Pools are undoubtedly thought to be waterproof by the majority of people. You might be shocked to find that the majority of pools are not watertight. Yes, swimming pools with a vinyl lining and fiberglass construction should be however, concrete in-ground pools are not. Let’s talk about concrete pool waterproofing in this article and whether or not your pool has to be waterproofed.
The most popular and widely used type of masonry in civil construction is used to make swimming pools. However, reinforced concrete can be used to construct a pool. In this post, we’ll give you important information about concrete swimming pools, especially how to keep them dry.
When discussing the construction of concrete pools, one of the key processes is the waterproofing procedure. This is due to the fact that swimming pools are wet places, meaning that water directly presses on all of their sides.
Compared to the cost of waterproofing to keep water out, if a concrete pool’s waterproofing fails or doesn’t work, it can cause a lot of problems and costs that are much higher than the cost of a waterproofing pool to keep water out.
In order to prevent water loss from the pool to the surrounding land and to extend the useful life of the structure, waterproofing pools is completely essential on both the interior and exterior.
We wrote this post to inform you about concrete pools, which are also frequently used while keeping in mind the value of waterproofing in swimming pools. Continue reading to learn more about them and how to waterproof the pool so that you may avoid future issues and costs. Let’s go?
Is Concrete Waterproof?
Concrete is not waterproof by nature and is porous. The fact that it effectively absorbs water makes it the perfect surface for pool decks, sidewalks, and airport runways. However, higher density shotcrete is required when water absorption is not desired, such as in the shell of an in-ground swimming pool.
Pool Waterproofing materials can also be used to make concrete more solid and stop it from absorbing water.
Although the type of concrete used in all pools is the same, its density and technique of application can affect how waterproof (is that even a word?)
Shotcrete is applied pneumatically to create the majority of concrete pool shells. Concrete can be shot pneumatically in one of two ways:
- Gunite is a dry mixture with water supplied at the nozzle.
- Shotcrete is a wet mixture sprayed under pressure.
According to Genesis and Water shapes University, 4000 PSI of concrete density is required as a minimum, while 5000 PSI or more is required for saltwater pools. Compared to a driveway or sidewalk, this is much denser. Achieving this density results in less porosity, which increases the concrete’s water tightness.
Impact of Concrete Density on Pool Waterproofing
Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology, a master pool builder and instructor at Water shapes University, claims that correctly laid shotcrete should be dense enough to be watertight, even if it is not officially waterproof. The majority of issues with concrete pool shells are caused by the improper application and brittle shotcrete. In a different piece, we go into further detail about these issues.
Benedetti says that if the shotcrete is laid right and has the right PSI density (pounds per square inch), the pool shell doesn’t need any extra waterproofing after it is buried.
The Reason for Waterproof Concrete Pools
If you already work in civil construction, you must be aware of the need to waterproof swimming pools. Still, we’ll point out a few important things that will convince you once and for all that these places need to be waterproofed.
Furthermore, employing a quality product is useless if the prescribed process is not followed. Therefore, finish reading this article until the end to avoid making a mistake!
First of all, concrete swimming pools need to be waterproofed on the inside to stop water loss into the ground and on the exterior to protect the structure from contact with the ground’s humidity. You see, it’s not that easy.
Any one of these pool waterproofing failures could result in severe inconvenience.
But what kinds of issues might occur? Water leakage surrounding the pool (especially when it is connected to the structure of other locations, such as garages and rooms) and significant structural difficulties as a result of the water infiltration may develop if the waterproofing is not done properly. The water may even damage the pool itself.
The issues are frequently not easily and inexpensively resolved. This is why I vehemently recommend that your concrete pool be waterproofed properly and effectively.
Also Read: How To Remove Copper from The Pool? Here’s an Amazing Guide
How to Waterproof a Concrete Pool?
It is typical for individuals to just consider safeguarding the interior of the pool and avoiding water leakage into the surrounding region when they consider waterproofing pools. To avoid the construction being harmed by the dampness that comes from the ground, it is necessary to waterproof the outside of the pools as well, as we have already discussed.
Therefore, both the inside and outside of the pool should be waterproofed for complete coverage. The pool will then be shielded from humidity coming from all directions. It’s not enough to just waterproof one of these surfaces; eventually, water will find a way in.
But if you’ve read this far, I assume you’re willing to waterproof the entire pool properly. Let me clarify.
Also Read: How to Remove Urine from Pool: An Ultimate Guide in 2022
Colloidal Silica
The fresh concrete is first sprayed with colloidal silica2, which penetrates into the concrete and raises its density. We won’t go into detail on colloidal silica (or colloidal silicates) here because there is a ton of information about them online. Just be aware that they are an important first step in the waterproofing of concrete.
