Pool waterproofing

Waterproofing and Protective Coatings for Swimming Pools & Surrounding Areas

Swimming pools and wet recreational areas are constantly exposed to water, UV, chemicals, cleaning products, foot traffic and changing weather conditions. A standard coating system is usually not enough for these areas. The surface must be properly waterproofed, protected and finished with a coating system that can handle continuous moisture, splash zones and regular use.

Alka Coatings provides high-performance waterproofing and protective coating systems for swimming pools, pool surrounds, wet areas, change rooms, splash zones and recreational facilities. Our systems are designed to protect concrete substrates, improve durability, reduce water ingress and provide a clean, attractive and easy-to-maintain surface.

Where This System Can Be Used

This system is suitable for:

Swimming pool surrounds
Wet recreation areas
Splash pads and water play areas
Change rooms and amenities
Concrete pool decks
Resort and hotel pool areas
Public aquatic centres
Balconies and podium areas around pools
Walkways exposed to water and moisture

Why Use a Protective Coating System Around Pools?

Pool areas are exposed to more than just water. Chlorine, salt, UV exposure, cleaning chemicals, moisture vapour, thermal movement and slip risk all affect the long-term performance of the surface. A properly selected coating system helps protect the concrete, improve safety and extend the service life of the area.

The right system can also improve the appearance of the pool area and make cleaning easier, especially in commercial and public environments where hygiene and presentation are important.

Key Benefits

Excellent waterproofing protection
Strong resistance to water and moisture exposure
UV-stable finish for outdoor areas
Durable surface for pedestrian traffic
Easy to clean and maintain
Available in slip-resistant finishes
Suitable for decorative or functional finishes
Helps protect concrete from water ingress and surface deterioration
Suitable for new projects and refurbishment work

Typical System Build

The final system depends on the condition of the substrate, exposure level and required finish. A typical system may include:

Concrete surface preparation
Primer or moisture-tolerant primer
Waterproofing membrane or protective base coat
Slip-resistant broadcast layer if required
UV-stable polyurethane or polyaspartic topcoat
Optional decorative finish or coloured topcoat

For wet recreation and pool surround areas, Alka can recommend the correct system based on whether the area is exposed to standing water, direct sunlight, chemical splash, heavy foot traffic or movement in the substrate. 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.

Alka TEN | 1-componenet, general purpose acrylic waterproofing membrane | For Wet Areas & Exterior

Alka 200 | 2-componenet, ultra-high solid, clear & transparent polyaspartic resin | UV Stable, Crystal Clear 

Alka 210 | 2-componenet, 100% solid, Pigmented polyaspartic resin | UV Stable, Abbrasion Resistance

Alka Seal | 1-component, Clear and Coloured acrylic concrete floor sealer | Exterior Concrete Floors [click here]

Alka Pave | 1-component paving paint | Exterior Pavements, Stencilled Concretes and other Exterior Floors

Alka Cement | 2-component cementitious waterproofing membrane

Alka 311 | 2-components, VOC-free, quick-curing, elastomeric PU waterproofing membrane [click here]

Alka 801 | 2-components, spray-in-place, solvent-free, flexible & 100% solids polyurea elastomer [click here]

Alka 802 | 2-components, spray-in-place, solvent-free, flexible & 100% solids polyurea elastomer [click here]