Processing waterproofing of concrete pools technology. How to cover a swimming pool at the dacha

Methods for protecting the pool bowl from ground liquids from the inside. How to waterproof a pool with your own hands using liquid rubber using a roller?

Work on waterproofing the pool bowl and walls is carried out to protect the structure from destruction due to environmental influences and to extend its service life. Concrete itself, without a top layer of coating, is prone to abrasion, increased dust and rapid destruction. The surface of concrete is coarsely porous, quickly susceptible to destruction, and the use of impregnations, mastics or PVC films increases the service life of the pool by ten years.

The main tasks that pool waterproofing solves:

It reliably protects the pool from mechanical damage;
Protects walls and bottom from the development of fungal infections and mold;
Protects the pool water from contamination. The water is clean and does not contain cement particles or impurities;
Waterproofing materials are used to protect the outer part of the structure from destruction under the influence of moisture, climate changes and temperatures;
Properly applied pool waterproofing over concrete ensures that the pool is watertight against water pressure;
Pool waterproofing is also used to give an aesthetically finished and attractive appearance reservoir

In fact, in order to ensure that the pool operates without leaks and cracks, you need to improve its performance in just three, but important steps:

Step 1. At the stage of construction of the pool bowl, use a brand of cement that is approved for the construction of hydraulic structures. The increased water resistance and frost resistance of these cement grades is achieved due to hydrophobic additives added to the mixture at the manufacturer. If ordinary concrete is used, then you can add polymer additives with your own hands, for example, liquid glass is suitable for penetrating cement, this will make the composition waterproof and resistant to low temperatures for a period of about 5 years;
Step 2. Next, the external waterproofing of the pool must be done. From the outside, the base must be protected to prevent the penetration of groundwater, rain moisture and destruction of the concrete base of the pool;
Step 3. Perform high-quality sealing inside the pool bowl on top of the concrete base.

Pool waterproofing is usually divided into that which is done during the construction of a reservoir - primary and secondary, this is the one that is carried out after several years of operation of the structure. By this time, the concrete surface needs repair, cracks and breaks appear.

For repairs, waterproofing mastics or penetrating and coating pastes are used. First, the cracks are checked for chips, especially large ones, then they are cleaned of dust and dirt, and then next step The work involved is impregnation of the base and filling with cement mortar.

Please note that the materials used for external and internal waterproofing of the pool are generally different!

Popular materials for waterproofing

If you follow the technology for applying protection over the base and know what materials to use for waterproofing, then doing such a job as waterproofing a pool with your own hands will not be difficult.

The choice of a specific material depends on the terrain, the financial side of the issue, and especially where the insulation will be carried out: inside the pool bowl or outside the structure.

Materials are conventionally classified according to their principles of action and methods of application.

Compositions of penetrating action, another term - penetrating, (after the name of the most popular manufacturer of dry mixture for hydrophobization Penetron) are effective due to the fact that the concrete itself becomes the carrier of the hydrophobic function, and not the insulation layer on it. The penetrating composition protects the cement base at the level of molecules and capillaries, thanks to gradual crystallization inside the pores, water absorption by the base practically stops.

Manufacturers produce penetrating mixtures in dry form, and can also be found in the form of ready-to-use mastics. The dry mixture is diluted in accordance with the instructions on the package, adding the mixture to water and mixing small portions by hand, large portions with a drill at low speeds or an electric mixer. You can do the work of penetrating the surface yourself, with your own hands. Because the coating method is usual, you need to use a brush, roller or spray gun.

Materials for penetrating waterproofing work are used for internal, less often external, concrete surfaces.

The advantage of insulation is that the protection period is equal to the service life of concrete, but a significant disadvantage for many is the relatively high price. In this group, inexpensive methods of protection include liquid glass. This is an aqueous solution of Na and K silicates (sodium and potassium), which is applied in 2 layers.

Coating compositions

Liquid rubber gets its name because the protective material feels and looks very similar to real rubber. Created based on bitumen components and polymer additives, natural rubber is added less often.

Liquid rubber is produced in the form of a one-component or two-component mastic; the second component is a special salt hardener, which, upon reacting, converts the emulsion into a membrane.

The traditional method of application is cold spraying or pouring over a cement base. Polymerization is quick and easy and the result is a single, monolithic membrane, without seams, of the required thickness. Liquid rubber protection has proven itself to be excellent for external and internal substrates over more than 10 years of experience in Russia. The membrane applied in accordance with the technology will last at least a decade and a half and will remain completely impermeable to moisture. Another significant advantage of liquid rubber is its use for any terrain, which is very important for swimming pools, since the designs of reservoirs involve steps, levels and other elements.

Liquid rubber is also produced in the form of rolls. The rolled rubber membrane has excellent wear-resistant, waterproof and non-slip properties, which is important for ponds.

