Summers call for unlimited swimming sessions, and during this season, every person with even a small space in their backyard wants to build one at their home. These swimming pools vary depending on the design, types, sizes, and shapes you desire and even the purpose these are built for. Waterproofing with one of the best waterproofing companies is essential for a well-maintained swimming pool, which could prevent the walls from getting in contact with any external stimulus that may have harsh effects on its durability or overall strength.
In this blog, we'll suggest different waterproofing types for swimming and which is the best for you.
Different Types of Swimming Pools
The waterproofing requirements of different types of swimming pool remains the same. However, the implementation method varies from pool to pool and depends on the water and chemicals frequently used, which can have an inverse effect on sustainability. These pools can be residential and commercial; some are indoors, while others are in the open sky. With the emerging trend of swimming pools, you must have seen 3D and infinity swimming pools for decorative and enhancement purposes.
The three main categories for swimming pools include:
Concrete Swimming Pools
In these pools, the surface below the water and the supportive sheet is layered with concrete. It is the oldest technique where an even layer of concrete is applied and let rest till hardened. After that further sheets are attached and water is filled. These pools are difficult to customize due to slow installation but effective for durability.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance pools that require fiberglass beneath the surface to strengthen the quality.
Vinyl Liner Swimming Pools
Vinyl liner is the most frequently used type of pool in most water parks. In these pools, liners are added beneath the surface, which is easy to replace and customize depending on your pool style.
Why is Waterproofing Swimming Pools Important?
It is the process of giving any surface or structure the ability to be water-resistant. This process is performed so that the particular structure remains unaffected or resists water intrusion under any circumstances.
Once a surface is waterproofed, it won't be affected by water or other watery substances on it. The waterproofing process is very old in which different techniques were implemented and different materials were used including polyurethane, metal, bituminous, and others. Following are a few reasons why waterproofing is needed:
Concrete Isn't Sturdy Alone
When building any structure or model, waterproofing is performed not just for precautionary purposes but because the cement layer or the concrete can't resist the water on its own. Reinforced cement is used when constructing any area of the house, from roof to floors. Although it helps solve many issues related to durability and strength, waterproofing is still necessary because only the mixture used in it and the method applied can prevent moisture.
Constant Water Pressure
When it comes to a swimming pool, the surface, including the floors and walls, is always in contact with water pressure. Thus, only waterproofing handles such continuous pressure exerted on the surface.
Shrinkage Cracks
Another reason for waterproofing is the cracks and pores that support the water inlet during the concrete reinforcement. It also happens if the waterproofing barriers like silicone sealing, bituminous membranes, and others are not accurately applied between the concrete surface and water in the pool. Other reasons behind those cracks may be the plumbing problems like broken pipes, damaged surfaces, and suction line issues.
Honeycomb Formation
The formation of honeycombs during the concreting process weakens the structure joints and results in pipe penetrations. Another cause of water damage is corrosion which spreads around the surface if there's residual water and air.
Factors to Consider When Waterproofing Swimming Pools
When considering building a swimming pool, you not only have to consider different factors in terms of the construction, installation, and maintenance but also different elements to consider when waterproofing it. Some of the major factors are as follows:
- Examining the environmental temperature and requirements for your pool design
- Properly sealed and secured waterproofing layer to resist the huge intensity of water pressure
- A durable system, easy-to-clean surface
- Resistance to chemical imbalance
- Even if installing tiles, a waterproofing system under the tiles is a must
- Cement grout should be layered during tile installation with a joint width of 2-3mm
- The system must be able to handle both positive and negative water pressure
Swimming Pool Waterproofing Methods
Four basic steps are required for safe and secured waterproofing beneath the swimming pool.
Choosing Waterproofing Product
The process starts with finding the right waterproofing product for your swimming pool. The key to the best product is that it should handle all the negative and positive water pressure. The difference between positive and negative hydrostatic pressure is that the positive pressure acts from above the pool's substrate, while the negative one comes from below the substrate.
Once you find the right product, it is applied to the surface of the pool's substrate, and then it is left to rest before getting started with the tiles. You also have to pick the membrane type that enables it to bond directly with the tile so that the installation can become easy.
Smoothen & Cleaning the Substrate
You want to acquire any variety of the pool's wall or floor inside adequate water levels. The added substance can be utilized successfully in this application for pools. To work with areas of strength between your waterproofing layer and the tile, guarantee that the substrate is appropriately ready.
Most importantly, eliminate toxins like oil, residue, and buildups alongside free materials from honeycombing or laitance that are taken out from the substrate with pressure washing, sandblasting, shot impacting, and crushing. Then, all infiltrations, joints, creases, corners, channels, and development/control joints that can sabotage the best waterproofing framework are fixed. The surface should be cleaned with a wet wipe and left to dry before applying the film.
After definite planning, eliminate all residue by vacuuming, clean the surface with a wet wipe and let it dry before applying the film.
Applying Waterproofing Membrane
When the pool is prepared for waterproofing, the whole surface is covered with the film according to the producer's particulars.
It is vital to check for limitations on temperature ranges during the application to work with areas of strength for the waterproofing layer. A quality item is normally put in three layers. It tends to be applied by roller, scoop or shower over concrete as new as three days old and fixes in only a few hours.
All glimmering ought to be done per the item directions utilizing Waterproofing Mesh. When blazing is finished, apply the film to the whole surface utilizing a rest roller, v-indent scoop, or airless sprayer. Apply the top coat in at least 2-25 mils. Permit this coat to dry for 1 - 2 hours or until the film becomes hazy. Then, at that point, apply a subsequent coat at the right point to the primary coat.
Test for Leaks
After you've completely and properly cured the membrane, it's time to test the swimming pool to ensure it is completely water resistant and no water will leak within the tiles.
For this purpose, several tests take place at least a week after curing, including a flood test and phase test so that the tile installation can take place.
During the tests, if you detect any leak, you'll have to rectify it by adding more material and working more on it. Once the leak is found, the entire pool is trained till the point the repair is needed.
However, if leaks aren't found, you can fill up your pool above the level and continue the testing until you're satisfied.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of waterproofing for the swimming pool is extremely necessary for the durability and effectiveness of your swimming pool. If you have a frequently used pool, you must choose high-grade waterproofing like cementitious, while if it's rarely used, you'll be fine with polyurethane.
Moreover, people apply different layers and membranes to kill bacteria, minimizing UV rays for outdoor pools and other safety protocols. Pick the one that suits your requirements and style.
