Waterproofing of pools and painting with epoxy coating
RELATED MATERIALS
• EPOXYCOAT-S – Two-component epoxy coating suitable for swimming pools.
• DUROFLOOR-BI – Two-component, colourless epoxy impregnation.
• ADINOL-DM – Waterproofing admixture for mortars and non-reinforced concrete.
• ADIPLAST – Polymer latex for multiple improvements of mortars.
• PLASTIPROOF – Plasticizing / water-reducing admixture for concrete.
• EPOMAX-EK – Two-component epoxy putty.
• SM-14 – Special solvent for epoxy coatings.
I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS
Painting the surface of a swimming pool with an epoxy coating is an economical alternative to tiling. However, the waterproofing layer and the epoxy coating must meet specific requirements:
Waterproofing layer — Must be long lasting, bond strongly to the pool’s structural elements to resist negative pressures, and have a smooth surface.
Coating — Needs elasticity to resist cracking from thermal movements, resistance to water and pool chemicals (e.g., chlorine), and durability against weather effects such as sun and frost.
II. SOLUTION
• Ensure the pool’s structural frame can withstand hydrostatic pressure.
• Waterproof the pool by applying a strong cement mortar to the walls and bottom that acts as both sealing and smoothing layer. Add ADINOL-DM waterproofing admixture at 1 % of the cement weight to make the mortar watertight.
• Improve adhesion to walls by applying a spatterdash reinforced with ADIPLAST polymer latex; reinforce bonding to the bottom with a bonding layer also containing ADIPLAST.
• During concreting, add PLASTIPROOF (0.2–0.5 % of cement weight) to the concrete for additional waterproofing.
• For elasticity and chemical resistance use EPOXYCOAT-S, a two-component epoxy system that offers high elasticity, abrasion resistance and resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, petroleum products, some solvents, water, sea water and weather effects.
III. APPLICATION
Substrate preparation
1. Thoroughly clean the substrate of grease, formwork oils, loose materials and dust; cut any protruding reinforcement flush with the wall.
2. Prepare a strong waterproof undercoat cement mortar with a cement:sand ratio of 1:2.5 and add ADINOL-DM at 1 % of cement weight. For bonding to vertical surfaces apply a spatterdash with ADIPLAST (cement:sand:ADIPLAST:water = 1:1:0.25:0.25). For bonding to the bottom use a bonding layer with ADIPLAST (cement:sand:ADIPLAST:water = 1:1:0.5:0.5). Undercoat thickness 2–3 cm. ADINOL-DM consumption: approx. 4.2 kg/m³ of mortar.
3. Prepare a waterproof finishing layer using fine sand (cement:sand = 1:2) and add ADINOL-DM at 1 % of cement weight. Apply 5–10 mm thick and rub with a sponge float. ADINOL-DM consumption: approx. 5 kg/m³.
4. Form a groove at wall–bottom intersections and at wall joints during mortar application to facilitate subsequent epoxy work.
Priming and painting with EPOXYCOAT-S
1. After at least 28 days and once the mortar is dry (moisture < 4 %), prime the surfaces with DUROFLOOR-BI. Mix components A and B (correct proportions) for about 5 minutes using a low-revolution mixer; consumption about 150 g/m² depending on absorptivity. Alternatively, prime with EPOXYCOAT-S diluted 10–20 % with SM-14.
2. Fill any cracks or imperfections with EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty.
3. Once the primer dries, and within 24 hours, paint the pool with EPOXYCOAT-S. Mix components A and B thoroughly for about 5 minutes. Apply with a brush, roller or airless gun in two layers, as is or diluted up to 10 % with SM-14. Apply the second layer after the first one dries but within 24 hours. Consumption: 200–300 g/m² per layer.
IV. REMARKS
• Pay special attention to waterproofing around lights, water inlets/outlets and other vulnerable fixtures.
• EPOXYCOAT-S contains solvents; ensure good ventilation during indoor application.
• Working time decreases as ambient temperature rises.
• Protect epoxy layers from moisture for 4–6 hours after application; moisture can whiten or make the surface sticky, requiring grinding and reapplication.
• If the interval between layers is longer than recommended or coating old surfaces, clean and grind the substrate before applying the next layer.
• Read and follow all safety instructions on product labels.
