Gabion Baskets Eco-Pool in White River, Mpumulanga

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mr. Fanie Joubert from Pro.com Civil and Structural Consultants in Nelspruit was approached by a client living in a prestigious Estate in White River Mpumalanga recently to design an eco-friendly natural swimming pool on their property.

The site was situated in a highly sensitive environment and also subjected to seasonal flooding, Gabion baskets and river mattresses, with Bidim geotextile below were chosen to line and protect the dam wall between the settling pond and the pool area, the vertical sides of the pool and also the extended overflow to accommodate flooding to prevent scour.  A drain pipe with a valve was installed to drain and clean the pool whenever required.

Details of the construction are as follows:

• Gabion baskets, River mattresses and Geotextile:

70 Tons of crushed granite rocks imported to fill the baskets and mattresses.

• Dam wall and waterproof barrier between the Gabions and the in-situ soil

Bentonite, mixed in with the excavated soil, compacted in layers to final level

•  Floor and Gabion steps

In-situ Concrete covering

The planning and design has been done to incorporate the natural eco-system, the water flows through reeds and plants into a settling pond of approximately 100m³, where solids and material in suspension settle to the bottom. The water then flows over the internal dam wall, with a drop of 300mm, into the 1.6m deep pool with a capacity of approximately 30m³.  Because the water flows over the rocks within the containerized baskets, which provides a natural calming, with the rippling sound of water falling and at the same time aerating it for the aquatic life.

This project adds value to the property, and various species of birds visit it regularly. Because of the healthy natural environment created, different kinds of fish and water creatures subsequently moved into the settling pond and pool. The clarity of the water created has made it possible to admire the creatures swimming in it or even to share the pool with them.

Construction of the pool was carried out by Mr. Fanie Joubert of Gabion Guru from Nelspruit. Website – www.consulttodesign.co.za

For more information contact Fanie at 082-4664661 or consultfanie@gmail.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row height=”small”][vc_column][jig_vc][justified_image_grid row_height=250 height_deviation=50 caption=off overlay_icon=on orderby=menu_order filterby=off filter_style=buttons filter_orderby=title_asc last_row=flexible load_more=click load_more_text=”LOAD MORE” load_more_count_text=none load_more_mobile=no initially_load=12 load_more_limit=6 ng_gallery=60][/jig_vc][/vc_column][/vc_row]