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orlandoicfUser is Offline
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Posts:10


05/19/2009 8:39 AM  
I am looking for information and feedback (good or bad) on the use of ICFs to construct the walls for in-ground swimming pools.  I know that I have read (or saw pictures) about projects that use ICFs for the walls on pools.  I am curious on the method of ICF construction and the types of ICFs used - brands and/or form designs.  Is there documentation on the advantages - thermal retention??? strength???, etc.
DebTFUser is Offline
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Posts:8


05/19/2009 9:16 AM  
Use the TF System - Vertical ICF. We've been using (and, yes, SELLING) the TF System exclusively since 2004.

Okay, all you block guys can now start with your trash...bring it on...you always do!

Why does the TF System get trashed? Because it is honestly SO much better than blocks. Unfortunately we do not have the HUGE marketing dollars that all the block guys have. We sell the TF System - the Vertical ICF--patented since the 90's--THAT's why there's only ONE of us (except the one (?) infringing on the patent).
Why do we NOT use blocks? Because look at our system AFTER the pour. We don't have to tie, glue and brace like block guys because using only the minimal bracing required for TF, we have dimensionally straighter walls. Tall walls are easier, too. Cost? With the extra time of stacking blocks (taping, gluing, bracing), most blocks are more expensive.

I'm only the little "guy" in Virginia, but know what works. We've even got DIY'ers that are putting up our system and love it! (I can send pix).
Let me know if you want a brochure in .pdf to see what I'm talking about--it isn't rocket science and you're probably not in Virginia so I won't even get the sale. I'll also send pix of more pools if you want. Just let me know.

Deb
deb@VerticalICF.com
thagreenUser is Offline
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Posts:120


05/20/2009 2:47 PM  
First of any system gets trashed if trashing others. How many icf's have you worked with and how can you advocate "the best" if in buisnes since 04 when others have been installing for 25 + years and still going. Those are the ones who should be recomended not those who preech from what's in their installation manual or product website !!! I wonder why blocks have been around for so many years and still gain popularity? Post if you are to be constructive !!!

Orlandoicf,
Many pools have now been built out of icf blocks(horizontal and vertical). Manufacturers now have details for this. Spoke to a pool guy and asked him why he has'nt, says brute force will dent the foam and kill the esthtics part. Insulation and strenght I don't see any issues. I'm sure tf has an answer for this he's been in the bis since 04!
thagreenUser is Offline
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Posts:120


05/20/2009 2:56 PM  
http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/forumid/4/postid/27325/view/topic/Default.aspx
http://www.quadlock.com/insulated_concrete_forms/residential.htm
http://www.contractortalk.com/f76/question-pool-guys-15022/

Just a few.
Cheers!
James EggertUser is Offline
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Posts:1059


05/20/2009 7:50 PM  
"Many pools have now been built out of icf blocks(horizontal and vertical). Manufacturers now have details for this." Nice answer which gives you a direction to start searching for mfg info!

As to the TF system, it too would work for a pool, but where the TF proponent(Deb) lost it was after the informative first paragraph. Let's see, you 4th post and you're ready to take on the ICF world??

I suggest you take the time to read everything on this site, and you can't do it in a day or two. THEN, learn how to provide constructive input to questions posted and see if someone gets interested in your product in your area.

Your other choice is to take out one of the box ads on the sidebar....then talk away!

Take Care
Jim

Design/Build/Consulting
"Not So Big" Design Proponent
tdbuilderUser is Offline
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Posts:63


05/20/2009 8:31 PM  
I think if you guys want to duke it out, take it outside. The TF system will work great for pool and so will most blocks. The advantages of an ICF pool are tremendous, especially if you are heating it.
I don't necessary think that post counts are a good way to judge the opinions of those on the board. I have seen some very intelligent comments from first timers and some down right idiotic comments from those with a lot of post. With that said I think Deb should take it down a notch. Most on this board are pro ICf and don't care if its TF or block.
Please do your research and check with the manufactors and ask for project pics and even names of customer that have the pool that you can contact.
slenzenUser is Offline
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05/20/2009 9:04 PM  
I have asked this question in the past too, even in some popular pool forums and there you get a blank stare.