Polymer cements

Polymers are an excellent two-component material for protecting the outer walls and bottom of the pool, especially for the part of the structure that is located underground. The material, however, is considered insufficiently elastic for the inner surface of pools, the bottom and walls of which are subject to constant pressure from the water column.

It consists of cement, sand, polymer plasticizers and small fractions of additives. Sold dry and requires mixing with water. For long service life, polymer cement must be applied in at least 2 layers using paint brushes and rollers. Polymer cement is filled over the cement base in an even layer, leaving no voids or cracks.

Bitumen

The advantage of choosing bitumen is its low price. This method of protection has many undesirable features, for example, bitumen must be laid on top of a perfectly flat base, it has weak adhesion to other materials, and has a very short service life without cracking due to temperature changes.

Roll protection

Waterproofing over the cement base of the pool can be film. For example, a PVC membrane has high maintainability, is quick to install, and has a high tensile strength. Placed on almost any base (concrete, brick, iron or plastic), it can be mounted all year round, but it is prohibited to place it outdoors during periods of wet precipitation in the form of fog, rain or snow and on wet walls.

Why are film materials often chosen for pool waterproofing? A wide range of colors and textures speaks in their favor. You can get the perfect mosaic on the bottom of your pool by choosing a liner with a matching pattern and a non-slip surface.

The disadvantages of PVC films include the need for welding and then the presence of joining seams, loss of color over time.

There are film membranes and profiled membranes (with stiffeners). On the outside of the pool, on top of the base, you can use a profiled membrane; it drains water more effectively from the foundation of the pool, especially if there is a frequent rise in the groundwater level.

You can safely install a PVC film membrane inside the pool.

Despite the wide selection of insulating compositions, it is recommended to use modern penetrating and coating mastics. They are more effective than traditional bitumen or roofing felt. Yes, and they are sold ready-to-use, and not like before, when you had to mix the composition yourself, with your own hands;
Considering the properties of materials for waterproofing, it is better to use them in combination. The combination allows you to enhance the protective effect; to do this, you first need to fill the pores of the concrete with penetrating mastic, then fix it with a coating composition. The most effective are coating agents used in conjunction with fiberglass reinforcing mesh.

Important features that waterproofing materials should have

Protective compounds must have good covering properties;
Must have high adhesion, that is, adhesion to the base composition;
Elasticity, since the pool bowl is under constant water pressure;
Waterproofing, as a result, should create a monolithic single layer of protection absolutely impenetrable to moisture.

The advantages of using liquid compositions over roll materials are that they have greater versatility and covering properties. They adapt to any surface topography and, most importantly, do not create seams. For a waterproof coating, it is always better to not have a single seam as a potential source of leakage.

What should you consider when applying waterproofing?

If groundwater rises above the base of the bowl, then during construction it is necessary to provide for water drainage by constructing a drainage system around the perimeter of the base.

Usually, when performing work on the internal sealing of a pool bowl, they start from the walls of the pool and finish at the bottom.

The main directions in which the most thorough sealing occurs are the sealing of “wall-to-wall” and “wall-to-bottom” seams. In particular, attention should be paid to those places where communications and pipes are installed.

At the end of the work, it is customary to check how well the protection has been applied over the concrete base. To do this, you need to fill the pool with water and measure the H2O level, take measures to prevent the water from evaporating and measure again after 7-10 days. The difference between the measurement data will indicate whether there is a leak somewhere. To prevent the water in the pool from actively evaporating, a film cover or awning is used.

Waterproofing a pool is an integral stage of building a pond that will serve you for many years. Therefore, you should carefully consider the choice of material, its properties and method of application, and only in this case, you can enjoy swimming in the pool without repairs for decades.

For commissioning, liquid waterproofing for swimming pools will help; materials - for example, liquid rubber - are always available at any hardware store.

If you built a concrete pool, then you will have to finish its bowl. Finishing a pool is not a simple procedure, because the internal surface of the structure is constantly exposed to the harmful effects of water and additional hydraulic load. Therefore, it is important to buy suitable materials and apply a certain work technology. The best options for finishing a pool are PVC film, tiles and mosaics. Let's talk about this in more detail!

Pool plastering

Any casting of a pool bowl will not turn out to be perfectly level, so the first stage of finishing work is leveling the walls. In this case, the adhesive method of applying plaster or applying plaster over a mesh is used.

Plaster on mesh

Plastering on a grid involves the use of conventional sand-cement mixtures. However, these materials for finishing the pool do not provide reliable adhesion, which is why it is customary to first attach the steel plaster mesh and then apply the plaster. This method has its drawbacks: during the use of the pool, water can penetrate through the layer of plaster to the metal mesh, causing corrosion of the metal, and the plaster can fall off along with the tiles.

