Pool waterproofing

Protective Coatings For Swimming Pools 

We offer pools waterproofing solutions  in wide range of commercial and residential section.  

We import raw materials to Australia, manufacture various resinous coatings and cementitious waterproofing systems, supply the right material for your job, install the waterproofing system and maintain your pool for many years to come.

Our comprehensive after sale services includes discounted maintenance over the coming years. We understand the requirements of food industry and will help you minimise your overall cost on installation, maintenance and over hall as much as possible. 

We can also help you with final waterproofing and coatings inspections and issuing all the required certificates. We serve a comprehensive cross-section of commercial & industrial sectors in Australia and Pacific region.

Steps for easy application and cost effective Waterproofing Pools

Swimming pool leaks are frustrating – and addressing them is often expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes requires removing tile and adhesives.

To help your clients enjoy their pools without interruption, consider using a waterproofing and crack isolation membrane.

Selecting a Waterproofing Method: Tile pools, as described in P602 of the TCNA handbook, require a cementitious waterproofing product over their concrete shells.

These products address both negative hydrostatic pressure, which is water pressure that comes from beneath or behind the pool’s substrate, and positive hydrostatic pressure, which is pressure placed on the substrate from above, by the water in the pool.

You can additionally address positive hydrostatic pressure with a waterproofing and crack isolation membrane, which can help prevent water from leaking into the mortar bed.

This membrane helps prevent problems associated with saturation and moisture expansion and is applied to the substrate’s surface and allowed to cure before tiling begins. Its crack isolation properties are particularly important in freeze/thaw environments.

Look for a membrane that allows for the direct bonding of tile for an efficient installation. If you opt to use a waterproofing and crack isolation membrane, follow these steps.

i. Smooth the Substrate

You need to bring any variations in the pool’s wall or floor (the mortar bed bonded to the cementitious waterproofing), within acceptable flatness levels. ALKA prime can be used effectively in this application for swimming pools.

ii. Clean the Substrate

To facilitate a strong bond for your waterproofing membrane and the tile, ensure that the substrate is properly prepared. Proper preparation requires removing any contaminants on the substrate’s surface – including grease, residues and dust; as well as all loose materials, such as those resulting from honeycombing.

Possible methods for cleaning include pressure washing, scarifying, sandblasting, shot blasting and grinding. After final preparation, remove all dust by vacuuming, clean the surface with a wet sponge and let it dry before applying the membrane.

If the concrete has no contamination, you may only need to scrub and wash it.

iii. Apply the Waterproofing Membrane

Apply the waterproofing membrane of your choice as per the manufacturer’s instructions. ALKA TEN Waterproofing Membrane can be applied by roller, trowel or spray over concrete as new as three days old and cures in just two to three hours.

Prior to coating the entire surface with the membrane, pre-fill all concrete cracks up to 1/8” wide. Flash all control joints, substrate joints, field seams and corners; anywhere vertical surfaces meet horizontal surfaces, such as curbs, bench seats and columns; anywhere dissimilar materials meet, such as drains and expansion/control joints.

All flashing should be done per the product instructions using Waterproofing Mesh.

Once flashing is complete, apply the membrane to the entire surface using a 1/4” to 1/2” nap roller, 3/16” v-notch trowel or airless sprayer. Apply one coat in a minimum thickness of 25 mils wet.

Allow this coat to dry for 1 hour, or until the membrane becomes semi-transparent, and then apply a second coat 25 mils wet, at a right angle to the first coat.

iv. Test for Leaks

Once the membrane is properly cured, test to make sure the pool is watertight before beginning the tile installation.

To do so, fill the pool at a slow rate. For comparison, fill a test vessel with water and keep it next to the pool.

Measure the water levels of both the pool and test vessel after filling, and again after several days. If the pool and test vessel have lost similar amounts of water, evaporation or wind are probably the culprit.

However, if the pool has lost significantly more water than the test vessel, you will need to drain the pool and make repairs to the waterproofing system.
Phase testing can help you isolate the source of any leaks. Fill the pool partially – below any fixtures in the wall – and conduct testing. If no leaks are detected, fill the pool above the first level of fixtures and repeat testing.

Again, if there is no evidence of a leak, fill the pool and conduct a final test. If a leak is detected at any stage, drain the pool as much as necessary to conduct repairs.

V. Durable epoxy waterproofing Coating System

Alka 117UV forms a solid layer on the pool surface that is resistant to water and chemicals.

It is so effective it can last for up to 10 years if applied to properly prepared surfaces.

Another option is to use a single pack solvent-based Alka Pool paint. This option will is an affordable option, however, the life span is much shorter than two-components Alka 117UV. 

To ensure the epoxy paint seals well to the base and sides of the swimming pool, you will first need to ensure that the pool is cleaned thoroughly. A high-pressure spray will remove sand, small stones, and dirt from the surface.

Abrasion of the surface (even if it is old epoxy paint or unpainted fibreglass) is needed to ensure better adhesion of the epoxy paint to the surface.

A trisodium phosphate solution will also help to remove stubborn dirt from the surface.

Make sure the pool is completely dry before applying paint to it.