An unwaterproofed swimming pool can be emptied in a month.

An unwaterproofed pool can be emptied in a month due to possible leaks, which is why it is of great importance that the pool be prepared before the summer as this can save 500 litres of water a day – the approximate average consumption of a family of 4 – otherwise there is a risk that it will be completely empty in a month due to possible leaks, according to estimates by Molins, an expert in solutions for healthy construction.

Specifically, if we are talking about a single-family swimming pool – 6×4 metres and 2 metres deep – if one centimetre of water were to be lost per day due to leaks or defects in the waterproofing, we would be talking about losses of 0.24 cubic metres. If no action is taken to prevent this, over the course of a week this amount can rise to 1.5 cubic metres, leaving it completely empty in just one month.

For this reason, at Molins we stress the importance of proper maintenance between the months of April and May in order to arrive at the summer with the pool in perfect condition and to ensure that it remains in perfect condition 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.

How do you know when to waterproof your pool?

The clearest sign is a drop in the water level, beyond that which may evaporate due to high temperatures (typically around a finger a week). If the loss of water volume is more accelerated, it is a clear symptom of plumbing problems, leaks or defects in the waterproofing of the pool shell. Another unmistakable sign will also be alarming increases in the bill.

To keep everything under control, we recommend waterproofing the pool under tiles and sealing the critical points such as impellers, spotlights and skimmers (the filters that suck in and retain waste) to ensure they are watertight. This is a relatively short rehabilitation process, as depending on the size of the pool and the materials used, the execution times can vary between two weeks and a month, hence the importance of planning it in advance.

What should we demand from professionals?

A complete and successful renovation can make us forget about the pool for up to 10 years, as the durability of the waterproofing is directly linked to the quality of the materials, the workmanship and the type of final coating that is installed.

Thus, 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 2 to 5 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 best to use solutions with a fully aesthetic finish that provide high durability and resist degradation due to aggressive maintenance and cleaning products.