experience: Required Extra Strength in the Pool Wall Beyond a Standard Pool Built in a Flat Yard. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Web Development by Regency Web Services, Inc. Soil is a primary determinant for a structural engineer’s placement of the rebar in his design, Benedetti says. R4501.17.1.5. Rebar, or reinforced steel poles, are a vital structural element of a pool. A monolithic shell … The equipotential grid is required to extend horizontally under the perimeter surfaces for not less than three feet from the inside face of the pool wall (#3 rebar or #8-12” X 12” Wire Welded Mesh if encased in concrete or a copper grid if under pavers or unpaved surfaces) attached per the above requirements. #8 copper tails are bonded to pool rebar or #8 bonding grid for future handrails and ladders when present. “Placement within the wall is also critical for the wall to overcome the anticipated loads. A swimming pool with no grounding or bonding, or a swimming pool that is improperly grounded or bonded can result in electrocution, shock, and even death. If you've recently performed work on your pool like adding a handrail or installing a new pump, you might think you can save some time and money by grounding and bonding the new equipment yourself. Here is an excellent article by pool engineer Ron Lacher about gunite workmanship issues. To verify the rebar for a pool construction is adequately placed, the IBC and IRC require structural engineering; soil reports; deputy inspectors monitoring the entire shotcrete placement process; and independent inspections of the reinforcement (or an inspection by the project engineer). 2) Pool perimeter concrete bond beam shall be reinforced with rebar. In conventional swimming pool construction, steel rebar is used as reinforcement within the concrete. Earthquake zones, expansive clays, hillsides, ascending slopes, rooftops, freeze/thaw, solar cycles and a wide array of increasingly sophisticated and complex aquatic designs can challenge one’s construction abilities. Epoxy coating of steel reinforcement in accordance with Standards referenced in [ACI 318 Sections] 3.5.3.7 and 3.5.3.8 shall be permitted. This reduction in coverage requirements What are the critical elements of reinforcement installations in swimming pools: Because of this, the Building Code places limitations on the size and spacing of rebar in gunite & shotcrete. Proper rebar spacing is important to the structural strength of the swimming pool foundation. per foot of depth or 62.4 PCF. The cost of this is inclusive in the price to rebar a pool. NEC 680.26(C) A ll fittings are listed for concrete encasement and swimming pool use. Crucial Information on the Location of the Rebar and Thickness of the Concrete: Copyright © 2012, Pool Engineering, Inc.Click Here to go Back to List of Technical Documents. Rebar stains occur in swimming pools and spas when the rebar is not properly encapsulated with gunite (or shotcrete). Pool decks shall be reinforced with #3 rebar at 18" o.c. They are used to support the concrete, which would move and break if set against soil alone. Please verify how the … Rebar, or reinforced steel poles, are a vital structural element of a pool. Remember, your pool contractor will have to come with the rebar onsite. Pool construction crews must place each steel bar and drop of concrete with precision to avoid future structural problems. (4) The required conductor shall be 450 to 600 mm (18 in. No other structural materials offer similar: Reinforcing Steel and Concrete Work Well Together Because: Steel Reinforced Shotcrete (Gunite) is Analyzed Exactly Like Reinforced Concrete. swimming pool provides structural longevity and reduced energy costs. © Kendrick Content 2021. • (a) All metallic conduit, piping systems, pool reinforcing steel, lighting fixtures, and the like, shall be bonded together and grounded to a common ground. https://shotcrete.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/2018Sum_Reeves.pdf “The improper use of contact lap splices can lead to incomplete encapsulation of the steel. Concrete cast against and permanently exposed to earth: Concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with ground: Copyright© 2019 by Pool Engineering, Inc.  All Rights Reserved, May be applied to an unlimited number of shapes, Concrete Offers the Reinforcement Corrosion Protection, Similar Temperature Expansion Characteristics, Takes advantage of the strength of each material, Concrete is strong in Compression but weak in Tension, Steel is strong in Tension but weak in Compression, We have a cook book that tells us how to design a.k.a. Metal parts greater than 5 ft horizontally from the inside walls of the pool are not required to be bonded [680.26 (B) (7) Ex 2]. In swimming pools, No. Property lines showing setback to water’s edge of pool/spa B. What are the critical elements of reinforcement installations in swimming pools: Reinforcement must be the bar size & spacing specified on the structural plan (or larger) Reinforcement must be the grade of bar specified on the structural plan (or stronger) Reinforcement must have the protection (coverage) specified in the code or structural plan The steel subs are responsible for putting in the steel reinforcement bars (or rebar as its commonly referred to) in the pool to increase the tensile strength of the pool shell. Most Standard Pool Structural Plans Based On: The More Expansive the Soil, the Higher the EFP, Anything that bears substantial weight on the ground near the pool, How you can usually tell if the rebar is correctly placed, Importance of concrete thickness between soil & rebar and between rebar & the water side of the pool, How the above is affected by freestanding pool walls. 