Water-Resistant Membrane
A waterproof membrane can be manually rolled onto the concrete after at least 15 days. This flexible membrane clings to the concrete and helps it retain moisture. Because we lack the necessary expertise, we are just summarizing this procedure. For detailed instructions, you should therefore speak with the maker of the concrete pool waterproofing products.
Here, it’s crucial to follow the directions in order and allow the proper amount of time between each stage. Concrete needs time to cure. If you haven’t given the concrete time to cure, don’t rush to apply the pool plaster. If not, it may crack and shrink behind the plaster, leading to further issues.
Vito said that the pool shell needs at least 28 days to properly cure and agreed with the industry guideline that concrete pool shells should have a minimum density of 4000 PSI. In order for the concrete to cure densely enough throughout these 28 days, there must be enough moisture.
To do this, the pool shell needs to be watered often with a sprinkler, drip hose, or other tools made for watering concrete.
Using the Drizoro Maxseal Flex System to Waterproof Concrete Pools
Applying Method
- Setting up:
Prior to applying Maxseal Flex, it is strongly advised that the concrete pool surface be high-pressure cleaned. By getting rid of any loose particles or residue, the method makes sure that the surface is clean and smooth, which is perfect for the waterproofing membrane to stick to. - To prevent corrosion, apply Maxrest Passive to exposed steel.
- Use MAXPLUG or MAXREST to fix any surface damage. Apply the membrane waterproofing for your swimming pool to the clean, efflorescence-free concrete surface after that.
- Before using MAX SEAL FLEX, a flexible waterproofing compound made of cement, thoroughly moisten the entire surface. This offers a continuous membrane coating that is placed on the dampened (clean water) concrete pool surface in two layers (1 & 2 in the diagram). Utilize Maxseal Flex at a rate of around 1.0 to 1.5 kg per layer.
- Wait a night in between jackets. Before applying the second layer, which should be between 1.0 and 1.5 Kg/m2 thick overall, re-dampen the surface. This membrane layer will stop groundwater from entering the pool and water from evaporating out of it.
Applications of Maxseal Flex can be made with a trowel, broom, or brush. Spraying techniques are advised in cases where the pool area is vast. - Before installing tiles with Maxkola Flex, a high-performance bonding mortar, allow Maxseal Flex to cure (see number 3 in the diagram). Lastly, MAXJOINT FLEX uses a high-performance flexible pointing mortar.
- When rendering over Maxseal Flex, be careful to use Bondcrete as a bonding agent in a cement-based slurry layer. To help with adhesion on vertical surfaces, this should be “flick” applied to the pool surface.
- Let the surface cure for 4-5 days before finishing it.
Note: DRIZORO solutions work well with a variety of common pool finishing materials, such as tiles, pebble Crete, and decorative finishes.
- Let the pool back into operation after letting it cure for at least 14 days.
Also Read: How to Lower pH in Pool: Everything About to Reduce the pH in 2022
What Makes Reinforced Concrete Swimming Pools Unique?
We will now learn more about the features, benefits, and drawbacks of using reinforced concrete pools. Basically, these are its distinguishing qualities from other types of pools:
Construction technique: Reinforced concrete pools have a concrete and iron framework and have a one-piece shape, whereas masonry pools are built from beams and columns.
Cost: While more expensive than other pool types, concrete pools have additional advantages.
Design flexibility: Any shape, size, and depth of the swimming pool can be built with reinforced concrete.
Resistance: It is a very resistant building that, when properly built, requires very little upkeep and lasts a long time.
Pools made of concrete have some intriguing benefits. Therefore, it is crucial to assess whether it is the best method of building your pool. Keep in mind that there are other kinds of pools as well, and some of them may offer qualities that are advantageous to you; it is up to you to determine which one best suit your needs.
What Is the Best Product for Waterproof Concrete Pools?
Let’s get right to the point: Blok ST, a flexible waterproofing pool resin that works in places with positive hydrostatic pressure, is the best product for waterproofing concrete swimming pools. Blok ST is fantastic for waterproofing concrete pools and is great for stopping leaks and reducing humidity.
Excellent impermeability, flexibility, and adhesion to cement substrates are only a few of its qualities. It doesn’t change how safe the water is to drink, and it can withstand strong positive hydrostatic pressures, like those in swimming pools.
Pools are buildings that are susceptible to movement over time, so it is advisable to utilize flexible waterproofing materials. Additionally, you need a product that can handle the positive hydrostatic pressure that water exerts. Blok ST meets all of these needs, which makes it the best pool waterproofing material.
Also Read: Is Your Pool’s Alkalinity High? Here’s a Guide on How to Lower Alkalinity in A Pool
Conclusion
You do realize how crucial it is to waterproof concrete pools thoroughly, don’t you? Our objective today was to provide you with all the knowledge you require to ensure that you do not run the danger of failing to waterproof concrete pools because even a tiny error can result in significant discomfort.
So, keep in mind that you can use Blok ST to guarantee top-notch pool waterproofing.
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