RELATED MATERIALS
• EPOXYCOAT-S – Two-component epoxy coating suitable for swimming pools.
• DUROFLOOR-BI – Two-component, colourless epoxy impregnation.
• ADINOL-DM – Waterproofing admixture for mortars and non-reinforced concrete.
• ADIPLAST – Polymer latex for multiple improvements of mortars.
• PLASTIPROOF – Plasticizing / water-reducing admixture for concrete.
• EPOMAX-EK – Two-component epoxy putty.
• SM-14 – Special solvent for epoxy coatings.
I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS
Painting the surface of a swimming pool with an epoxy coating is an economical alternative to tiling. However, the waterproofing layer and the epoxy coating must meet specific requirements:
Waterproofing layer — Must be long lasting, bond strongly to the pool’s structural elements to resist negative pressures, and have a smooth surface.
Coating — Needs elasticity to resist cracking from thermal movements, resistance to water and pool chemicals (e.g., chlorine), and durability against weather effects such as sun and frost.
II. SOLUTION
• Ensure the pool’s structural frame can withstand hydrostatic pressure.
• Waterproof the pool by applying a strong cement mortar to the walls and bottom that acts as both sealing and smoothing layer. Add ADINOL-DM waterproofing admixture at 1 % of the cement weight to make the mortar watertight.
• Improve adhesion to walls by applying a spatterdash reinforced with ADIPLAST polymer latex; reinforce bonding to the bottom with a bonding layer also containing ADIPLAST.
• During concreting, add PLASTIPROOF (0.2–0.5 % of cement weight) to the concrete for additional waterproofing.
• For elasticity and chemical resistance use EPOXYCOAT-S, a two-component epoxy system that offers high elasticity, abrasion resistance and resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, petroleum products, some solvents, water, sea water and weather effects.
III. APPLICATION
Substrate preparation
1. Thoroughly clean the substrate of grease, formwork oils, loose materials and dust; cut any protruding reinforcement flush with the wall.
2. Prepare a strong waterproof undercoat cement mortar with a cement:sand ratio of 1:2.5 and add ADINOL-DM at 1 % of cement weight. For bonding to vertical surfaces apply a spatterdash with ADIPLAST (cement:sand:ADIPLAST:water = 1:1:0.25:0.25). For bonding to the bottom use a bonding layer with ADIPLAST (cement:sand:ADIPLAST:water = 1:1:0.5:0.5). Undercoat thickness 2–3 cm. ADINOL-DM consumption: approx. 4.2 kg/m³ of mortar.
3. Prepare a waterproof finishing layer using fine sand (cement:sand = 1:2) and add ADINOL-DM at 1 % of cement weight. Apply 5–10 mm thick and rub with a sponge float. ADINOL-DM consumption: approx. 5 kg/m³.
4. Form a groove at wall–bottom intersections and at wall joints during mortar application to facilitate subsequent epoxy work.
Priming and painting with EPOXYCOAT-S
1. After at least 28 days and once the mortar is dry (moisture < 4 %), prime the surfaces with DUROFLOOR-BI. Mix components A and B (correct proportions) for about 5 minutes using a low-revolution mixer; consumption about 150 g/m² depending on absorptivity. Alternatively, prime with EPOXYCOAT-S diluted 10–20 % with SM-14.
2. Fill any cracks or imperfections with EPOMAX-EK epoxy putty.
3. Once the primer dries, and within 24 hours, paint the pool with EPOXYCOAT-S. Mix components A and B thoroughly for about 5 minutes. Apply with a brush, roller or airless gun in two layers, as is or diluted up to 10 % with SM-14. Apply the second layer after the first one dries but within 24 hours. Consumption: 200–300 g/m² per layer.
IV. REMARKS
• Pay special attention to waterproofing around lights, water inlets/outlets and other vulnerable fixtures.
• EPOXYCOAT-S contains solvents; ensure good ventilation during indoor application.
• Working time decreases as ambient temperature rises.
• Protect epoxy layers from moisture for 4–6 hours after application; moisture can whiten or make the surface sticky, requiring grinding and reapplication.
• If the interval between layers is longer than recommended or coating old surfaces, clean and grind the substrate before applying the next layer.
• Read and follow all safety instructions on product labels.
