Waterproofing of pools and painting with epoxy coating
RELATED MATERIALS
- EPOXYCOAT-S – Two-component epoxy coating suitable for swimming pools
- DUROFLOOR-BI – Two-component, colorless 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 a swimming pool with an epoxy coating is an economical alternative to ceramic tiles. The waterproofing layer beneath the coating must:
- Be long-lasting since it is difficult and expensive to access after installation.
- Bond well to the pool’s structural elements to withstand negative pressure.
- Have a smooth surface.
The coating must:
- Be elastic so it does not crack due to expansions and contractions.
- Resist water and chemicals in the pool water (e.g. chlorine).
- Resist weather effects such as sunlight and frost.
II. SOLUTION
The pool’s frame must be designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure. Waterproofing is achieved by applying a strong, waterproof cement mortar to the walls and bottom of the pool, creating a smooth, stable and waterproof substrate for the epoxy coating. The mortar becomes waterproof with 1% ADINOL-DM admixture by cement weight. Bonding to the walls is improved by a spatterdash with ADIPLAST; bonding to the bottom is improved with a bonding layer containing ADIPLAST. Adding PLASTIPROOF to the concrete (0.2‑0.5% of cement weight) during construction further reduces water absorption. Elasticity and chemical resistance are provided by EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating, a two-component system with excellent elasticity, resistance to friction and resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, petroleum products, solvents, water, sea water and weather.
III. APPLICATION
Substrate preparation
1. Clean the substrate thoroughly to remove grease, release agents, loose materials and dust.
2. Cut off any protruding construction forks flush with the wall.
3. Prepare a strong waterproof undercoat mortar (cement : sand = 1 : 2.5) with 1% ADINOL-DM admixture. Reinforce adhesion to vertical surfaces with a spatterdash containing ADIPLAST (cement : sand : ADIPLAST : water = 1 : 1 : 0.25 : 0.25) and adhesion to the bottom with a bonding layer containing ADIPLAST (cement : sand : ADIPLAST : water = 1 : 1 : 0.5 : 0.5). Apply the undercoat at 2‑3 cm thickness. Consumption of ADINOL-DM: approx. 4.2 kg per m3 of mortar.
4. Prepare a strong waterproof finishing mortar with fine-grained sand (cement : sand = 1 : 2) and 1% ADINOL-DM. Apply at a thickness of 5‑10 mm and rub with a sponge float. Consumption of ADINOL-DM: about 5 kg per m3. At the intersections of walls and bottom and where walls meet, form a groove to facilitate subsequent epoxy application.
Priming and painting with EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy paint
1. At least 28 days after applying the cement mortar (when it has hardened and moisture < 4%), prime the pool walls and bottom with DUROFLOOR-BI. Mix components A and B thoroughly for about 5 minutes using a low-speed mixer (300 rpm). 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. After the primer dries and within 24 hours, apply EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating. Mix components A and B thoroughly as above. Apply two layers (brush, roller or airless spray) either undiluted or diluted up to 10% with SM-14. Apply the second layer after the first one has dried but within 24 hours. Consumption of EPOXYCOAT-S: 200‑300 g/m2 per layer.
IV. REMARKS
- Pay special attention to pool details such as lights and water inlets/outlets which are vulnerable to waterproofing failures.
- EPOXYCOAT-S contains solvents; ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors.
- Working time of epoxy systems decreases as ambient temperature increases.
- Bonding between layers can be impaired by moisture or dirt; protect epoxy layers from moisture for 4‑6 hours after application.
- If a longer interval than recommended passes between coats or if old layers must be recoated, thoroughly clean and grind the surface before applying the new layer.
- Before application, read the safety advice on the product labels.
RELATED MATERIALS
- EPOXYCOAT-S – Two-component epoxy coating suitable for swimming pools
- DUROFLOOR-BI – Two-component, colorless 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 a swimming pool with an epoxy coating is an economical alternative to ceramic tiles. The waterproofing layer beneath the coating must:
- Be long-lasting since it is difficult and expensive to access after installation.
- Bond well to the pool’s structural elements to withstand negative pressure.
- Have a smooth surface.
The coating must:
- Be elastic so it does not crack due to expansions and contractions.
- Resist water and chemicals in the pool water (e.g. chlorine).
- Resist weather effects such as sunlight and frost.
II. SOLUTION
The pool’s frame must be designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure. Waterproofing is achieved by applying a strong, waterproof cement mortar to the walls and bottom of the pool, creating a smooth, stable and waterproof substrate for the epoxy coating. The mortar becomes waterproof with 1% ADINOL-DM admixture by cement weight. Bonding to the walls is improved by a spatterdash with ADIPLAST; bonding to the bottom is improved with a bonding layer containing ADIPLAST. Adding PLASTIPROOF to the concrete (0.2‑0.5% of cement weight) during construction further reduces water absorption. Elasticity and chemical resistance are provided by EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating, a two-component system with excellent elasticity, resistance to friction and resistance to diluted acids, alkalis, petroleum products, solvents, water, sea water and weather.
III. APPLICATION
Substrate preparation
1. Clean the substrate thoroughly to remove grease, release agents, loose materials and dust.
2. Cut off any protruding construction forks flush with the wall.
3. Prepare a strong waterproof undercoat mortar (cement : sand = 1 : 2.5) with 1% ADINOL-DM admixture. Reinforce adhesion to vertical surfaces with a spatterdash containing ADIPLAST (cement : sand : ADIPLAST : water = 1 : 1 : 0.25 : 0.25) and adhesion to the bottom with a bonding layer containing ADIPLAST (cement : sand : ADIPLAST : water = 1 : 1 : 0.5 : 0.5). Apply the undercoat at 2‑3 cm thickness. Consumption of ADINOL-DM: approx. 4.2 kg per m3 of mortar.
4. Prepare a strong waterproof finishing mortar with fine-grained sand (cement : sand = 1 : 2) and 1% ADINOL-DM. Apply at a thickness of 5‑10 mm and rub with a sponge float. Consumption of ADINOL-DM: about 5 kg per m3. At the intersections of walls and bottom and where walls meet, form a groove to facilitate subsequent epoxy application.
Priming and painting with EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy paint
1. At least 28 days after applying the cement mortar (when it has hardened and moisture < 4%), prime the pool walls and bottom with DUROFLOOR-BI. Mix components A and B thoroughly for about 5 minutes using a low-speed mixer (300 rpm). 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. After the primer dries and within 24 hours, apply EPOXYCOAT-S epoxy coating. Mix components A and B thoroughly as above. Apply two layers (brush, roller or airless spray) either undiluted or diluted up to 10% with SM-14. Apply the second layer after the first one has dried but within 24 hours. Consumption of EPOXYCOAT-S: 200‑300 g/m2 per layer.
IV. REMARKS
- Pay special attention to pool details such as lights and water inlets/outlets which are vulnerable to waterproofing failures.
- EPOXYCOAT-S contains solvents; ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors.
- Working time of epoxy systems decreases as ambient temperature increases.
- Bonding between layers can be impaired by moisture or dirt; protect epoxy layers from moisture for 4‑6 hours after application.
- If a longer interval than recommended passes between coats or if old layers must be recoated, thoroughly clean and grind the surface before applying the new layer.
- Before application, read the safety advice on the product labels.
