Geotube Fails: Our experience with other contractors’ geotube installations and why they failed

Geotubes are a ubiquitous remedy for shoreline erosion on bodies of fresh water in South Florida. A geotube is a long bag or sock that is filled with lake bottom sediment, imported fill, pine straw, or other materials. The efficacy of Geotubes is based on the presumption that 1)soil and sod will sit on top of a synthetic material and grow long term and 2)sod will survive underwater. Both of these presumptions are false. Once installed, the Geotubes themselves are invisible because they are covered with fresh, new sod that extends all the way down to just below the high-water level on lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. This is attractive to communities that see the finished product and receive a quote on the product and installation which is typically less than all other forms of shoreline stabilization. But the old adage applies here… “you get what you pay for”. Most shorelines that are stabilized with Geotubes need to be redone or rebuilt every 5-7 years due to the aforementioned presumptions.

Some communities are told that Geotubes are beneficial because they utilize soil that has eroded into the bottom of the lake or pond and the soil is sucked up and used to fill the tubes. This is false. Most lakes in South Florida have not encountered enough erosion to necessitate this. There would have to be so much erosion along the shoreline that the depth of the lake becomes materially changed, thus changing the lake’s temperature and amount of sunlight penetration, in order for dredging to be necessary. Or, in some cases, natural erosion or storm damage can cause a long, thin lake to separate into two lakes. In the case where one lake becomes two, it is necessary to remove the sediment to restore the lake back to its natural state.

Geotubes can be used alone or stacked, depending on how much vertical drop there is at the top of the shoreline (called the escarpment). Some companies use a product called a poly-woven containment system which is one large geotube that acts like several smaller ones. In both cases, the inherent problems with Geotubes present themselves and short-term failure is inevitable.

I have encountered a residence on a lake in Port Charlotte, FL in which the homeowner previously hired a contractor to install a geotube to stabilize his eroding shoreline and the geotube was filled with pine straw! The homeowner paid a small fortune to have this done and the tube failed within just a year or two as the pine straw biodegraded within the tube. This solution was doomed for failure before it was even installed! Our firm came in and installed rip rap over top of the old tube and his erosion has been mitigated to his satisfaction.

A community in Estero, FL hired a firm from the east coast of Florida to dredge their lakes and move the material up onto the shoreline where erosion was occurring. The firm sucked up the sediment at the bottom of the lake and pumped it into several geotubes sitting on the shoreline. The filled tubed were allowed to bake in the sun until they dried- a typical practice in South Florida. They were then sliced open to expose the sediment and spread it around the shoreline. Typically, you will want to grade and compact this newly-installed sediment in order to restore the shoreline but in this case the contractor simply left the piles of sediment and cut geotubes on the shoreline. Halfway through the project the contractor quit or went bankrupt and the community was left with a mess on their hands! So, always vet your contractor to make sure they are experienced, financially stable, and have enough equipment to do a proper job.

by Justen Dobbs, State-Certified Marine Contractor

Recent Posts

Main Line Injections for Stormwater Systems in Freshwater Lakes: A Smart Solution for Gated Communities in Lee, Collier & Charlotte Counties

April 9, 2025
In the gated communities of Southwest Florida, where freshwater lakes and ponds double as both scenic amenities and vital stormwater retention basins, maintaining infrastructure below the surface is crucial for environmental compliance and system performance. One often-overlooked but highly effective technique used in stormwater maintenance is main line injection. Main line injections are a non-invasive method used to clear, rehabilitate, and maintain stormwater drainage pipes connected to lakes, ponds, and canals—without the need for excavation or heavy equipment. Especially in communities throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties, this method provides an eco-friendly, cost-effective approach to managing stormwater systems in areas where access can be limited.

Underwater Diving Services for Gated Communities: Keeping Freshwater Lakes Clean and Stormwater Systems Compliant in Southwest Florida

April 9, 2025
Gated communities in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties are known for their beautifully maintained landscapes, serene freshwater lakes, and high living standards. But behind the scenes, maintaining these water features—especially as part of a community’s stormwater management system—is critical for protecting both property values and environmental quality. That’s where underwater diving services come in. These specialized services are an essential part of keeping stormwater lakes and ponds in Southwest Florida clean, functional, and in compliance with state and local regulations. Why does Stormwater Management matter in Florida’s gated Communities In coastal regions like Fort Myers, Naples, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda? Communities are built around carefully engineered stormwater retention lakes and ponds. These waterbodies do more than beautify—they collect and filter runoff from roads, roofs, and sidewalks to prevent flooding and protect downstream waterways from pollution. Over time, these lakes and ponds accumulate sediment, algae, trash, and invasive vegetation, especially in areas with heavy rainfall and high nutrient levels. Without regular maintenance, they can become clogged, stagnant, and non-compliant with Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) or South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) standards.

Stormwater Structure Inspection and Repairs on Florida Lakes

February 19, 2025
Florida’s lakes serve as vital components of the state’s stormwater management system, helping to control flooding, improve water quality, and support ecosystems. However, maintaining these stormwater structures requires routine inspections and repairs to ensure they function properly. Without proper upkeep, aging or damaged infrastructure can lead to water quality issues, shoreline erosion, and increased flood risks. Importance of Stormwater Structure Inspections Stormwater structures around lakes, including culverts, weirs, outfalls, and retention basins, are crucial for directing water flow and preventing sediment accumulation. Regular inspections help detect early signs of structural degradation, allowing for timely maintenance and minimizing costly repairs. Preventing clogging or damaged stormwater structures which can obstruct water flow, leading to overflow and flooding in surrounding communities. Routine inspections help identify and address potential blockages before they become serious issues. Stormwater structures play a role in filtering pollutants before they enter lakes. Broken pipes, sediment buildup, or malfunctioning weirs can contribute to nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms and deteriorating water quality. Over time, concrete structures, metal pipes, and other drainage components degrade due to weather exposure and sediment accumulation. Inspections allow for early identification of cracks, leaks, or corrosion, preventing failures that could lead to costly emergency repairs.

CONTACT US TODAY

Schedule Your Consultation!

CONTACT US