You'd think with all the energy it takes to heat a pool, someone would think of insulation. I think there is a big oppty in the pool biz for some innovation, especially now with a very slow market. People get creative and innovative when they are sittin around the office waiting for some bidness.

One site I did find was insulatedpoolkits.com

DonnerwetterUser is Offline
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Posts:89


05/21/2009 12:11 PM  
I also concur with the posts of this board. Trashing other systems serves no positive purpose. ICF's as well as SIP's both serve the same purpose - alternative energy efficient building systems which are cost effective and "green". Competition amongst us is good; however, in the end we must be a unified entity in the fight for energy independence and global warming.

"THE BEST ENERGY IS THE ENERGY WHICH WE DON'T USE!!!"
arkie6User is Offline
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Posts:153


05/21/2009 12:54 PM  
Lite-Form makes some ICF forms where the foam can be stripped or removed from one side or both after the concrete is cured. I'm not sure if this would be an advantage with pool wall construction or not. I guess you could strip the foam from the interior side of the pool wall and glue it to the outside foam if you wanted a solid concrete face on the inside and more thermal isolation from the ground. Or, if you are doing multiple pools, the forms can be reused from pool to pool.
swoodsUser is Offline
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05/22/2009 2:46 PM  
Nudura has done several large pools and has some information on pool instalations. Go to Nudura.com and get in touch with a local distributor.
pcoughlinUser is Offline
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Posts:115


05/24/2009 5:20 PM  
I think its ridiculous how some use this forum to solicit their own products and trash others. Ive been involved with installing ICFs since 2001 and through my short 8 years of installing/contracting I have found this industry and the amount of biased attitudes against others ways of constructing sickening. I am a young guy and definitely have more to learn but I seriously ask my self sometimes if doing business in this industry is really worth it. Self accountability for ones actions is something that many people in this industry and business need to work on.

If your business's sales are fuled by bashing other competitors products then you really need to rethink your marketing.

Forums like this are meant to drive discussion on specific building techniques, not for individual members to make monetary gains through solicitation.

Most ICF manufacturers have information regarding pool installations. It would be cool to actually get a thread on this forum going with some photos of ICF pools.

Sorry been a long week had to vent a little :)

- Pete jr.


contractorpete@gmail.com
James EggertUser is Offline
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05/25/2009 12:13 PM  
Pete

As you said....."Forums like this are meant to drive discussion on specific building techniques, not for individual members to make monetary gains through solicitation. "

That has always been the focus of this site, to help those who need a direction and to advertise is usually in poor taste! Now I'm sure each and every one of us has tactfully(I hope) expressed an interest in generating a little more business, but it is up to an interested party to reach out to someone offsite in order to use whatever services are available from us!

That by the way is why it is so important to at least state where you live so someone familar with common building practices in that area can respond accordingly. There are threads I do not post in because sometimes it is an area where the specifics for that person can be answered hopefully better by someone geographically more in tune!

And in no way was I bashing the TF product, but rather the advertising which was out of order. Pools can be built with either system!

Take Care
Jim

Design/Build/Consulting
"Not So Big" Design Proponent
oasispoolguyUser is Offline
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07/04/2009 10:55 AM  
Looking for feedback. I am actually tring to find usful info not a bunch of gibberish. I own my own pool company and have been through polysteels training. I am wanting to find someone who has built an above-ground pool out of Icfs. Thinking about offering this options to my customers.
usefull info would be helpfull.
thanks
dwangleUser is Offline
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Posts:53


07/06/2009 3:10 PM  
You have probably seen this thread: http://www.greenbuildingtalk.com/Forums/tabid/53/forumid/4/postid/60884/view/topic/Default.aspx

As far as ICF's for pools, it is a great idea. Most ICF companies should have pool details or help you get some. As far as heat retention, it will outperform any other kind of pool walls including strength and durability. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

ICF for life
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