Therefore, an anti-corrosion coating should be applied to the mesh, but, nevertheless, such an outcome is quite possible. To solve this problem, it is worth improving adhesion by creating a slightly rough surface of the pool bowl. You can use not steel, but glass or synthetic plaster mesh, as well as waterproof plaster mixtures that have good adhesion to concrete.

Applying plaster to glue

The adhesive method of applying plaster is as follows: before plastering, the concrete surface must be cleaned and treated with special impregnations that have deep penetration. Such impregnations contain different polymers: acrylic and epoxy resins, urethanes and others. They are capable of creating an adhesive layer to which the next leveling layer is glued.

There are certain requirements for the quality of plastering work performed. When plastering and finishing the pool, bulges, depressions and cracks are not allowed. Small irregularities, up to 1 millimeter in size, are allowed in quantities of no more than 2 pieces per 4 square meters. Vertical surfaces can have deviations of no more than 1 millimeter per meter.

Pool finishing materials

Finishing individual pool usually made with glass or ceramic tiles, PVC film or mosaic. It is very rare to find finishing with natural stone, for example, marble. When choosing colors, preference is given to different shades of blue and green, which create the impression of freshness and sea depth. The darker the color you choose, the deeper the pool will appear.

The design and finishing of the pool walls around the perimeter can be made of exotic wood or coping stone. Plants around the pool should be planted in such a way as to create a protected area, the illusion of peace and the effect of privacy. You can decorate your pool with evergreens and colorful ornamental shrubs. On one side you can make a Roman staircase that is immersed in water.

Tile

Tiles are installed differently in a swimming pool than in a bathroom. Here it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the mechanical effect of water on the material. The walls of the pool bend by several millimeters under the pressure of the mass of water. Thus, the tiles are laid at some distance from each other, and the grout and glue are chosen to be more elastic. Otherwise, when deflected, the coating will not withstand the upcoming load and, like the mosaic matrix, will become covered with microcracks.

You should use special porcelain tiles for finishing the pool, as they are more dense and have less water absorption than regular ceramic tiles for lining a bathtub. By the way, simple porous tiles quickly absorb water and become a breeding ground for algae and microorganisms.

Porcelain tiles are more frost-resistant and heat-resistant, which is especially important for outdoor swimming pools, have high plasticity and do not absorb dirt. It is customary to lay tiles with an anti-slip corrugated, rough surface next to the pool and in the area where it rises and descends.

Mosaic

Mosaic is considered a reliable, wear-resistant material suitable for lining a swimming pool. It is customary to buy glass or ceramic mosaic tiles for a pool for similar reasons to choosing porcelain tiles. Such a mosaic has a high density, practically does not get dirty and does not spread fungus. The principles for preparing the pool base for finishing with mosaics and tiles are the same.

Glass mosaic does not absorb water at all. The cost of such a mosaic is quite high. The impressive price of laying a pool with such material will be paid off over time by its excellent appearance and wear-resistant qualities. Mosaic for pools is good because it can be used to create any ornament and pattern. In addition, mosaics are easy to cover any curved surface and corners that are inaccessible to conventional tiles.

PVC film

Pools can be covered not only with mosaics or tiles, but also with PVC film. This material is lightweight, has good waterproofing properties and is reasonably priced. True, the film on the walls will not last forever; its useful life is approximately 7 years. It is best used for an indoor pool.

The thickness of the film is 1-1.5 millimeters and it consists of 4 layers, which contain, in particular, a durable layer of synthetic material - Kevlar or polyesterol. The film is resistant to chemicals and ultraviolet rays. The coating is not attractive to harmful microorganisms and is easy to clean.

The market of modern building and facing materials offers two types of film. Polyvinyl chloride film is made on the basis of plasticized PVC and has a special impregnation that protects the pool from the negative effects of fungus, bacteria and spores present in the water. The color palette is quite diverse, and you can choose the material according to your fantasies and preferences.

Butyl rubber film is characterized by improved durability and ductility. It can be easily cut with scissors and glued together. This material is indispensable for large tanks, when strength comes to the fore. Butyl rubber film is not afraid of changing seasons; it tolerates fluctuations in temperature and pressure well, so it is ideal for working with any surface, even in harsh winter.

Do-it-yourself pool finishing

When the pool is built, a layer of plaster is laid using one of the above methods, a waterproofing layer is created and the facing material is selected, you can begin finishing it with peace of mind. Mosaics and tiles are laid almost identically, but working with PVC film, naturally, has its own nuances. Below is brief instructions on how to finish a swimming pool with your own hands.

Pool wall cladding

Typically, pool lining begins 1-5 days after plastering and applying a waterproofing compound. Mosaics and tiles must be laid using special adhesives or cement-sand mortar.

Cladding is usually done in horizontal rows, starting from the walls. Using a plumb line and nails, you need to install vertical beacons, and then hang a horizontal mooring cord made from ordinary fishing line along the upper edge. As you work, this line should be moved up row by row to control the straightness of the joints.

