problems with tanning ledge

[trilogy problems]

I so hope I am doing this correctly as I am at my wits end. I have a Trilogy pool and tanning ledge. We have had nothing but problems since this was installed 2 years ago. After many other things, we are now having to "fix" the tanning ledge as it has cracks by both bubbler jets and is completely uneven. It has bubbles on some parts of the floor an then large dips in other places. Can anyone first tell me, is this common. We are in Indiana and obviously do not use the pool year round. Second- how are those fiberglass tanning ledges typically installed, by that I mean whet do they put under it to level it and how do they kepp it level and suppported when pouring the concrete? As of now they are telling me the fix is to cut a large 2 to 3 foot hole in my pool and try and re-stabalize it form above and then fix all the fiberglass issuse. This is concerning for any number of reasons but we have thought we would let them try this fix and see if it does truly fix the problems and also if it is to our satifiaction in terms of how it looks. Please help with any info you might have!!!!!

[kelemvor]

I have no experiences with tanning ledges, but that fix sounds expensive. Are "they" covering it under warranty or are you going to have to pay for it to be done?

[waterbear]

Trilogy is the only fiberglass company that I know of that have 'separate" pool parts such as tanning ledges (often called 'beach entries" by other builders) in addition to the main pool shell. IMHO, the install in a fiberglass pool is the most important component and manufacturers do not usually warranty problems that can be attributed to a faulty install. The three major fiberglass companies (San Juan, Blue Hawaiian, and Viking) make pools that are one piece construction with such things as beach areas (tanning ledges), negative edges, and seating are part of the one piece molded shell. San Juan even has models that include spillover spas integrated with the pool shell. IMHO, this allows for an easier install with less chance of errors.

Trilogy is actually one of the newer entries into the fiberglass market, only having been in business since 1999. For comparison San Juan started in 1958.

If the substrate has washed away because of improper backfill they might be able to dig from underneath and shoot in shotcrete. I have seen this done here in Florida to stabilize fiberglass pools but it really depends on your local building codes and climate conditions. Anything that damages the fiberglass shell is not a good option, IMHO, but it might be the only way under some circumstances.

This is really a pool bulder issue and it sounds like it was a faulty install, which is rather too common with fiberglass pools no matter how well the shell is manufactured.

[trilogy problems]

Well for now they are covering it all. This is all based on the fact that the tanning ledge shell can be repaired based on the method I listed above. If we end up demanding it be redone, it is our understanding at this point that the shell and removal is covered, but the concrete and labor to put to back would be on us. Of course, as it stands with the question being in installation, we have consulted a lawyer who believes they would be forced to pay for it if we did go that way. Yes I do know that trilogy is relatively new, but we just loved everything about them. My husband and I agree, this is definately an instalation issue. I am very concered that we will of course go through all of this, it will not fix the origonal problem, and it will look terrible once repaired. I do think they have talked about using the shotcrete through this hole they are cutting, but I just cant figure out if they do have to rip it out how is the best way to ensure the ledge stays level and supported when you have a freeze and thaw like we do here.