Pool waterproofing

A pool with a concrete bowl is one of the most reliable and common design options. However, the property of concrete to absorb moisture negatively affects its integrity. Therefore, waterproofing is an integral step in the construction of a swimming pool.

The device of reliable waterproofing inside the pool bowl is necessary as it is filled with water, and when building a pool outdoors, you will also need waterproofing of the outside of the bowl to protect the structure from groundwater and precipitation.

Materials for waterproofing

The right solution would be to take care of the waterproofing of the pool at the construction stage. One of such solutions is a hydrophobic additive to concrete and mortar – Teknomer 120. Due to the useful properties of the additive, the water resistance of concrete increases by at least 4 steps, which in itself is a high indicator. In addition, its frost resistance, strength characteristics, as well as chemical resistance are improved – this is a very useful property, because chlorine or other chemicals are often used to purify water in the pool.

• The hydrophobic additive Teknomer 120 is an amber–colored liquid. Teknomer 120 is added to the concrete mixer in a ratio of 2-3% of the total mass of dry cement and mixed for 3-5 minutes. The working time of the solution after the addition of Teknomer 120 is 45 minutes.Also, during the curing of the composition, it must be protected from precipitation, direct sunlight, and wind.

During the construction of the pool, various defects may occur on the concrete surface in the form of cracks or sinks, which may be the result of a violation of the technology of laying and maintenance, or some mechanical impact. Such defects are the most vulnerable places in the design of the pool, so it is necessary to eliminate them. To solve this problem, it is necessary to use special repair mixtures Teknogrout (liquid type for horizontal surfaces) and Teknorep (thixotropic type for inclined and vertical surfaces). To begin with, you should prepare the surface by first cleaning it from structurally fragile concrete, cement milk, dust, dirt and other types of contaminants. It is best to use high-pressure devices (water jet) for this. Cracks should be embroidered, edging should be performed on defective areas. The surface to be repaired must be thoroughly moistened. The next stage is the preparation and laying of the repair compound. The repair mixture is mixed with clean tap water in a strictly prescribed proportion, using a low-speed mixer. Mix for 3 minutes, then allow the composition to settle for about a minute and mix again. After that, you can lay the repair material. Please note that the repair compositions are laid on a moistened surface. The final stage in the repair of the surface is the care of the laid composition. By periodically moistening it and protecting it from direct sunlight, precipitation and wind.

Tekno repair materials are also widely used for sealing the joints of the abutments of the structure. To do this, the joints are sewn in width and deep, and the strob is sealed with a working repair joint.

One of the options for protecting the concrete basin of the pool can be considered the waterproofing of the penetrating action of Teknomer 100. It is a crystallized one-component waterproofing material based on cement. Gives surfaces resistance to negative and positive water pressure.

• Teknomer 100 is diluted with water and applied to a well-moistened concrete base. Active chemicals react with free calcium particles contained in concrete, resulting in insoluble networks of crystals formed in the pores and capillaries of concrete, which block the ingress of moisture into the body of the structure. As previously mentioned, the material is diluted with water in the proportion of 6-7 liters of water per 20 kg of Teknomer 100. It is necessary to knead the solution using a low-speed electric mixer (maximum 400 revolutions per minute) for 5 minutes, then soak the mixture for 3 minutes and continue kneading until a homogeneous mixture is obtained. The application of the material is carried out with a brush or spray. Then the prepared mixture is applied to the surface 2-3 times with a brush. It can be applied with a stiff brush or by mechanical spraying.

The most effective material for the internal waterproofing of the pool bowl is an elastic polymer–cement waterproofing mixture Teknomer 200 EX. The use of this membrane together with an elastic sealing tape, which fits into the junction of the structure, creates a solid waterproof layer that will serve as a good protection for the pool for many years. Creates reliable protection against leaks and penetration of surface water.  It consists of a powder component based on cement, a liquid component based on acrylic and special additives that increase the water resistance and workability of the application surface. The coating also lends itself to further finishing, decorative tiles or mosaics can be laid on top of it.

• Teknomer 200 EX is a two–component waterproofing compound. The first component is a dry dispersion mixture consisting of special cements, functional and appreting additives, mineral fillers. The second component is a polymer emulsion. Before application, component A should be thoroughly mixed with component B with a mixer at low rpm (300-400 rpm). Initially, the emulsion (component B) should be poured into a clean container and the dry mixture (component A) should be gradually added. The components should be mixed well for 2-4 minutes, until a homogeneous consistency without lumps is obtained. The finished composition is applied to the prepared surface using a rigid fiber brush (maklovitsa), a brush, a rubber spatula with rubbing movements in two or three layers. The layers are applied perpendicular (in the opposite direction) to each other.

External waterproofing can be easily performed using IZOPLAST B bitumen-rubber mastic, it is recommended to use it in combination with IZOPLAST R primer.

Elastic bitumen mass modified with synthetic rubber with the addition of resins and chemical elements. The content of rubber contributes to the formation of a permanently elastic layer strongly coupled with the base, compensating for its movement and preventing the formation of microcracks. The formed coating is completely resistant to water, weak acids and alkalis.

The surface to be treated must be cleaned of oil, grease, dirt, dust, snow, frost, etc. Surfaces with weak adhesion, flaking – remove, protect with anticorrosive agents. The sharp edges of the surface must be rounded off. If necessary, perform partial surface repairs.

• IZOPLAST R primer is recommended to be applied to the treated surface with nylon brushes, rubbing brushes, spray installations.
• Mix IZOPLAST B bitumen-rubber mastic thoroughly before use. Apply the mass with a roofing brush or brush. Apply the next layer perpendicular to the previous one and only after it is completely dry. The waiting time before laying the second layer of IZOPLAST B waterproofing compound is about 8 hours.

In the case of applying mastic in places where there are fluctuations and a high degree of water absorption of the soil, we recommend applying 3 layers of mastic, while in the second layer it is necessary to drown the technical fabric, carefully pressing it in the corners.