09-09-2007, 01:54 PM
PirateLady,
My house has a pool that on the MLS indicates that it is below ground. Although I can't be certain just yet, I think that is only partially "below 'ground'".
It was done in a very clever way, using the topography of the land. There were "pukas" or depressions on my property (I think the actual Hawaiian word for depression is "kapoho" but you get my drift.) The house was built on post and pier in such a depression. The lanai appears to be at ground level because it is built on the edge of the puka. The topography drops off from there. You cannot tell that the house is on post and pier until you go under it on one side. It is "ground level" on two sides.
A patio was built over this depression, and a pool was built INTO the depression. It is possible that there was some blasting for the pool, but not as much as if you were building the pool flush with the ground. A catchment tank was also built below the patio. I will send you pictures. The pool is gorgeous and is actually above ground, mostly, while appearing to be BELOW ground. It appears to be below ground because it is below patio level, and the patio is built over the depression.
The topography of the lots on my streets includes a lot of depressions, suitable for such a design. Your results may vary. I concur with John's estimates for a pool.
I am fairly well versed on pools now.
There is a house for sale on my street that has a pool.
Meanwhile, back to tilting at windmills!
My house has a pool that on the MLS indicates that it is below ground. Although I can't be certain just yet, I think that is only partially "below 'ground'".
It was done in a very clever way, using the topography of the land. There were "pukas" or depressions on my property (I think the actual Hawaiian word for depression is "kapoho" but you get my drift.) The house was built on post and pier in such a depression. The lanai appears to be at ground level because it is built on the edge of the puka. The topography drops off from there. You cannot tell that the house is on post and pier until you go under it on one side. It is "ground level" on two sides.
A patio was built over this depression, and a pool was built INTO the depression. It is possible that there was some blasting for the pool, but not as much as if you were building the pool flush with the ground. A catchment tank was also built below the patio. I will send you pictures. The pool is gorgeous and is actually above ground, mostly, while appearing to be BELOW ground. It appears to be below ground because it is below patio level, and the patio is built over the depression.
The topography of the lots on my streets includes a lot of depressions, suitable for such a design. Your results may vary. I concur with John's estimates for a pool.
I am fairly well versed on pools now.
There is a house for sale on my street that has a pool.
Meanwhile, back to tilting at windmills!