Adjacent tiles must be oriented with their entire plane along the vertical hanger and mooring cord; the tile should be lowered to the desired level by lightly tapping it with the handle of a spatula. The thickness of the facing seam is fixed with two steel pins or nails of the same cross-section. It is recommended to fill the joints with mortar only half the thickness of the porcelain tiles. After the row has been laid, you should attach a lath to the tile and lower it to the desired level.

If pattern and symmetry are important, then they start decorating the pool with their own hands from the middle of the row, and finish the row at the corners with halves or thirds of tiles. Although it is worth calculating the required number of full-sized tiles in a row from the very beginning of work. In this case, you won’t have to cut the material, and the pool lining will look neater. The joints that form between laid tiles are usually treated with frost-resistant and moisture-resistant grout, which matches the color of the tile or contrasts with it.

Pool bottom finishing

Laying the bottom of the pool requires special attention; it should be done at the corners of the triangle, and not in rows, or “in an envelope.” This applies to the case when the floor in the pools is not level, but has a certain slope towards the hole for draining the water.

If the drain hole is located in the center of the pool, then first it is worth identifying and marking the cut lines connecting the corners of the structure with the opposite corners of the drain hole. After carrying out such markings, the bottom will be conditionally divided into 4 triangles - the lining is made along them.

In each triangle, the laying of tiles begins with the wall row, without a slope. Next, it is customary to lay out a lighthouse row perpendicular to this row. Referring to the tiles in the lighthouse row, it is necessary to horizontally cover the surface of the triangle using incomplete tiles along the edges. Other triangles similarly begin to be laid out from the wall and lighthouse rows.

Finishing the pool with PVC film

It is customary to lay the film on carefully sanded surfaces, since otherwise it will rub off in uneven areas. First, a fastening strip should be attached to the surface of the pool with screws, which is a metal strip that is 2 meters long, 5-6 centimeters wide and 2 millimeters thick.

On one side, a plastic coating must be applied to the strip. The film is not glued to the surface, but is covered from the inside of the pool, pressing it tightly against the walls with water. If the bottom has a complex, uneven terrain, then installation of the film should begin from there. Geotextile is placed under the material - a polymer non-woven fabric that has a thickness of 0.5-1 centimeter. It can protect the film from condensation and damage. The edges of the film must be welded with hot air and rubbed with liquid plastic for complete sealing.

PVC film is also used when reconstructing an old pool or finishing a pool with your own hands, which is tiled and has problems with waterproofing due to the formation of cracks. In this case, the film is laid directly on the tile. In order not to overpay in the future for shortcomings and mistakes, we present to your attention a video on finishing a pool.

Thus, tiling a pool is a very labor-intensive process, which, despite this, is within the power of every avid and hardworking developer. After reading the article, you learned how to choose the right material for finishing, because there are many different options offered on the market, and how to lay the coating conscientiously so that no water escapes. All you have to do is look at the photos of the pool finishing and you can start doing the work.

A swimming pool is both a decoration for a personal plot or home, and a place for sports, relaxation and entertainment. Let's make a reservation - nice pool, filled with invigorating moisture sparkling in the light of sunlight or LED lamps. And not the one that stands without water, representing an unattractive depression in the ground or in the floor. The durability of a pool is primarily determined by its waterproofing.

Therefore, if you are building a pool from scratch or decided to restore an old one, you are interested in waterproofing yourself, then you need to know what to choose from, and what surfaces need to be covered with waterproofing.

Pool waterproofing: materials

There are a lot of materials, and which one is suitable for your pool depends on the area in which you live, the climate, and the type of pool you have.

Main types of waterproofing:

PVC film;

penetrating waterproofing;
coating waterproofing;
liquid glass;

liquid rubber;

bitumen-based materials (in comparison with the latest developments they are significantly inferior, and therefore are almost not used, although they were previously widely used);
adhesive insulation made of bitumen-polymer compositions, applied hot.

Methods of waterproofing a pool

There are external and internal waterproofing.

To protect the pool bowl from groundwater, external waterproofing of the pool is used. During the construction phase, plasticizers are added to concrete to increase its strength and water resistance.

The second option is to coat the concrete with penetrating compounds. For external waterproofing of swimming pools, do-it-yourself mastics Izofast and Tenabit-M, Penetron and Infiltron are used. These are those mixtures that contain sand, chemical additives (plasticizers) and cement. The result is that the mixture penetrates deeply into the concrete base of the future pool, filling the smallest cracks and micropores, strengthening its physical and chemical properties.

External waterproofing of the pool: technology

If there is a need to repair the pool, then external waterproofing of the pool is a very important step.