4) Pools must be provided with a cover to comply with California Energy Requirements. Omit structural rebar outside the pool wall. But this is a bad idea for a few reasons. 680.11 Underground wiring shall comply with 680.11. 3) All construction details pertaining to expansive soils shall be adhered to. * The latched on the gate(s) must show the latch location and any special requirements. Taking into consideration every single component aspect from the swimming pool position, elevation, included water features, and the requirements for “turn-over” as according to the overall capacity of the pool and size of the pool pumps. Rebar Use Cases In Swimming Pools: Pool Builders and Pool Construction companies utilize rebar to provide added durability to the pool wall. ... top of the pool wall, inserting horizontal rebar and zip ties as required. A structural engineer must design all elements of the pool construction, down to the last centimeter, for optimal structural integrity. Without the steel, the pool shell would be much more apt to crack under the force of the water and soil against it. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, Hayward wins ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. each way. Pool Engineering, Inc.1201 N. Tustin Ave.Anaheim, CA 92807, Office Hours:Monday – Thursday8:30am to 4:00pmand Friday8:00am to 2:00pm, Contact Us at:Ph: (714) 630-6100Fx: (714) 630-6114Email: [email protected]Driving Directions. The Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318) states in Section 7.4.1: ACI 318, Sec. Ever wondered about the construction of our sun shelves? This should be your first question. Reinforced steel must be … In most locations the ideal space between two adjacent rebars should be 2 1/2 inches. The majority of pool builders include the cost of getting the unit in the total costs. NEC 680.26(B)(3),(5),(7) #8 copper tail is bonded to pool rebar or #8 bonding grid for future bonding plates in skimmer baskets when present. “Placing them too close to the surface or earth can cause corrosion of the reinforcement,” Benedetti says. [contact-form-7 id="1975" title="Media Kit Inquiry"]. Benedetti recommends all pool contractors, regardless of their roles in the construction process, learn and follow the IBC and IRC building codes. Local building codes may vary, so determine the correct rebar spacing for your … Belly Steel and Pool Placement Inspection - This inspection is required prior to the placement of any gunite within the pool. Rebar must be a minimum size of three -eighths inch (3/8") and located … Swimming pool includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools. However, methods must be updated to accommodate new information. “ACI specifies the use of noncontact lap splices for shotcrete,” Benedetti says. Even if they are not enforced in your area, you will still be responsible if a pool suffers a structural failure. PoolPro is the definitive trade publication for the swimming pool industry, committed exclusively to reporting vital market topics and practical tips to aid pool professionals in the day-to-day operation of their businesses. (3) Metallic Components. from the inside walls of the pool. “These special inspections are separate from the inspections done by the local government agency,” Benedetti says. Building Code Requirements: The setback requirements for swimming pools from the bottom of ascending slopes and the top of descending slopes shall be H/4 and H/6, respectively, where H is the height of the slope, as defined in LABC Section 1808.7.1. 6 bars. Since Rock Rebar®ï»¿ (basalt rebar) is not metallic and does not absorb water it cannot rust!No rusting allows RockRebar®ï»¿ to be placed with only ¾â€ coverage of the rod and the surface of the concrete as per ACI 440-6. cord length for a pump motor is 3’ except for storable pools. Why do Pools Frequently Crack at the Skimmer? Do you know the IBC and IRC codes for rebar in a swimming pool? The Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318) states in Section 7.4.2: ACI 318, Sec. Requirements and standards for pools/spas can be found in the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and Southern Nevada Amendments. After the rebar gets installed, your pool builders will have to clean up. Engineers will rely upon the International Building Code (IBC) and Residential Code (IRC), both of which use the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI) documents, which specify the minimum coverage of concrete between the earth and rebar, rebar and exposed surface (water side), and the methods of installing the rebar. 1959 NEC – No mention of swimming pools. It takes some substantial anchoring to comply with wind/seismic code requirements. “The IBC and IRC recognize that local building inspectors are not experts and oftentimes do not know what they are looking at.”, Incorrect or inadequate rebar placement can have significant negative effects on the performance of the pool structure. 1. ADVERTISEMENT. The grid must be constructed of minimum 8 AWG bare solid copper conductors bonded to each other at all points of crossing, and the grid must conform to the pool's shape, as well as be secured within or under the pool no greater than 6 inches from the outer contour of the pool's shell. entire contour of the pool. Rebar is important because it adds strength to in-ground swimming pools. Engineers do not design reinforced concrete around skimmers; that would be ridiculous. Plot plans (min 8.5” x 14”) A. What kind of shell is it? (5) The required conductor shall be secured within or under the perimeter surface 100 to 150 mm (4 in. * Doors that provide access to the pool area must be properly alarmed as required. SWIMMING POOL WIRING NEC ARTICLE 680 680.5 GFCI’s may be either circuit breakers or receptacle type.