Ground Penetrating Radar is Like X-Ray Vision For Pool Contractors

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) – allows contractors to actually “see” inside pool structures. GPR systems are perfect for locating reinforcing steel and determining the thickness of the concrete. Another helpful aspect of GPR is its use in locating elements inside of framed buildings, pipes, and conduits. Though these systems typically are priced at over $12,000, once prorated across many jobs, the cost is minuscule, while the benefits can be monumental.

What is Ground Penetrating Radar?

Ground Penetrating Radar is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface of the ground. It is a non-destructive and non-intrusive technique commonly employed in various fields, including archaeology, geology, environmental studies, civil engineering, and utility detection. The primary purpose of GPR is to identify and map subsurface features, anomalies, or objects without the need for excavation.

How Does It Work?

GPR works by emitting short pulses of electromagnetic waves into the ground. These radar pulses penetrate the subsurface and interact with different materials and structures. As the waves encounter boundaries between materials, some of the energy is reflected back to the surface. The GPR antenna receives these reflections, and the system processes the signals to create a detailed image of the subsurface. GPR is widely used for utility detection, subsurface mapping, and construction applications, providing valuable information without the need for excavation.

GPR For Pool Builders & Contractors

Today, construction technology is evolving. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has become a valuable tool for pool builders and contractors in various aspects of their work. Here are some ways in which GPR can be beneficial for professionals in the pool construction industry:

1. Locating Utilities
2. Identifying Subsurface Anomalies
3. Mapping Soil Stratigraphy
4. Detecting Void Spaces
5. Quality Control and Inspection
6. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations
7. Time and Cost Savings

Using GPR for Non-Destructive Testing

Today, there are a number of intelligent reasons to be using a ground penetrating radar to scan your pool shells. GPR is a non-destructive method to determine what is actually occurring inside of the concrete, without having to drill cores or demolish concrete. Radar allows experts to see the rebar schedule and depth within concrete. Pool construction professionals have even used them to validate the presence of bonding clamps and wire, when inspections were missed (for other contractors).

Use of Ground Penetrating Radar in Remodeling Swimming Pools

For contractors, being able to precisely locate the placement of the reinforcing steel is invaluable. When planning for coring a shell for pool lighting, add plumbing or coring for samples, it is critical to know where the steel is located. Hitting a rebar while coring can easily damage a $500 core bit. Worse yet, a handheld drill binds and kicks back, breaking the user’s thumb.

After stripping the plaster, scanning the shell can definitively determine if there’s sufficient shotcrete coverage over the steel. If it’s insufficient, then the pool can be “flashed” with additional shotcrete (at an additional charge). This will require new coping and tile as well, as the interior dimensions will change. In my own personal firm’s pool remodeling contracts, we have a disclaimer about shotcrete thickness. We will scan the shell for free, but if there is an inadequate amount of coverage, there will be a change order to add shotcrete and adjust the coping, tile and fittings. Think of this as a potential profit center. You can actually show the owners the location and depth of the rebar.

GPR companies charge $500-600 for a 1-hour visit. You can see how quickly owning a GPR unit can pay for itself. After a while, it will actually start earning you money! A Proceq GP8800 can be had for around $12,000 plus the cost of an iPad.

Photo Credits: Proceq