1. The walls are dug out along the perimeter of the pool bowl.

2. They are cleaned of contamination and inspected.

3. In places where the concrete has begun to deteriorate and peel off, cleaning is also carried out.

4. Seams and cracks are unstitched and cleaned in order to subsequently treat them with material for waterproofing the seams.

5. The outer walls of the pool are first covered with penetrating, then coating and elastic insulation (if you use cement-based waterproofing) and coating and insulating if you use bitumen-polymer mastic, which is also called liquid rubber.

Internal waterproofing of the pool: technology

1. The concrete base is cleaned of dust and debris.

2. Seams and cracks are opened and treated with materials to seal the seams. The joints are sealed with sealing tapes.

3. The surface is leveled. To do this, the surface is plastered: the walls are treated with waterproof compounds for swimming pools, and the bottom is treated with a self-leveling cement mixture.

4. The surface is primed with a primer using a roller or brush. After 3-4 hours you can begin applying subsequent layers.

5. The dry mixture is diluted with water to the consistency of thin sour cream (the ratio of liquid and dry material must be strictly observed, taking into account the instructions for the specific material indicated on the packaging).

6. Apply the solution to the previously prepared base using a brush or spray.

7. Particular care must be taken in handling:

seams between the bottom and walls of the pool;
seams created during concreting;
places where communications are introduced;
cracks in the concrete base;
formwork fastening holes.

It is important to note here that to treat a pool with waterproofing compounds, you need to use them in a comprehensive manner: first a penetrating solution, and then a coating solution. After applying the penetrating composition, the surface is treated with a solution of hydrochloric acid (4-5%). Then everything is washed off with water, and after another 30 minutes the treatment is carried out with a 4-5% solution of soda ash. Only after this is the coating mastic applied. Two-component elastic waterproofing is applied with a thickness of 2.5-4 mm.

If you use Hyperdesmo liquid waterproofing, you will need to apply 3 layers. After 6 hours, but no later than 24 hours (when the layer has polymerized but is slightly sticky), the reinforcing mesh is laid, and the second layer is poured on top of it. After this, fine-grained sand is poured onto the polymer layer that has not yet completely hardened to improve adhesion - adhesion to the next layer. If the coating is being prepared for tiles, then the surface is allowed to dry completely, the sand is brushed off and the laying of the tiles begins.

If tiles are not provided, then a third layer of polymer is applied on top of the second layer, to which pigments are added to obtain the desired color. Sometimes mastics of different colors are mixed to obtain the desired pattern. Since the third layer still needs to be strengthened, accelerator A-3000 is added to the solution for the finishing coating at the rate of 1 liter of accelerator per 25 kg of mastic. Mix everything thoroughly with a mixer to prevent bubbles from appearing. The mass should be homogeneous. Then, using a squeegee, it is evenly distributed and “spiked” - passed over the mixture with a spiked roller. Everything is reminiscent of the technology for applying self-leveling floors.

8. After treating the pool surfaces with waterproofing, you cannot walk on them, and the temperature should not be below 0°C for 3 days.

9. To prevent peeling and cracking of the material, in some cases (when using Penetron and other products), the surface must be moistened for 3 days, and in the inner part of the pool (the one that will be under water pressure) for almost 14 days. This is done by spraying water and covering the treated concrete surface with plastic film.

10. After all work is completed, the pool bowl is checked for leaks. To do this, water is filled into it for 10 days. If no leak is found, the water is drained, and the bottom is cleared of possible debris and allowed to dry.

11. After drying, begin decorating the pool bowl with mosaics or tiles (if necessary).

Waterproofing mastics

Depending on the purpose, the following types are used waterproofing materials.

Particular attention will need to be paid to seams, cracks and gaps. If the cracks are more than 0.4 mm, use the M600 injection clamp. Dry cracks or wet ones, injection resins PeneSplitSeal and PenePurFoam, Penecrit solution or one-component polyurethane sealant Rubberflex will help you effectively get rid of them.

Before waterproofing the pool, it is primed. To prime the base for applying waterproofing material, use primer Gruntofol, AquaDur or similar.

For external waterproofing of swimming pools, do-it-yourself mastics Izofast and Tenabit-M are used, for internal waterproofing - Hyperdesmo or Penetron, Cemizol 2EP and 2EN, Idrosilex Pronto, Polybit Polyflex and Ceresit.

This polymer-cement mastic creates an elastic, water-resistant layer on the concrete surface of the pool bowl, which additionally makes the concrete resistant to mechanical stress.

Waterproofing a swimming pool with liquid rubber

Liquid rubber is a bitumen-polymer mastic that is sprayed onto the surface, adheres well to it and provides good waterproofing properties.

It is also called membrane coating. Such a material can combine the advantages of PVC membranes and liquid waterproofing. In this case, you will get a continuous coating that adheres well to the surface without seams. It will be as pleasant to the touch as a PVC membrane, and as dense and durable as polymer-cement mastics. Liquid rubber can serve as a basis for further laying of mosaics or tiles, and maybe as a finishing coating. They are already producing colored materials, which makes it possible to use liquid rubber without decoration.

