BACKGROUND
This article gives a summary of one ARDEX system for waterproofing and tiling a swimming pool. Readers should refer to the TB088 for the comprehensive discussion which presents more options in terms of which products can be used.
KEY ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Structural – the pool must be structurally sound. Refer to the relevant Australian Standards.
B. Climatic – the quoted products must be applied when the ambient temperature is between 10°C-35°C. The membrane must not be applied unless the relative humidity is less than 90%.
C. Time Scale – the time intervals between successive stages as recommended by both AS3958.1-2007 and Ardex Technical information must be followed.
SURFACE PREPARATION
All protrusions must be ground smooth and levelled. The surface must be mechanically prepared to remove all contaminants and to have the required profile of at least CSP2 to provide open pores for rendering and membrane coating preparation.
Render the surface with ARDEX WR 120 FR. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for more detail.
The rendered surfaces must be light broom finish.
A 20mm coving must be installed in the internal corners. This can be done with ARDEX WR 120 FR.
Inactive cracks can be filled with one of the ARDEX crack repair systems – for example ARDEX RA 142.
All existing expansion joints and construction joints can be filled with ARDEX ST Silicone.
PRIMING
All surfaces must be coated with 50% thinned ARDEX WPM 300 and a 2nd coat with undiluted ARDEX WPM 300 on all surfaces to achieve coverage of 3m2/L. Allow the Prime/Seal coating to dry thoroughly between application layers.
WATERPROOFING
Construction joints can be covered using the ARDEX WPM 002 membrane with embedded ARDEX Deckweb polyester fabric. This sits atop the bond breaker which may be a 10mm wide bead of ARDEX ST Silicone for example.
After treatment of all the joints, apply 2 coats of ARDEX WPM 002 two-part membrane at no more than 1m2/L in each application to achieve the recommended minimum 1.2mm DFT. Let dry for 24 hours prior to adhesive fixing the tiles
TILING
Tile adhesives must comply with the ISO13007 ratings Types C2S1 or R1 as per AS3958.1.
The required adhesive coverage of 90% and dry bed thickness must be observed. A typically recommended tile adhesive is ARDEX X 18 with E 90 additive but a selection of Ardex tile adhesives which are suitable for tile fixing in swimming pools is listed in the TB088. ARDEX E 90 is added to improve the performance of the tile adhesives. Allow the adhesives to air cure for a minimum of 7 days before proceeding to grouting.
GROUTING
ARDEX FG 8 grout, mixed with Grout Booster or epoxy grouts such as ARDEX EG 15 and ARDEX WA are suitable for swimming pool applications. ARDEX Grout Booster is added to improve strength, flexibility and abrasion resistance.
Allow 21 days before filling the pool with water.
MOVEMENT JOINTS
Existing expansion or construction joints in the substrate must be carried through the tile work to the face and shall conform to architectural details and AS3958.1-2007.
ARDEX recommends the use or ARDEX ST Silicone.