REQUIREMENTS – NATURE OF THE PROBLEM

Painting the final surface of a swimming pool with a particular paint, such as an epoxy coating, is a common and economical approach to prepare it. This is a technically sound method that is clearly less expensive than using ceramic tiles.

Because it specifies particular conditions for the waterproofing to be carried out, choosing an epoxy coating has a considerable impact on the methods of waterproofing the pool.

As a result, the waterproofing layer put beneath the epoxy paint in this scenario must provide the following:

Waterproofing that works.

When the pool is empty, it has sufficient elasticity, especially at the bottom, which is subjected to expansion and contraction strains mostly owing to the influence of solar radiation.

Strong adherence to the substrate and resistance to the potential negative pressure created, such as when the pool is empty and the surrounding area has a periodic or permanent water table.

The qualities of the epoxy coating that will be applied are as follows:

Elasticity to resist cracking due to potential expansion and contraction stresses.

Water resistance and chemicals used to remediate pool water (e.g. chlorine).

Resistance to extreme weather (e.g. solar radiation, frost, etc.).

SOLUTION

To ensure that the pool frame can successfully endure hydrostatic pressure, it must be properly calculated.

Application of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC extremely flexible, 2-component, brushable waterproofing slurry to the pool’s walls and bottom can successfully meet the requirements for waterproofing the pool. The waterproofing layer made using AQUAMAT-ELASTIC offers the following benefits:

Waterproofing that works.

High resistance and strong adherence to the substrate.

Elasticity is high.

Durability that lasts.

Resistance even to negative pressures, thus keeping the pool safe from both leaks and water ingress.

Moreover, during the concreting of the pool frame, it is recommended that PLASTIPROOF waterproofing admixture be added to the concrete in the ratio 0.2-0.5% of the cement weight and AQUAMAT-ADMIX crystalline waterproofing admixture at a consumption 0.8-1.0 kg per 100 kg of cement.

The requirements for elasticity and resistance to chemicals that the coating must satisfy are successfully met by the application of EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating. This 2-component epoxy system shows increased elasticity and resistance to friction. Furthermore, it is highly resistant to a variety of chemicals, such as diluted acids, alkalis, petroleum products, some solvents, water, seawater, and to weathering

APPLICATION

Preparation of the substrate

If the pool frame’s substrate is smooth,

Grease residues, formwork release agents, dust, loose debris, and other contaminants must all be removed from the surface.

Loose particles should be removed from existing concrete cavities.

Cutting starter bars and spacers to a depth of 3 cm is recommended.

Existing construction joints should be opened in a V-shape, towards the inside, along their entire length, to a depth of 3 cm.
The above areas should be dampened well and filled in with DUROCRET-PLUS fiber-reinforced, polymer-modified cementitious repair mortar. Alternatively, when fast work is required, RAPICRET rapid-setting cementitious repair mortar. Consumption of DUROCRET-PLUS: 25 kg for filling a surface of 30-40 m²(typical consumption for a usual concrete wall surface).
The entire surface of the substrate should be dampened well, but without creating any water puddles.

AQUAMAT-ELASTIC waterproofing

AQUAMAT-ELASTIC can be applied at least 14 days after the cement mortar has been applied and has had time to set. Under continuous stirring, the 25 kilogram bag (component A) of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC is added to the 10 kg of liquid (component B) until a homogenous, viscous mixture suitable for brush application is formed. Mixing can be done with a low-speed mixer (300 rpm).

The pool’s walls and bottom should be covered with 3-4 layers of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC. The final layer of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC must be pressed with a smooth trowel while is still fresh in order to achieve a smooth finish. Each layer should be applied after the previous one has dried. In order to avoid cracking, each layer should not be more than 1 mm thick. Consumption: 3-4 kg/m²in total. Along intersections between the walls and the bottom of the pool, it is recommended to reinforce AQUAMAT-ELASTIC with a polyester tape or a fiberglass mess tape approximately 10 cm wide. The reinforcing strip should be placed immediately after the first layer of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC is applied and while is still fresh. After drying of this layer, 2-3 similar layers of AQUAMAT-ELASTIC should follow.

Priming and painting with EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating

Prime the pool’s bottom and walls with EPOXYPRIMER 500 at least 3-4 days after applying AQUAMAT-ELASTIC, and as long as the surface is dry (moisture 4 percent ). Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are delivered separately in two containers with a weight-to-weight mixing ratio that is appropriate. The whole contents of component B are applied to component A. With a low-speed mixer, combine the two ingredients for around 5 minutes (300 rpm). EPOXYPRIMER 500 can be diluted up to 30% with water. To obtain uniform dispersion of the hardener, thoroughly agitate the liquid along the sides and bottom of the container. EPOXYPRIMER 500 is used at a rate of about 200 g/m2.
After the primer has dried, and within 24-48 hours of its application, the pool should be painted with EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packaged in two separate containers, having the correct predetermined mixing ratio by weight. The entire contents of component B is added to component A. Mixing of the 2 components should take place for about 5 minutes, using a low-speed mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir thoroughly the mixture near the sides and bottom of the container to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener. EPOXYCOAT-S may be applied as is or thinned up to 5% by weight with SM-27 special thinner, by brush, roller or airless gun in 2 layers. The second layer should be applied after the first one has dried but within 24 hours of its application. Consumption of EPOXYCOAT-S: 200-300 g/m²per layer.

REMARKS

Special attention must be paid to the proper placement of swimming pool fittings, namely drains, skimmers, water valves, lights, etc., which are vulnerable points as far as waterproofing is concerned. DOMOSIL-POOL silicone sealant is suitable for sealing such types of joints.

EPOXYCOAT-S contains solvents. For application in enclosed rooms, ensure good ventilation.

As the ambient temperature rises, the working time of epoxy systems reduces. Moisture or dirt can have a significant impact on the bonding between successive layers.

After applying the epoxy layer, it should be kept dry for at least 4-6 hours. Moisture may whiten or make the surface sticky. It may also cause hardening to be disrupted. Grinding or milling should be used to remove faded or sticky layers from portions of the surface before laying it anew. Before applying the new layer, the surface should be properly cleaned and ground if the recoat duration is longer than expected or if ancient floors are to be laid again..

Before application, consult the directions for safe use and precautions written on the