Initial Spa Setup
Let’s dive into a real-life scenario from Craigieburn, where a seemingly small oversight in a backyard spa installation led to significant consequences. In this backyard stood a 7-year-old portable jacuzzi spa, measuring 2.2 x 2.2 meters, placed directly on the ground and surrounded by timber decking. A tranquil spot for relaxation, it was an unassuming yet cherished feature of the home.
Rainstorm Impact
But then, Melbourne got hit by this massive rainstorm in 2022. The whole backyard flooded! Shortly after, the owner noticed that the tiles around the spa started lifting. When they took a closer look, they found the spa itself was all crooked and lopsided. And wouldn’t you know it, this was just as summer was rolling in. The owner was really hoping to get that spa ready for the kids to enjoy during their summer break.
Engineering Assessment
So, we sent one of our engineers to check it out. Turns out, the problem was the soil right under the spa. When that clay soil soaked up all the rain, it swelled up and pushed the spa upwards. Now, this kind of thing might not bother bigger structures much, but for something light like a portable spa, it’s a big deal.
Installation Flaws
Here’s the catch – the spa wasn’t built on any solid footing or platform. It was just sitting on the ground. No wonder it got all wonky! And to top it off, there wasn’t any drainage around it to handle all that extra water. Even though the Bureau of Meteorology said it was only 34mm of rain, that was enough to cause trouble since the spa didn’t have the right support or drainage.
Installation Advice
So, for anyone dreaming of their own backyard jacuzzi, here’s a little piece of advice: pay attention to how it’s built. Sure, it might cost a bit more upfront to get it installed with a proper base and drainage, but trust us, it’ll save you a ton of hassle and money in the long run. Don’t just plonk your spa on the ground and hope for the best – a little planning goes a long way!
Key Points: Lessons from Backyard Spa Soil Heave Damage
- Portable spas require proper foundations, not direct ground placement
- Inadequate drainage can exacerbate soil heave issues during heavy rainfall
- Even minor rainfall (34mm) can cause significant damage without proper installation
- Lightweight structures like spas are particularly vulnerable to soil heave
- Professional installation with proper footings and drainage prevents costly repairs