Among modern brands, Trowel Grade, TopCoat AnyColor, and Roller Grade are common. These are bitumen-polymer emulsions, mastics, which are used for waterproofing both the seams at the base of the pool and the entire pool.

Before applying liquid rubber, the surface is carefully leveled and treated with a degreasing compound. See paragraph 7 of the “Internal insulation of the pool” section.

Then the bitumen-polymer coating is applied with a roller or brush - this is what those who will waterproof a concrete pool with their own hands do. When carrying out such work, construction professionals use a compressor.

Waterproofing a pool with liquid glass

In order for the concrete to be more durable, as an option, liquid glass is added to it. This is the name for a solution of sodium and potassium silicates. This helps strengthen the material, makes it resistant to mechanical damage and reduces moisture absorption. This procedure is carried out during the construction stage. But liquid glass is used without cement: the surface is impregnated with it, which serves as protection from moisture, temperature, ultraviolet radiation and corrosion for a period of at least 5 years.

PVC membranes

The most progressive and reliable of film waterproofing materials is PVC membranes. This material combines waterproofing and decorative functions. This is a soft, durable, elastic film in a wide variety of colors. Every year new types appear - mosaic, marble, etc.

This film is resistant to mechanical damage, tolerates well if the base underneath is not perfectly flat, and the welds are strong. A geotextile fabric is usually laid under it, which hides all the irregularities that could negatively affect the waterproofing of the pool. This material can be used at temperatures from -50 to +80 degrees. The price of ALKORPLAN brand PVC membrane is $12-27 per linear meter. It is used in conjunction with geotextiles, the price of which is $1 per meter.

No matter how strong the membrane is, this material can still be damaged under certain circumstances. You can make a hole in it on purpose or accidentally. Therefore, mastics, liquid glass or liquid rubber are more often used for permanent pools.

Pasted waterproofing

For this type of insulation, materials based on polymerized bitumen are used, which are applied hot. These are stekloizol, rubitex and glass elast. The material is durable, frost-resistant, not afraid of sunlight and has good stretchability, which means increased strength.

When waterproofing a swimming pool, you need to evaluate your strengths. The chosen method of waterproofing can be quite labor-intensive. Therefore, carefully study the technologies for applying one or another waterproofing and choose the one that you can handle without the involvement of specialists.

A particularly important stage in the construction of a concrete pool is waterproofing the structure. Mistakes made during waterproofing work can seriously shorten the life of the entire structure, lead to the need for constant repairs, and even make further operation of the pool impossible.

Why do you need internal and external waterproofing?

First, let's figure out what they are functional features waterproofing. Its task is to prevent moisture from outside and inside the pool from entering the internal layers of the construction material, because a microcrack of 3 mm is fraught with destruction of the concrete bowl. There are external and internal waterproofing. The external one protects the pool structure from groundwater and flood waters, the internal one protects from the water that fills the pool, as well as from chemical compounds (disinfectants) used to purify the water. Disinfectants that are harmless to humans have a destructive effect on concrete structures.

Important! Regardless of the type of waterproofing, it only protects the bowl structure from moisture, but will not save it if the construction technology is violated.

Requirements for the quality of pool waterproofing:

Strength and durability.
Resistance to external influences.
Significant elasticity.
High adhesion rates.

Ideal waterproofing should have all of the specified properties, while forming a monolithic and seamless layer on the surface of the pool bowl.

External waterproofing

External waterproofing is subject to requirements similar to foundation waterproofing. The difference lies in the parameters of shrinkage and changes in the geometry of the pool structure under the influence of a significant volume of water and the resulting dynamic loads.

External waterproofing of the pool is carried out using the following materials:

In the construction of swimming pools, a combination of various materials is often used, which increases the reliability of the waterproofing layer. For example, walls are covered with bitumen mastic, followed by laying rolls of waterproof membrane. The seams between the rolls are welded with a construction hairdryer.

The use of modern highly effective penetrating and injectable compositions is limited to a certain extent by their high cost, as well as the cost of work on their application.

The most accessible and proven method remains the construction of a clay castle. The soil at the site where the pool will be installed is selected, clay is poured into the pit and compacted. Clay castle is used in combination with other waterproofing materials.

Important! When constructing a pool, the groundwater level should not be higher than the level of the bottom slab of the concrete bowl. Ground and flood waters are the main factor in the intense impact of moisture on the pool structure. To lower their level, groundwater is removed from the structure using a drainage system.

External waterproofing is used only for outdoor pools. It is not required for indoor pools.

