A Pool under a Banyan Tree?

5 years ago

We are making an offer on a lovely home in South Florida. The house is amazing, but the backyard is a bit lacking in both sunlight and space. Since that is due to a gorgeous Banyan Tree, we don't consider it a negative. We really would like to do a small plunge pool, though. Do you all have any input on whether it would be absurd to do a small, maybe 8x12 plunge pool underneath the tree? It'd be along the fence line, where the hot tub is now. I suspect we might have to do either a semi-inground or even a pre-cast above ground pool, due to the roots. We'd love to figure out a way to design a beautiful landscape around the tree, creating a spa like atmosphere. I don't need plans at this point, I just want to know that it is possible, and wouldn't look absurd, having a pool beneath this tree. It's def going to be a challenge. Even getting an excavator in would be nearly impossible unless they make them to fit through a 3' gate! Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Featured Answer

piaa

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

We are working with Aqua Escapes and I can give you the name of the arborist if you move to West Palm Beach - he was/is the arborist for the huge banyan tree at the Norton Museum of Art and helped save. it (for the want of a better term) https://www.aewaterfalls.com/about-us

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Comments (11)

Christopher CNC
5 years ago
Nice looking Banyan Tree. Unfortunately it is a bit absurd to put a pool underneath the tree because massive roots and plenty litter. With enough money and a strong will, there is a way. The pool would need to be built in anticipation of the roots and would require a cover to keep it clean.

It would be a fabulous back drop for a small pool that is for sure.
piaa
5 years ago
We are in the process of putting in. a spool 14'6" x 8'8" and. only 5' deep under a 60 year old oak tree in West Palm Beach and bought in an arborist first because my main concern was I wanted to keep the tree above all else - he advised us, we did a small dig first to check the root system and we decided on a design where it will be partially (18") above ground so we don't have to dig so deep similar to the photo below. We started the dig last week and so far so good.

I think if you consult with the right people it might be possible but I. have no idea what the. root system of a Banyan. tree is like vs that of an oak.
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Dianna B
Original Author
5 years ago
Piaa, Fantastic! Do you mind sharing who you are working with on the pool? This is exactly what we had in mind. Thank you!
piaa
5 years ago
Where are you located - are you in West Palm Beach/Boca/Delray area ?
Dianna B
Original Author
5 years ago
We hope to be soon, ha! We are actually pending on a different house now, but still have a small yard and love the looks of the not completely in-ground pool!
Tootsie
5 years ago
That tree might be a protected specimen in some communities. Can’t remove or disturb!
Dianna B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you so much, Piaa! Would it be terribly rude of me to ask what we should budget for this type of project? We are probably looking at a 15x20 semi-inground pool, with quite a bit of either hardscaping or decking to give us a "spa" like vibe. I'm just wondering if our current line of thinking is even remotely in the ballpark. We'd like to keep the whole backyard spa makeover under $50,000 if possible.
Dianna B
Original Author
5 years ago
I hate to ask the pool company until we actually own the home.
piaa
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Your pool will probably be in the $40,000 - $45,000 range (maybe more) plus your decking, landscaping etc
Dianna B thanked piaa
Dianna B
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you so much! Good thing it's a super small backyard, ha! I'm very excited to see that Plungie Pools are now in the US! If all goes well, we will do a plungie pool with about 2 feet exposed, and work around that.