CASE STUDYHelical Pile Support for Custom Swimming Pool in Marco Island, FL

Coastal Foundation Solutions partnered with Aqua Dog Pools and the Knaak Design Group on a new luxury swimming pool project on Marco Island, Florida. The custom pool design called for reliable foundation stabilization due to the region’s soft, sandy soils and proximity to the coast. Our team was brought in to ensure the structural integrity of the new pool from the ground up.

Challenges and Considerations

This project presented a few unique constraints:

• No prior soil test at the project site
• Tight schedule for mobilization and execution
• Close proximity to an existing home and active construction zone
• High load requirements for the large custom pool shell

Without geotechnical data, it was crucial to rely on past experience in similar soil conditions and make real-time adjustments in the field.

Solution: Helical Pile Installation

Coastal Foundation Solutions recommended and installed helical piles for this project. These piles are ideal for coastal construction due to their ability to resist uplift, provide axial load support, and adapt to variable soil conditions—all while being installed quickly and cleanly.

Despite the absence of a prior soil report, our team was able to estimate an efficient installation strategy based on historical regional data and our extensive experience on Marco Island.

Installation Summary

• Location: Marco Island, Florida
• Helical Piles Installed: 23
• Additional Extensions: 18
• Working Load Capacity: 18 tons
• Completion Time: Within a short operational window
• Special Conditions: Minimal site disturbance, no disruption to adjacent structures

Once the piles were installed to the required torque and depth, our team returned at a later date to cut and cap the pilesusing galvanized termination caps.

Products Used

• Lead Sections:
  • RS2875.217 – 10” x 12” x 14”, 84″ L Galvanized Round Shaft
• Extensions:
  • RS2875.217 – 84″ L Galvanized Round Shaft Extensions
• Terminations:
  • Galvanized Termination Caps

These components offer outstanding corrosion protection and long-term durability, which is critical for pool structures built near saltwater.

About the Expert

Charlie Garcia, founder of Coastal Foundation Solutions, led this project alongside a certified crew. Charlie holds multiple Florida building licenses and certifications in deep foundation systems, with over 25 years of experience in structural and marine construction across the Gulf Coast.