How to waterproof a pool that has already been built?

The maintenance of our swimming pools requires an investment in new materials. Factors such as rain, wind and low winter temperatures have consequences and can damage the installations for the new summer season, as well as the high pressures and products used in water maintenance. Among these damages, we can detect fissures or cracks.

Waterproofing and making the pool watertight before the summer can save 500 litres of water a day, the average consumption of a family of four. However, if this is not done, there is a risk of having to replace the water completely within a month due to possible water leaks, according to estimates by Molins, an expert in healthy building solutions.

For this reason, a proper tune-up between the months of April and May is essential to arrive at the summer with the pool in perfect condition and to ensure that it stays that way throughout the season. Especially because the high temperatures accompany us for more and more months and with them also the periods of use of the pools make their deterioration greater.

Tips for waterproofing a swimming pool already built

A complete and successful renovation can mean that we can forget about the pool for up to ten years, as the durability of the waterproofing is directly linked to the quality of the materials and the execution and the type of final coating that is installed. Follow our advice to avoid leaks in all types of pools.

On a technical level, one of the main aspects to pay attention to is the deterioration of the cementitious joints of swimming pools, which should be checked and repaired every two to five years.

Likewise, in terms of waterproofing solutions, it is essential to opt for continuous flexible cementitious sheets, as they are compatible with all construction materials and allow waterproofing that can be coated with any material, whether paint or ceramic tiles such as gresite, one of the most commonly used.

For the final coating, it is ideal to use solutions with a fully aesthetic finish that provide high durability and resist degradation due to aggressive maintenance and cleaning products.

Waterproofing or renovating an existing or old swimming pool

Do you need a deep repair? Repair mortars

These mortars are used to give flatness, to fill cracks, to repair cracks and fissures or to make half-rounds in joints with floor and wall.

We recommend PROPAM® REPAR TECHNO 20. It is a waterproof, thixotropic, non-shrink, sulphur-resistant mortar for regularisation in a thick layer of fine finish. High adherence, medium mechanical resistance and reinforced with fibres. Specially formulated for the non-structural repair of concrete in aggressive environments.

And, in the case of small repairs, in order to carry them out quickly, we recommend using PROPAM® REPAR 20 R, a thixotropic mortar, with rapid hardening and setting, for small anchorages and non-structural repairs.

In pools already waterproofed with polyester, if a tiled finish is required, Molins has an adhesive capable of adhering to this product after sanding. VAT® ELASTIC is a two-component adhesive for the bonding of stoneware and ceramic tiles on “non-conventional” substrates. High performance elastic reactive adhesive for ceramic tiles and stone materials.

VAT® ELASTIC high-performance adhesive is a bi-component product based on selected silica sands, stable pigments, additives and special resins, which hardens by chemical reaction without loss of volume.

Waterproofing of already painted swimming pool, tiled or concrete/mortar:

1. Pre-clean with acid or pressure cleaner, in case of paint it must be completely removed.
2. Application of a flexible continuous waterproofing membrane, which guarantees the correct waterproofing of the tank. This is done by applying the flexible continuous cementitious membrane PROPAM IMPE FLEX/FLEXITEC reinforced with BETOFIBER GLASS fibreglass mesh and placing BETOTAPE SEAL elastic band in existing corners and cracks.
3. Laying a new porcelain tile or tile with the flexible and deformable cementitious adhesive PAM ECOGEL FLEX. The grouting can be carried out with BORADA PORCELÁNICA + BORALÁSTIC cementitious grout or with watertight, durable, efflorescence and stain-free mortar that is resistant to saline chlorination, which is used to disinfect the pool. Decorative epoxy mortar for BORADA EPOLUXE joints.

In addition, BETOFLEX MS45 silane modified polymer mastic can be used for sealing pipes, skimmers, etc.

Waterproofing swimming pool: Options Molins

BETOFIBER GLASS

Betofiber Glass fibreglass mesh is perfect for the reinforcement of liquid waterproofing membranes and the ease with which it prevents the appearance of fissures or cracks.

The best way to install the mesh is to place it between two layers of fresh material, spreading it well and avoiding any wrinkles, air pockets or imperfections that may occur. Finally, we will use a smooth trowel stretching from the centre to the sides to complete the process.

BORADA® PORCELAIN

This product allows our joints to be perfect. At the same time, it makes the procedure easy, easy to do, in perfect conditions, with good adhesion and mechanical resistance. Thanks to this product, fissures and cracks can be prevented in the long term.

Finally, it is important to note that this mortar requires a joint filler up to 4 mm wide, between ceramic tiles, in any type of flooring or cladding.

BORALÁSTIC

With BORALÁSTIC we will achieve perfect waterproofing, greater resistance and durability. At the same time, it provides great adherence and enormous cohesion and plasticity. It is used instead of mixing water.

Advisable in cases of high demands such as: filling joints of minimum thickness, filling joints in pavements with heavy traffic, etc. Do not use in expansion joints or joints subject to movement.

Now you have all the information you need to fine-tune your pool shell. Numerous technical needs arise in the day-to-day running of a construction project and, for this reason, Molins offers companies and applicators its technical area, which brings together a series of calculation tools to make your work easier. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

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