# Pool crashed into basement. How do we fix this? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 10, 2014, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230 "2014-08-10T12:05:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/81 "2014-08-14T22:37:27Z")
> [@Nickel\_Please](#): > > I am a successful career man that works long hours. Not for long, I suspect. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/82 "2014-08-14T22:42:11Z")
Well, if you’re the “adult” you need to do a few things: 1. Evacuate the house until… 2. You get it inspected by a structural engineer, while… 3. Contacting the insurance company and the HQ of the fraternal organization You should also be adult enough to not let some anonymous internet smartasses get your goat, but we all have weaknesses I guess. Actually, you should be adult enough to have nixed this idea and to do the above steps as a matter of course, not because another anonymous internet guy said “here’s what to do…” I would also be reading my insurance policy/policies to make sure your covered. Was this your idea? You might also want to speak to a lawyer - you may have just had destroyed over $100k in housing and somebody is going to be looking for someone to blame. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/83 "2014-08-14T22:47:57Z")
**Nickel, Please!?** listen to **JohnT** , there is no way to know if the rest of the structure is safe without an inspection by a structural engineer. You are recklessly risking the safety of your frat brothers who remain there and if something does happen (God forbid) you can bet your ass that’s gonna come up. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/84 "2014-08-14T23:49:05Z")
What were the dimensions of this pool? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/85 "2014-08-14T23:52:51Z")
> [@Nickel\_Please](#): > > I haven’t responded immediately for a reason. Many of the posts made me very angry. Being the fraternity gentleman that I am, I restrained myself from posting … So it takes the superhuman effort of a “fraternity gentleman” and several days of avoidance to prevent yourself from losing your cool with a bunch of internet strangers? Your manner suggests you aren’t significantly more mature than the adolescents you’re supervising. So in those several days during which your fraternal gentility heroically suppressed your baser instincts, did you take any responsibility to inform 1. your fraternity’s national office, 2. the university housing authority, 3. the municipal building authority, or 4. any of the parents of your members regarding what happened? I guess from your post, you haven’t done any of these things because your members are still living there. How about you put aside your fraternity gentility and instead use your formidable willpower to exercise some other portion of your adult discretion? And, hey, you know what else would be a good idea for you to do? _get the advice of a good lawyer_. And your \*own \*lawyer, not your fraternity’s lawyer. Because _if_ anything unfortunate happens as a result of your failure to exercise responsibility in a timely manner, forget about saving your chapter house. You, personally, are going to be fucked, and your fraternity is very likely to let you take the fall. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/86 "2014-08-15T00:36:44Z")
Not to mention that this thread could be (will be!) used as evidence of the OP’s admission of personal culpability for the idea itself, the delay in reporting it to the proper authorities, and the lack of transitioning the students (over which the OP claims to be some sort of authority) out of the dangerous building. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/87 "2014-08-15T00:40:38Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Not to mention that this thread could be (will be!) used as evidence of the OP’s admission of personal culpability for the idea itself, the delay in reporting it to the proper authorities, and the lack of transitioning the students (over which the OP claims to be some sort of authority) out of the dangerous building. [Not to mention the fact that apparently the OP decided it’s in his best interest not to stay there.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=731071) ---
**Author:** ![interface2x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/c0e974/32.png) [@interface2x](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/interface2x)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/88 "2014-08-15T00:41:27Z")
Pics or it didn’t happen. ---
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/89 "2014-08-15T00:56:40Z")
I’m not a liability attorney (if there is such a thing), nor do I play one on TV, but I am thrilled at the four-day delay in responding to the people who answered the question, not because the OP was taking the advice he had asked for, but because of his further admission that he ducked the issue because his feelings got hurt. Of course, you can’t squeeze blood from a turnip, but I’m sure a _successful career man_ has plenty of assets to cover the damages. As long as somebody doesn’t get hurt, that is. Otherwise… ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2014, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/90 "2014-08-15T15:30:30Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > Pics or it didn’t happen. It really is that simple… even for a successful career man. ---
