How to design & protect swimming pools?

Substrate Preparation

Ensure all surfaces to be sound, clean and free from loose particles, oil and other contaminants. 

For honeycombing, big holes or damaged concrete, use E.MIX dp non shrink grout in one or two layers depending on the depth of the holes.

All joint between vertical walls and ground must be treated by creating a groove of 2cm deep and 2cm wide and reconstitute on the 90° corner an angle curve form in an appropriate thickness with  E.MIX dp non shrink grout. 

Plastering/Screeding

Rendering

The substrate of the concrete walls must be aligned in order to have the tiles fixed, therefore, plastering work is to be applied after repairing work. Weber E.MIX has a wide range of rendering products.

For a better curing, keep spraying water twice a day. If additional thickness is required to achieve the alignment, then scratch the finishing coat and apply another one following the previous steps.

Screeding

The concrete floor has to be aligned as well, by using Weber E.MIX screeding products. Avoid fast drying in case of hot temperature or wind by regular curing process.

Waterproofing

Now the swimming pool is ready to receive waterproofing treatment, we have a wide range of waterproofing products for swimming pool. 

• Recommended to apply at least 2 layers of waterproofing in perpendicular directions.

It is recommended that the tiling start one week from the waterproofing treatment. Water leakage test can commence 18-24 hours after the last layer of waterproofing is applied. 

Tile Fixing Considerations

The three main factors that are considered when selecting the appropriate Weber E.MIX tile adhesives for swimming pools are:

1. Substrate: Often, when tiling in swimming pools the substrate will be a cement-based waterproofing film. As regular cement-based substrates, the cement-based waterproofing needs to be cured, solid, well-adhered and clean from dust or other contaminants. 

2. Pool size: This key factor indicates the pressures and stresses that the tile adhesive will be subjected to.

• Small-sized swimming pools: From jacuzzis, decorative fountains to small family backyard pools. It is recommended to use a C2S1 tile adhesive when tiling in these types of pools. In some cases, using a C2 tile adhesive is also possible, like when tiling the smaller pools or tiling with small tiles. 

• Medium-sized swimming pools: Residential compound pools, private and family pools not exceeding 80m³. It is recommended to use a C2S2 tile adhesive in these swimming pools however, in some cases like when tiling with small tiles, it is possible to use a C2S1 tile adhesive. 

• Large-sized swimming pools: Olympic pools, public resort pools and water tanks that are greater than 80m³. It is recommended to use a C2S2 tile adhesive in these swimming pools. 

3. Tile size & type: This factor indicates the different characteristics of various tiles. 

• The larger the tile size, the greater the surface area it has, the higher the pressures and strains on the tile are. To compensate, highly deformable C2S2 tile adhesive is recommended.    
• Tile absorbency is an important factor, Low absorbency or non-absorbent tiles are harder to bond than absorbent tiles that adhere easier to substrates.
• Tile type, mosaic, ceramic or porcelain. Each type of these tiles have different characteristics and many versions exist of these tiles. 

Note: Please consult weber technical teams for further insight.

Tile Fixing & Tile Grouting

Tiling 

• Apply the tile adhesive evenly on the substrate. Use a notched trowel to have the required thickness. Apply the tiles on the substrate and press them firmly, while making sure that the paste does not slip from the tile sides. Tile adhesive can also be applied on the back of tiles to ensure full adhesion on the entire surface.

Grouting 

• After the fixation of tiles, all the area must be cleaned with freshwater and kept untouched for 24 hours in order to allow the tiling to set, then all the tile joints should be filled or grouted with Weber E.MIX epoxy grout or Weber E.MIX cementitious grout
• Remove surplus grout with a damp sponge. Use the product within its pot life, after mixing. When the grout is dry, clean the tiles with a dry cloth.

Ready for use!

Now it's time to do the post-work cleaning, fill the swimming pool with water and grab your floats and tubes!

After completing the above steps with Weber's products, photograph and share results with us using #WeberSwimmingPools.

Fixing dislodged tiles

For swimming pool repair works, eg. dislodged tiles, can be done underwater without draining off the water with our E.MIX ep 562 bp.

E.MIX ep 562 bp is an epoxy bonding paste with high compressive and tensile strength and fast curing with excellent chemical resistance.