Building a pool on a high water table

What the soil survey says

The prairie soils that cover much of Southwest Louisiana are slow to drain. USDA describes Crowley soils as somewhat poorly drained and saturated at 0.5–1.5 ft from December to April (Crowley), and Mowata soils as poorly drained, with a water table at 0–2 ft over the same months and rare to occasional flooding (Mowata). Your own lot may differ; the builder learns the truth when they dig.

Why an empty pool can float

A full pool is held down by the weight of its water. Empty it, and the push of groundwater from below can beat the weight of the shell. Fiberglass is lightest, so it's most at risk; concrete can crack (Shotcrete, 2025).

Hydrostatic relief valves

A relief valve sits in the main drain. When the pressure outside is higher than inside, it opens and lets groundwater in. The trade calls it cheap insurance, and also warns it's "not a cure-all" (Aqua Magazine). Ask whether one is included, and keep a note of where it is.

Pumping the hole

Expect water in the excavation, especially in winter. The usual fixes: a stone-filled sump pit with a pump, or a ring of well points around the hole that draws the water down (River Pools). Ask who pays for pumping if it runs long; we use $1,000–5,000 as an estimate.

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