ARDEXARDEX

by murthy.neha@ardexendura.com

Swimmimg Pool Protection

A swimming pool is a water retaining structure used for purposes such as leisure and exercise. There are many different types of pool such as Private pool, Public pool, Competition pool and infinity pool. Swimming pool are constructed using Concrete, concrete + brick / block, Fibreglass, Vinyl-lined pools, Gunite pools, etc. Among all these, more commonly used is concrete pool. Pools can be sunk into the ground or built above it, as a freestanding construction or as part of a building like a ship. If water leaks IN or OUT, ships sinks, meaning pool fails.

Concrete pools are constructed by pre-decided number of process. This takes many days to few months depending on the size of the pool. Hence, there were few points to be considered to ensure the pool is water tight. Critical locations of the pool, say construction joints, pipe penetrations, corners, miscellaneous fittings like, rails, lightings and surface of the pool shall be properly treated to make them water tight.

Water Leakage is one of the major problems in swimming pools caused due to the flaws in construction methods. The right design, construction steps, waterproofing and tiling system can prevent a lot of structural problems and also in saving money and time.

At the time of construction pool, joints in the concrete are un-avoidable. Joints due to delay in construction, due to limitation of concrete pour, due to dis-similar material used. These critical locations can be made water-tight using swellable water-bars. Polymer technology-based water-bars installed on the dry surface of the concrete / any material, and then if concrete poured, makes the location water-tight. When water at these locations enters, water-bars swells by 3-4% in volume and blocks water way.

At the pipe penetrations, water bars are very useful as they are very easy to install at the site level. After the construction, at the time of coating, flexible polyurethane sealant if applied at the pipe penetrations, seal the junction and serves the purpose water-tightness.

Construction joints, after the pool construction shall be cut opened in the form of “V” grove and filled with polymer modified mortar or SBR admixed mortar. This treatment not only provides a uniform surface for the coating but also ensure the less permeable mortar filing at joints.

Concrete, no matter how much closely supervised for a good workmanship, it is expected to have honey combs and air gaps at junctions. So, it is strongly recommended to use vibrator at the time of construction and do pressure grouting after the construction.

Waterproof system shall be able to withstand the hydrostatic pressure of min 2.5 bars. This may be achieved in the waterproofing membrane by applying the best primer / sealer coat prior to the waterproof sheet membrane.

While waterproofing, corners shall be treated using thermo-plastic-elastomer tapes, as we know that stress and strains are more at the support / junction of the concrete structure which results in cracks formation.

Pool is a water retaining structure and it needs to cleaned at regular interval. So, the surface of the pool shall be provided with such system, which provides durable, easy to clean, withstand chemicals affect, no color change, and food grade. Tiles can fulfill these requirements. Pools can be installed with tile using tile adhesive. Tile adhesive used for pool tile installation shall be high polymer content and pass the bond strength in water immersed testing.

At the time of the installation of tiles, minimum 2-3mm joints shall be maintained and shall be grouted with food grade epoxy or polymer rich cement grout.

Ardex Endura Swimming Pool Systems

Swimming pool at ground level

  1. Concrete substrate
  2. Waterproofing membrane WPM 810 (1st coat)
  3. Protection board
  4. Reinforced concrete
  5. Construction joint treatment WPM SW Series
  6. Levelling mortar
  7. Waterproofing membrane WPM 002 (1st coat)
  8. Sealing tape WPM 324
  9. Waterproofing membrane WPM 002 (2nd coat)
  10. Tile adhesive DIAMOND STAR
  11. Tile joint grout EPOXY GROUT 

For more details, visit www.ardexendura.com

ARDEX ENDURA ACADEMY

Our industry, like any other, requires on-going training to keep up with the changes in legislation/standards and materials. Our purpose-built training facility enables us to offer a range of demonstrations and seminars that can be tailored to your specific needs, ensuring total confidence in the specification and subsequent on-site application. The academy allows you to learn about new technologies including ‘Industry best practices for Tiling, Waterproofing, Concrete Repair and Flooring’ along with Technical guidance and product information.

For the latest and most up to date information and advice, visit the ARDEXENDURAacademy centres across India (Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, etc.,). For all Contractors and Applicators committed to providing a high level of workmanship, ARDEX ENDURA helps them to increase both their professionalism and productivity.

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murthy.neha@ardexendura.com
About murthy.neha@ardexendura.com
Swimming Pool Protection