Gravity. Something that we have absolutely no control over.
Mechanical devices. Every mechanical device made by man WILL FAIL, we just do not know when.
Combine gravity with mechanical check valves, and siphoning back flow conditions on an infinity edge pool are bound to occur.
Catastrophic Results
Why is back siphoning on a vanishing edge pool so potentially devastating? Most catch basins and surge tanks are a fraction of the volume of the larger pools that they support. If 50,000+ gallons of water were to flow backwards into the smaller basin, the lower basin would overflow.
Hillside Pools
Most negative edge pools are constructed on hillsides or mountain tops overlooking gorgeous vistas. Dumping 50,000+ gallons onto a slope can erode the slope, undermine the pool, cause mudslides, topple trees or even cause structures to list or tilt.
Image being the neighbor on the downhill side of one of these mistakes? 50,000+ gallons of mud and water does not figure into any wife's interior decorating plans.
Totally Preventable
Preventing back siphoning through the use of physics, is easily accomplished. Though it requires a mechanical device, it is fail safe - that means that if the mechanical device fails, the back siphoning is still prevented!
If your pool designer or builder does not know how to create an elementary anti-siphon loop, then they should not be involved with your project. This is child's play - yet the results in the event of a mudslide are very adult!
Paolo Benedetti - Swimming Pool Designer, Watershape Consultant, International Aqua Design, Expert Witness
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
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Contact the author at:
info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220
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