Case Study: Indoor Pool Stabilization for Chain Hotel in PA
Problem
A chain hotel in Pennsylvania faced a significant issue when its indoor pool began losing approximately 30,000 gallons of water. The hotel management contacted their engineering team to investigate the source of the problem. Geophysics testing revealed that a broken elbow pipe beneath the pool was allowing water to escape into the surrounding limestone crevices. This water leakage caused a quarter of an inch of settlement in the pool structure and created the beginnings of voids beneath the pool. Fortunately, the issue was caught early, preventing more extensive damage.
Solution
After another contractor repaired the broken pipe, Utility Services Group (USG) was brought in to address the stabilization of the pool structure. USG used Terrathane 24-003, a high-density polyurethane, to reestablish the connectivity between the pool and the underlying soil. The injection process involved a crosslink pattern at two depths, for two different purposes:
- Void Fill: USG injected the polyurethane to fill the early-stage voids that were forming beneath the pool at one depth.
- Structural Support: The second injection depth provided additional structural support to prevent further settlement.
Throughout the injection process, USG utilized laser levels to monitor the pool’s elevation and ensure that any lift was controlled and precise.
Results
The stabilization of the pool was successfully completed without the need for replacement or extensive excavation. USG finished their portion of the project in just two days. Their work was conducted efficiently alongside other contractors, ensuring minimal interruption to the hotel’s operations.
The combined efforts of repairing the broken pipe and stabilizing the pool resolved the water leakage issue and restored the structural integrity of the pool. The hotel avoided costly and disruptive excavation, benefiting from a solution that preserved the pool’s function and the hotel’s guest experience.
