Choosing the right type of pool for your home is crucial, especially when considering the unique environmental and soil conditions of your area. For homeowners in Kansas City, fiberglass pools emerge as a standout choice due to their resilience and compatibility with the local climate and soil composition. In this blog, we explore why fiberglass pools are ideal for Kansas City, highlighting their advantages in handling the region’s challenging clay soils.
Benefits of Fiberglass Pools in Kansas City
One primary reason fiberglass pools are ideal for the Kansas City market is their adaptability to the region’s clay soils. Kansas City has a high clay content in its soil, which can present challenges for construction. However, fiberglass pools can adapt to these conditions in a way that minimizes the risks associated with shifting soils.
Handling Clay Soils
Kansas City’s clay soils can expand and contract with moisture levels, leading to potential issues for construction projects. To counteract these challenges, fiberglass pools are installed by removing the fill dirt, creating a compacted gravel bottom, and incorporating a hydrostatic pressure relief valve. The pools are then backfilled with clean rock, creating a stable base that can manage the natural movements of the soil.
Avoiding Foundation Issues
Kansas City’s clay soils can also cause foundation issues, which are prevalent enough to have spurred a variety of repair companies in the area. Concrete pools are particularly susceptible to damage from soil movement, leading to cracking as the soil expands and contracts. Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, maintain a level of flexibility that allows them to withstand these changes, making them a resilient choice for Kansas City homeowners.
Drawbacks of Concrete Pools
Concrete pools can face significant challenges in Kansas City’s unique soil conditions. The rigid nature of concrete makes it prone to cracking when the surrounding soil shifts. This movement can cause long-term damage to concrete pools, necessitating frequent repairs.
Soil Expansion and Contraction
The clay-heavy soil in Kansas City expands and contracts as moisture levels change. This movement places pressure on rigid concrete structures, leading to cracking and other damage. As the soil dries and contracts, the lack of flexibility in concrete can further exacerbate these issues.
Limitations of Fiberglass Pools
While fiberglass pools offer numerous benefits, they do come with certain limitations. The most notable limitation is the restriction on size and shape. Fiberglass pools typically come in pre-manufactured forms, limiting customization options.
Limited Customization
The maximum dimensions for fiberglass pools are 16 feet wide and 40 feet long. While this accommodates the needs of most homeowners, it may not be sufficient for those seeking entirely custom shapes or sizes, such as L-shaped pools. In such cases, concrete or vinyl pools might be more suitable.
In Summary
Fiberglass pools are ideal for Kansas City homeowners due to their adaptability to the region’s soil conditions. The installation process of fiberglass pools mitigates the risk of damage from Kansas City’s clay-heavy soil, offering a more durable solution than concrete. Despite limitations in size and shape customization, fiberglass pools offer a stable, long-lasting option for many Kansas City homeowners.
If you’re interested in learning more or getting started with a fiberglass pool, feel free to contact us for more information.