High Water Table Pool Installation: Dominion Pool & Spa’s Innovative Solution with Leisure Pools

Every pool installation presents its own unique set of challenges, but some sites test the limits of what seems possible. When Leisure Pools dealer Terry Francisco, owner of Dominion Pool & Spa encountered a property in Forest, Virginia with a water table just three feet below ground level, he didn’t see a deal-breaker. Instead, he saw an opportunity to demonstrate the problem-solving expertise that sets Leisure Pools dealers apart. This remarkable high water table pool installation story showcases how innovative thinking, quality fiberglass pools and technical know-how can overcome even the most challenging site conditions to create the backyard paradise homeowners dream about. This was Francisco’s invitation to innovate.

This homeowner’s property in Forest, Virginia, presented multiple challenges that would have deterred less experienced installers. Located in a subdivision with limited backyard space, the area just beyond the walk-out basement and deck seemed like the perfect pool location—until a critical issue emerged.

The property had an unusually high water table, a condition where groundwater sits close to the surface. The customers had taken a methodical approach by hiring a soil engineer who drilled four test holes of varying depth and assessed the situation. When they checked 24 hours later, each hole contained water just three feet below the surface. Francisco then requested all this documentation for review before proceeding with the work.

For a traditional installation, this could spell trouble. The customers initially wanted an eight-foot-deep pool, but with water at the three-foot mark, installing a pool of that depth would create significant hydrostatic pressure concerns. Many contractors might have simply walked away. However, Francisco saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate why Dominion Pool & Spa is renowned for its problem-solving approach.

Rather than abandoning the project, Francisco returned to the drawing board. His solution was as ambitious as it was effective: raise the entire yard elevation by three feet, effectively lifting the pool above the problematic water table.

“We decided we could raise the elevation of the yard and choose a six-foot-deep pool instead,” he explained. The team installed retaining walls between the basement and the house, creating a pool deck that now sits three feet above the original ground level.

This creative approach allowed them to bypass the water table issue entirely. With three feet as their new base elevation, the pool installation could proceed without the constant threat of groundwater infiltration.

Even with the elevated installation, Francisco knew that water conditions can change over time. Rather than leaving anything to chance, he implemented a sophisticated pump system with built-in redundancy.

The primary defense is a sump line with a pump installed six feet down, positioned right at the existing water level. However, Francisco didn’t stop there. Outside the decking, he installed a secondary commercial pump, positioned one foot higher than the primary pump. This created an intelligent failsafe system—if the first pump ever fails or can’t keep up with changing water conditions, the second automatically activates.

Both pumps are equipped with audio-visual alarms, too, ensuring the homeowners would be immediately alerted to any issues.

“I knew this install would require certain controls to be in place to monitor the water level issue,” Francisco noted, adding that the research for this solution took longer than the installation itself, a testament to Dominion’s commitment to thorough planning.

The elevation solution required significant landscaping modifications. The team brought in 31 loads of fill dirt to create the new yard level. Through careful grading, they created a very low slope leading to the pool area, making what could have been an awkward transition look like a natural, recessed patio.

The result is so seamless that visitors would never guess the pool deck sits three feet above the original ground level. This attention to aesthetic integration is what separates good pool installations from truly great ones.

For this challenging installation, Francisco assisted the homeowners in their selection of The Caribbean model from Leisure Pools in Crystal Blue—a choice that perfectly complements the surrounding landscape. The installation also features The Opal tanning ledge with spillover, providing a luxurious touch that enhances both the visual appeal and functionality of the pool.

The Caribbean’s versatile design, with its snowman curves and wrap around bench seats, proved ideal for the space constraints of this suburban property. Its durable fiberglass construction is also a significant advantage, as fiberglass pools are naturally better suited to handle ground movement and pressure than concrete alternatives—an important consideration given the site’s water table challenge.

Beyond solving the engineering challenges, Dominion Pool & Spa outfitted this installation from Leisure Pools with premium features to ensure the homeowners enjoy their investment for years to come:

• Saltwater chlorination system for easier maintenance and gentler swimming
• Built-in heating for extended seasonal use
• Jets integrated into the tanning ledge for therapeutic relaxation
• Hayward Omnilogic salt system with full automation for convenient control
• Integrated lighting in both the pool and tanning ledge for nighttime ambiance

As a turnkey contractor, Dominion handled every aspect of the project, from excavation and electrical work to installing the retaining walls, pavers, and fencing—ensuring a cohesive design throughout the space.

This Forest, Virginia installation highlights several valuable lessons for both pool professionals and homeowners:

1. Thorough site assessment is essential. By understanding the water table challenge from the beginning, Francisco could develop appropriate solutions rather than encountering problems mid-installation.
2. Creative engineering can overcome seemingly impossible site conditions. Raising the yard’s elevation transformed what appeared to be an unsuitable location into the perfect pool setting.
3. Redundant systems provide peace of mind. The backup pump system ensures the homeowners never have to worry about water table issues affecting their pool’s structural integrity.
4. Quality products make a difference. The durability and design of Leisure Pools’ fiberglass pools made them the ideal choice for this challenging installation.

The success of this project reflects the powerful partnership between Leisure Pools’ premium fiberglass pool products and Dominion Pool & Spa’s installation expertise. When quality materials meet innovative problem-solving, the result is a backyard paradise that exceeds expectations, regardless of the challenges nature presents.

For homeowners facing similar site challenges, this installation proves that with the right team and the right pool, virtually any backyard can be transformed into a personal oasis. It’s not just about working around obstacles. It’s about rising above them.

Leisure Pools is proud to partner with dedicated dealers like Dominion Pool & Spa who go above and beyond to bring our quality fiberglass pools to homes across America. Contact your local Leisure Pools dealer today to discover how we can transform your backyard, no matter the challenges.