Internal waterproofing

The pool bowl is a monolithic reinforced concrete structure, and the penetration of moisture into the micropores of concrete will inevitably lead to corrosion of the reinforcement frame and a decrease in the strength of the entire bowl. Moisture trapped in micropores under the influence of negative temperatures will begin to expand and form cracks. The mass of water in the pool bowl constantly exerts static and periodically dynamic pressure on the structure, accelerating negative processes in the material of the bowl. Internal waterproofing should resist this.

To install internal waterproofing, the concrete bowl is cleaned of dust and debris, checked for cracks and seams, which are treated with materials to seal the seams. Sealing tapes are used to seal joints.

The surface of the bowl is leveled by plastering the walls with waterproof compounds for swimming pools; a self-leveling mixture is used to level the bottom. All surfaces are primed with a primer (Gruntofol, AquaDur).

For lining, materials based on polymerized bitumen are used (Stekloizol, Stekloelast, Rubitex). They are laid hot.
For coating, mastics such as Cemizol 2EP, Idrosilex Pronto, Ceresit, and Penetron are used. In terms of their composition, these are polymer-cement mastics that create an elastic layer on the surface of the bowl.
Waterproofing a pool can be done with bitumen-polymer mastic, which is called liquid rubber. Liquid rubber is sprayed with a compressor (for large volumes of work) or applied using a roller or brush. This mastic has increased adhesion to the surface of the pool bowl and creates a durable, elastic layer with excellent waterproofing properties. Liquid rubber combines the qualities of liquid waterproofing and PVC membranes. You can lay mosaics or tiles on the resulting layer. Manufacturers have now mastered the production of liquid rubber in different colors, which eliminates the need to lay down a finishing layer and eliminates the need for decoration. Liquid rubber is as pleasant to the touch as membrane materials. If the work on applying this bitumen-polymer mastic is carried out by a team of specialists (usually 3 people), then they can process up to 1000 m² per shift.
The use of membranes allows you to combine waterproofing and decorative functions. Membranes are produced that imitate marble, mosaic and other finishing materials. The disadvantages of this material include the rather high cost and complexity of the application process. First, the corners and contact lines of the bowl surfaces are treated with a special liquid, then reinforcing fabric is glued to these places, and the liquid is applied again. After drying, the liquid is applied with a roller to the entire internal area of the pool. A reinforced fabric is laid over the liquid, carefully distributed over the bottom and walls, and again covered with a special liquid. After drying, all layers form a single continuous membrane with excellent waterproofing properties. Membranes require strict adherence to installation technology and control over the safety of the material.
The most affordable material for pool waterproofing is PVC film. Typically, such films are used on inexpensive pools. After the film is spread, the seams are welded with a construction hairdryer. The laying speed of this material is high. The disadvantages include a very small selection of material shades and the inability to spread the film without seams, which will be clearly visible in the pool.

When installing waterproofing, sealing cords must be used to seal joints and seams, for example, Penebar polymer cord. The polymer swells upon contact with water and seals the gap or seam. After sealing the seams with cords, they are treated with a penetrating waterproofing compound.

After waterproofing work is completed, mosaics or tiles are laid on the walls and bottom. To prevent water getting through the tile joints from causing the tiles to peel off, special insulating grouts are used. Insulating grouts are polymer or epoxy compounds. Using a rubber spatula, they are pressed into the space between the tiles. Immediately after application, the tiles must be wiped so that the remaining composition does not dry on the surface.

Now it has become very fashionable to have on your suburban area pool. Why not? Why not set up a full-fledged place for receiving water procedures? Especially if you do it yourself or with some outside help. But remember: pool waterproofing must be done on time. Otherwise, this “newfangled thing” will not please you for long. Don’t delay this process: waterproof the pool before you start using it.

Types of waterproofing

If the pool is located inside a structure, then only internal waterproofing is performed to protect the surface of the pool from the negative effects of water penetrating through (possibly) poor-quality materials or cracks. And, if the pool is located outside, then in addition to the internal one, it is necessary to carry out external waterproofing, which protects the bowl of the concrete pool from groundwater and all the aggressive elements contained in it.

That is, the purpose of waterproofing is to make concrete waterproof. The strength and durability of the concrete pool as a whole depends on how well and correctly it is performed.

Important! If cracks larger than 4 mm appear during the operation of the pool, then it is unlikely that any pool waterproofing will solve this problem. In this case, more “drastic” measures will have to be taken.

Classification of materials for waterproofing

By application

All used waterproofing materials are divided into two main groups:

bitumen;
polymer.

Insulating bitumen is a material obtained by blowing tar with hot air. For your information: tar is obtained by heating the last fraction formed during oil refining in a vacuum to a very high temperature (exceeding 400 degrees). The main feature of insulating bitumen (a resin-like substance) is that it does not dissolve in water. After applying it to the surface, it forms a durable and waterproof coating that is not subject to corrosion.

