Swimming pool refurbishment and change to saline treatment

System description

Salt chlorination is increasingly used in the construction of new swimming pools or in the renovation of old ones. Thanks to the special advantages of this type of chlorination, the use of chemical products is minimised and consequent economic savings are made. In addition, the maintenance of these pools is less and their use is healthier for the users.

This article describes the renovation of an indoor swimming pool basin by replacing the old liner with a high-performance ceramic system suitable for pools with saline chlorination. The solution implemented consisted of the installation of high quality porcelain tiles and their subsequent grouting with BORADA® EPOLUXE.
In addition, during the works, the concrete tank was repaired and waterproofed with PROPAM® IMPE FLEX cementitious membrane.

Reason for the intervention

Refurbishment and waterproofing of swimming pool and subsequent covering with porcelain tiles 40×60 cm. Epoxy grouting of these pieces, with 3 mm installation joint.

Challenges and constraints

Repair of numerous cracks and fissures on the surface of the concrete pool, after removal of the old coating.
Regularisation of the pool floor with mortar.
Application of a flexible continuous waterproof membrane, which guarantees the correct waterproofing of the pool.
Use of a grouting mortar, which is durable and resistant to saline chlorination, foreseen for the disinfection of the pool.
Covering with a large-format ceramic system. Although it is usual to use stoneware tiles, due to their ability to adapt to the surface, other sizes of tiles can be used, provided that the following considerations are taken into account: correct flatness of the substrate, installation using the double gluing technique and choice of the appropriate adhesive.

Molins Solution

Repair of cracks, fissures and regularisation of the pavement with the structural repair mortar PROPAM® REPAR TECHNO.
Sealing of the cracks in the swimming pool foci with the high performance elastic band BETOTAPE FLEX bonded with the epoxy adhesive BETOPOX® 920P.
Application of the flexible continuous cementitious membrane PROPAM® IMPE FLEX reinforced with BETOFIBER GLASS fibreglass mesh.
Laying of a new porcelain tile with the flexible and deformable cementitious adhesive PAM® ECOGEL FLEX.
Grouting of the new pieces, with BORADA® EPOLUXE WHITE decorative epoxy grout for joints.

Execution

“1. Given the situation and deterioration of the old stoneware, it was decided to remove it by mechanical means, until a stable support was obtained.

“The concrete pool has many cracks and fissures that are repaired with PROPAM® REPAR TECHNO, this product allows the repair at different thicknesses acting as a cosmetic, regularising the surface to leave it smooth and prepared. The same mortar is used to prepare the half-rounds where the wall meets the base of the pool.

“3. In the most compromised fissures close to the focus, a BETOTAPE FLEX elastic band is used and adhered with BETOPOX® 920P epoxy adhesive.

“4. Next, the waterproofing of the pool basin is carried out by applying the flexible cementitious waterproofing product PROPAM® IMPE FLEX with a trowel. This product is tested according to EN 14891 “Liquid waterproofing membranes for use under ceramic tiles laid with adhesives” and has a certificate of potability. A minimum thickness of 2 mm is applied over the entire surface, thus guaranteeing watertightness. A BETOFIBER GLASS alkali-resistant mesh is placed in the middle of its thickness as a reinforcement.

” 5. Once dry, start laying the finish. In this case a porcelain tile 60X40 cm. Using PAM® ECOGEL FLEX (C2TES1) as adhesive, using the double gluing technique.

“6. Finally, leaving a 3 mm joint, the joint was filled with BORADA® EPOLUXE, an anti-acid watertight seal especially suitable for use in contact with saline water.

Technical note

In order to make the right choice of grouting material for a swimming pool, both the maintenance system to be used and the regulations associated with this type of material must be taken into account.

One of the pool maintenance systems that has been on the rise lately is salt chlorination, which consists of an electrolysis reaction using pool water with a small concentration of common salt, about 5 grams per litre, a quantity that is practically imperceptible to people.

In this reaction, sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas are formed, which in the presence of water forms hypochlorous acid that acts as a disinfectant.

In the ceramic tile installation standard EN 138002 “General rules for the installation of adhered ceramic tile coverings”, a table can be found, which is attached below, for the choice of
The use of RG type grouts, such as BORADA® EPOLUXE, is recommended for pools with salt electrolysis or seawater treatments.

TARGET ENVIRONMENT OF THE CERAMIC TILE

Technical office