**Author:** ![Construct](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@Construct](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Construct)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 7:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/91 "2014-08-16T07:25:30Z")
In order to answer this, we really need to know the volume of the pool and the dimensions of the hole. A picture would help too. 1. You’re going to need a structural engineer asap. Since you’re in a frat, presumably you’re in college, and presumably some alumni frat brothers have become engineers. You’ll need one to come on site immediately to determine if the building is still livable. I assume you can keep this hush-hush. 2. You’ll need to clear the basement of stuff. If you haven’t done this already, get a sump pump from a marine store and connect it to a sink. When you’ve finished draining the water, set up dehumidifiers to try and suck as much water out of the walls as you can. You’ll have to deal with the debris as well; renting a truck and driving it to a faraway landfill would be much less suspicious than having a dumpster or putting it in the trash. 3. Next, you’re going to need to obtain the components of a floor. The largest thing you’ll have to deal with is long wooden boards that make up the base of your floor. These will be far too large to transport in a car or pickup truck, so you’ll have to rent a U-Haul truck or similar. You can pick up these boards at any place that sells lumber. Getting these boards into your residence secretly will be challenging; you may very well have to demolish a wall if there are no usable windows leading into your multi purpose room (make sure it’s not load bearing). You’ll also need a variety of other materials; your engineer can help you with this. 4. You’ll need a plumber or electrician if there is plumbing of wiring involved. Aim for an independent contractor; many don’t particularly care about licenses or reporting requirements even when the homeowners do, so it shouldn’t be a problem here. 5. The water could have (and most likely did) cause structural damage to the basement. You’ll need to get this checked out as well. 6. You’ll need to get this assembled, but since you should have plenty of warm bodies that can’t be that hard. Remember that it’s always worth doing it right the first time. The broken boards and other components of a floor will need to be cut at a reasonable point so you don’t have jagged shards inside your floor. If the room isn’t carpeted yet, that would go a long way to covering up your mishap. If it is, you’ll need to tear it up and put in fresh carpet anyways. (you probably needed new carpet before the accident, too) I know you’re a troll, but I had fun writing this up. Thanks for making my life better. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 12:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/92 "2014-08-16T12:36:24Z")
And it would be next to impossible to do all of that without drawing attention. In any case **Nickel, Please!?** is off on a road trip enjoying fresh baked cookies. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/93 "2014-08-16T12:43:12Z")
> [@interface2x](#): > > Pics or it didn’t happen. Not just any pic though, for now stand in front of the damage with you and a sign that says Straight Dope. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/94 "2014-08-16T13:02:22Z")
> [@razncain](#): > > Not just any pic though, for now stand in front of the damage with you and a sign that says Straight Dope. and today’s newspaper ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/95 "2014-08-16T13:05:28Z")
and a freshly baked cookie. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/96 "2014-08-16T14:11:01Z")
> [@Construct](#): > > I know you’re a troll, but I had fun writing this up. Thanks for making my life better. It’s against the rules to call other posters “trolls” in this forum. You can do it in the BBQ Pit, but not in this one. You’re new, so you didn’t know, however I did say it above already to someone else. Next accusation of trolling will get a warning. ---
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/97 "2014-08-16T22:35:11Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > and today’s newspaper Yeah, that’ll work. > [@chappachula](#): > > and a freshly baked cookie. 🙂 Sure why not. And don’t forget the girls in the bikini’s too! ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/98 "2014-08-17T06:23:39Z")
> [@razncain](#): > > Yeah, that’ll work. > > Sure why not. And don’t forget the girls in the bikini’s too! Tits or it didn’t happen. ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/99 "2014-08-17T19:54:46Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > To the OP, [you’re not alone.](http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=198372) Similarly, “…in the winter of 1985 the brothers of Heorot attempted to turn the central hall on the first floor of the house into an ice hockey rink by flooding it and opening the doors to allow Hanover’s subzero winter temperatures to freeze the water. This caused the floor to fall through into the basement, resulting in costly damage that the national organization refused to help pay to fix.” > **[Chi Heorot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Heorot)** > > Chi Heorot (often referred to simply as "Heorot" or "XH") is a local fraternity at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. It was a chapter of the national fraternity Chi Phi until 1985. > Chi Heorot origins date to 1897 with the establishment of a local fraternity called Alpha Alpha Omega. In 1902 it was granted a charter as the Chi chapter of Chi Phi. Soon after, the fraternity moved to its present location on East Wheelock Street, and in 1927 sold off its eighteenth-century house and built... ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230/100 "2014-08-17T21:03:12Z")
I would _ **SO** _ hang out with those guys. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pool-crashed-into-basement-how-do-we-fix-this/695230.md?page=6)