Practice shows that the use of such waterproofing can significantly increase the service life of the pool and guarantee its long-term operation even in conditions of constant contact with groundwater. Rolled and coating materials (mastics) are made from bitumen.

Polymer waterproofing includes compositions based on polyurethane. Once this material is applied to the surface, it interacts with air and transforms into a polymer film that protects against moisture. Polymer waterproofing is a universal coating and has a number of advantages:

good elasticity;
durability (service life more than 15 years);
has excellent adhesion to materials such as ceramic tile, concrete, glass and brick;
resistant to temperature changes;
easy to apply (due to the fact that the composition is a liquid or semi-liquid substance).

Polymer insulation can be coated or sprayed. On the construction market it is presented in the form of mastics and sealants. Using mastic, you can cover rather uneven and hard-to-reach surfaces with a protective layer. Sealant is a more viscous “representative” of polymer waterproofing, which can be easily applied to a surface of any geometric shape (for example, it can be used to insulate joints and seams). Liquid rubber also belongs to the category of polymer waterproofing.

By method of application

According to the method of application, materials are divided into:

coating;
sprayed;
roll

Coating compositions (penetrating impregnations, bitumen and polymer mastics) are used to create a seamless monolithic layer. Most often, one- or two-component cement-polymer waterproofing is used, which can be used to thoroughly seal pores and small cracks formed in concrete. Coating materials, which have a relatively low cost, can provide high-quality protection of the hot tub with minimal labor costs: after all, you can apply several layers of mastic with a brush or spatula on your own.

Rolled materials (roofing felt, film membrane, PVC film) are used for arranging the protection of the pool both from the outside and from the inside. However, using such materials, you will not be able to avoid the presence of seams in the insulation.

Advice! We lay the rolled materials in two layers to overlap the seams.

Criteria for evaluating waterproofing material

Waterproofing a pool can be done using a variety of materials, but not all of them are equally effective. Requirements for waterproofing material:

moisture resistance;
resistance to deformation and other mechanical influences;
immunity to temperature changes;
good adhesion to other materials;
elasticity.

External waterproofing technology

Before proceeding with arranging the protection of the font bowl from the inside, the external waterproofing of the pool is carried out:

if the groundwater level is higher than the bottom slab, then we build a drainage system around the font;
we perform concrete screed for the pool base;
lay out the prepared roll material on the ground (according to previously taken measurements);
connect the seams;
We lay the external waterproofing, doing it with a large margin around the edges, so that later it can be placed on the walls of the pool and connected to the inner insulating layer of the bowl.

Important! Instead of rolled material, penetrating compounds can be used as external waterproofing, for example, mastics, which fill the smallest pores and cracks.

Technology for arranging internal waterproofing

Internal waterproofing of a swimming pool is an important step in the construction of the entire facility. The technology for applying all kinds of coating materials is quite simple:

after pouring the bowl (by the way, to increase the waterproofing properties of concrete, we add plasticizers and special additives to it) leave it for final drying;
We seal small cracks and other defects with resin or sealant;
we arrange the screed of the base of the font using a self-leveling solution;
We carry out plastering work;
we clean the surface of the bowl to make it rough (this is necessary for better adhesion of the protective coating to the concrete);
remove dust and debris; degrease the surface;
We prime the inner surface of the pool bowl with a special compound;
let the primer dry (drying time is indicated on the package);
prepare the coating composition according to the instructions;
We apply waterproofing in two or three layers, generously brushing the seams, small cracks, gaps and joints of the pool surface planes with a brush (each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has dried);
after the waterproofing layer has completely dried, we check the pool for leaks;
We carry out facing work.

On a note! Remember: “the miser pays twice,” so it is better to buy expensive coating materials (they are more effective), and in combination with fiberglass mesh they become more durable and elastic.

The most popular waterproofing materials

Liquid rubber

Liquid rubber is a bitumen-polymer mastic that has good waterproofing properties and combines the advantages of coating materials and roll materials. It is applied in several layers: the result is a pleasant-to-touch, dense and durable seamless coating.

Liquid rubber is a universal material in the sense that it can act as a finishing coating, that is, without subsequent decoration (just buy colored material), and as a base for tiles or mosaics.

Liquid glass

An aqueous alkaline solution of sodium or potassium silicates is nothing more than liquid glass, which is also known in the trade as silicate glue. Liquid glass in combination with cement-sand mortar creates a durable waterproofing coating. The advantages of silicate glue include the fact that it is relatively inexpensive, and the disadvantages are that this material hardens quickly after mixing (within 5 minutes) and is short-lived.

PVC film

PVC film as a waterproofing material is the most popular material. With all its advantages, one should not forget about the disadvantages: expensive installation (since it cannot be done without the participation of professionals) and the material is susceptible to mechanical stress.

So, an abundance of waterproofing materials will allow you to provide high-quality protection for your pool, and it will delight you for many years.