ICF POOL

10 STEP CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Step 4 - Second ICF Course Step 7 - Slab
Install the second course of blocks by reversing the
corner blocks, so that the second course is offset
Most pool installers recommend that the pool
bottom slab also be poured along with the ICF
walls. This step will save in concrete pumping
10 Step Pool Construction Guide
from the first (creating a running bond pattern).
At this point check for level across all the block. If and delivery however more pre-planning will be This document is a condensed installation ICF blocks are easy to handle and no heavy
the course is not level, use shims or trim the blocks required. guide designed to provide the main steps in equipment is required for lifting or cutting.
as required. After the second course of Amvic ICF installing an Amvic ICF pool. ICF can be adapted to curved, radius and
Step 8 - Interior and Exterior Finishes standard rectangular walls easier than most
blocks are installed and level, spray foam the blocks
to the footers. Once the concrete has been placed in the ICF walls other pool systems. An ICF pool follows similar
Why Amvic ICF Swimming Pool?
and pool slab, it is recommend that the interior construction practices as an ICF concrete
Step 5 - Pool Mechanical Check of the pool be parged using fiberglass mesh and As is the case with ICF buildings, an ICF retaining wall.
Prior to installing the next ICF courses, identify an ICF parge base coat. This will ensure a smooth swimming pool provides structural longevity
the location of the pool mechanical features rigid surface for the pool liner installation, or a and reduced energy costs. It is estimated Within the Amvic ICF product line, straight, 90°
such as skimmer basket, jets, electrical, hydronic base for a concrete faced pool. that up to 80% of a pool’s heat lost is through and 45° forms are available as well as various
requirements and drain location, these will need to On the exterior of the ICF wall, at the bottom the sides and bottom of the pool, since the brick ledge, double taper top and radius forms.
be cut out from the forms and detailed with buck place a drainage tile system with gravel around ground conducts heat far more efficiently
or sleeve block outs (similar to openings in an ICF the footer and then install an ICF compatible self than air does. Considering the surface areas In order to ensure the success of your ICF
wall). See Amvic ICF Installation manual for more adhering waterproofing membrane on the walls.
of a pool, continuous insulation is the best installation, Amvic offers a unique training
information. Continue to stack the ICF blocks to the
top of the pool wall, inserting horizontal rebar and Step 9 choice, and an ICF wall with an insulated slab program which covers the basics of ICF
zip ties as required. are ideal products for modern day swimming construction from footing to rafters including
At this stage all the ICF installation requirements pools.
Note: If your pool plans include a prefabricated have been completed. Follow the pool floor and roof connections, consolidation,
In addition to the energy efficiency and proper rebar placement and much more.
stair, cut and remove the Amvic forms at the desired manufacturers installation instructions for
location to allow the stairs to be cast in place when skimmer basket, drains, circulation jets, lights, longevity of an ICF pool the speed of Classroom presentations and discussions
pouring the concrete. coping, pool liner, etc. construction is typically faster than other as well as hands on wall building make for
poured in place systems. The lightweight educational and engaging event.
Install the required ICF bracing at a recommended
Step 10 - Backfill
distance of 6’ (1.8m) for straight sections and as
required for radius and curved sections. Once the concrete cures, the pool filling can
begin, as the water level in the pool rises the
Step 6 - Pre-Pour Checklist backfilling on the exterior of the ICF wall can also
Install the vertical rebar as per the local building begin. The wall is backfilled with approximately
code and structural design. Perform a pre-pour a one foot width, of free draining fill (crushed/
inspection to ensure all items have been installed clear stone) against the outside face of the wall
properly. When ready to place concrete in the walls up to the landscaping in order to facilitate surface
following the Amvic ICF Installation Manual. The drainage into the drainage tile, and prevent
prefabricated stairs are also to be installed level and accumulation of water against the wall which may
fastened as per the manufacturer’s specifications at lead to excessive hydrostatic pressure or lateral
this time. frost heave during the winter.

Note: Remember to place any anchor bolts Note: Do not backfill the pool without water in the
or fastening requirements at the top of the pool to balance the pressure on both sides.
ICF pool wall while the concrete is still wet. Compete pool edge and decking as per landscape
design, Enjoy many years of your energy efficient
27 July 2020

Amvic ICF pool.

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BUILD TO A HIGHER STANDARD 501 McNicoll Avenue Toronto, ON, CA, M2H 2E2 [Link]
Toll Free: 1 (877) 470-9991 • Fax: (416) 759-7402 BUILD TO A HIGHER STANDARD
Step 1 - Footing
1/4” (6.35mm)
After excavation, form the footings Min. 12” base coat with Ceramic tile
according to local building codes and (305mm) free fiber mesh finish or
structural design requirements. Pour the draining backfill Grout similar
footings and place the vertical dowels as Amvic ICF along the
per structural design. double sided foundation wall
Note: Pool walls are usually designed as taper top
a cantilever retaining walls, in which case
the outside face of the footer should be Self
extended out under the fill (the weight of adhering ICF
the fill will keep the wall from overturning waterproofing
and caving in). membrane
Note: S-shaped bent dowels might be
required to be placed in the inner side of
Reinforced Amvic
the footer (matching slab reinforcement)
ICF foundation wall
to tie the wall and the slab together.
as per structural
Step 2 - Pool Base design Secure ladder
directly to
There are two main options for the pool concrete
base, usually the bottom starts with non- Dimpled
frost susceptible compacted granular drainage
fill followed by (typically) R10 (RSI 1.76) membrane 2 layer finish
rigid board insulation, vapor barrier and system or vinyl
concrete slab. liner

Note: When taped, high Density

SilveRboard can act as the vapor barrier. Granular fill Reinforced
More recently many pool owners opt to wrapped in concrete slab as
use a hydronic heating system for the pool geotextile per structural
base. Ampex insulated panel for radiant material design
heating replaces the vapor barrier and
rigid insulation. After PEX piping and the
rebar (or welded wire mesh) are installed,
concrete is placed to encase everything in
a monolithic slab.

Step 3 - First ICF Course

Place the first course of blocks starting at
each corner or ends of a radius. Complete
Non-frost
the rest of the first course of blocks,
susceptible
cutting the blocks as required to form a
compacted
continuous insulated wall and ensure that
granular fill
the cuts will provide the interlock for the
full height of the wall. Zip tie the blocks
4” (102mm) drainage Ampex insulated
together pulling them snug. Following
tile placed around the hydronic floor
this, install the horizontal rebar by placing Reinforced concrete Bevel corners
perimeter of the pool, panels with
it in the rebar holders at the top of the footing as per with base coat PEX piping
wrapped in geotextile integrated vapor
internal webs. The rebar is held securely structural design
material barrier
and eliminates the need for wire tying.

[Link] 501 McNicoll Avenue Toronto, ON, CA, M2H 2E2

BUILD TO A HIGHER STANDARD Toll Free: 1 (877) 470-9991 • Fax: (416) 759-7402