Swimming Pools Overlay with Poseidone

Poseidone is a continuous cementitious overlay that allows you to easily cover and resurface elements such as swimming pools, tubs, hammams and saunas. It is a single-component microcement that enhances all projects with a modern and captivating aesthetic. Poseidone is an excellent solution for new projects and the renewal of surfaces indoors and outdoors in contact with water and humidity.

The following information provides an overview of how to overlay swimming pools and tanks with Ecobeton Poseidone.

The steps and data described in this guide have been collected from Ecobeton's direct experiences and specialized applicator's advice. However, this information is subject to possible updates and revisions; in case of doubts and questions about the type of procedure to be followed, the surface to be coated, or otherwise, please ask for information by contacting us via email (wiki@ecobeton.it) or by phone (+390444971893)

General Indications

Before overlaying a pool with Poseidone microcement, it is necessary to ensure the structure is waterproof. In particular, we should pay attention to negative water pressure and the hydrostatic thrust the water exerts from the outside towards the inside. Furthermore, there must be no leakage or cracks on the structure that could generate osmotic pressure gradients on the subsequent coating.

Pool waterproofing from the outside

The preferable way to waterproof the pool is from the outer side to create a barrier against water ingress from the adjacent ground. This waterproof layer can be realised through synthetic membranes, bituminous, mineral, or impregnating systems (1).

Waterstop systems must also be provided in correspondence with the connection between the slab and the wall and on any pass-through elements.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

1. Deep penetrating sealer Evercrete Vetrofluid.

Pool waterproofing from the inside

If the tank has no external waterproofing system, it is essential to install waterproofing from the inner side against the negative hydrostatic pressure (pushed from the outside towards the inside).

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

• In the case of a concrete tank, use Evercrete Vetrofluid.
• In the case of a tank made of concrete blocks, eps panels or other types, we suggest to use the cementitious membrane Baselastik (up to 1 bar negative side resistance) or to use Koster NB1.

Fillets

In correspondence to the joints between the floor and wall, it is necessary to create fillets with a radius of curvature from 1.5 to 5 cm. The fillet will reduce bacterial nesting by facilitating the cleanability of the surface, and it allows for reducing the tensions generated at the edge that would otherwise be transferred to the subsequent coating.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

• Watertight fast setting mineral mortar Koster WP Mortar.

Pipe and cable penetrations

• Elements passing through or protruding from the surface of the tank, such as formwork accessories, exposed reinforcing rods, nails, etc., which can act as a vehicle for the transport of water through the wall, must be removed entirely or cut to a depth of at least 5-10 mm behind the surface to be coated.
• Oxidized or potentially oxidizable elements must be treated with a rust converter (1).
• Other penetrations such as cables and pipes must be sealed with suitable permanently elastic paste (2), to block possible water seepage through them.
• Then proceed to restore the continuity of the tank with the appropriate waterproof fast-setting mortar (3).

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

1. Rust converter Rust Buster Gel.
2. Permanently plastic sealing compound Koster KB Flex 200.
3. Watertight fast setting mortar like Koster WP Mortar.

Cracks and joints

In case of cracks in the tank, contact the Ecobeton technical service to evaluate the most suitable solution. Any construction or expansion joints must be respected and brought to the surface even after the coating has been laid down and must be sealed with a suitable waterproof elastic sealant (1).

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT:

1. Elastic low modulus polyurethane sealant Koster PU Flex 25.

Substrate praparation

Properly roughen smooth substrates to improve adhesion. The support must be uniform in texture, solid, clean and free of incoherent parts, oils and previous treatments that may inhibit the adhesion of the product. Evaluate any defects in the substrate in advance. Contact the technical service for further clarification.

Poseidone application, what to know.

Below is some helpful information in the application step of Poseidone.

Mixing of Poseidone

• Poseidone must be mixed with clean, cold water (T < 20 ° C).
• A 25 kg package of Poseidone can be mixed with a maximum of 6 L of water.
• Pour about ¾ of the total water into a clean bucket, add the powder and mix with a mixer at low speed.
• While continuing to mix, add the remaining water. (Mixing time 2 minutes.)

• We suggest preparing the amount you can apply within 15-20 minutes to prevent the material from losing workability. Although the product tends to lose workability in the bucket, re-mixing for a few seconds is sufficient for the product to regain its initial consistency.
• Any addition of water to the mix is allowed up to a maximum of 0.5 L per pack. Any addition of water, however, can lead to chromatic variations on the final coating compared to the standard shade.

Spreading of the coating layers

• Slightly moisten the substrate to hydrate it and lower the surface temperature.
• Avoid water stagnation.
• Apply the first layer of Poseidone with a notched trowel (4-6 mm notches), then level with the american trowel in order to create an even layer of about 2 mm thickness.
• It is possible to apply the second layer of material after the complete drying (about 24 h) or with the fresh-on-fresh technique without wetting the base.
• The overall thickness of the coating must be at least 4 mm to guarantee water tightness.

Fibreglass mesh

You can use an alkali-resistant fibreglass mesh with a grammage of 100 - 120 g / m2 and a 4x4 or 5x5 mm mesh to regularize the applied layer.

• Install the fibreglass mesh on the first fresh coat of material'.
• DO NOT place the mesh directly on the support.
• It is essential to consider that the mesh is NOT intended as reinforcement against possible cracking phenomena of the substrate and does NOT provide elasticity or crack-bridging ability to the product.

Consumption

The yield of Poseidone per mm of thickness is approximately 1.5 kg / m2. To cover a uniform substrate with a 4 mm thick layer, the total consumption is about 6,5 - 7 kg / m2.

Shades

Poseidone can be tinted in a mixture with Ecobeton colouring pastes or inorganic pigments based on oxides.

• The colour of the coating is fundamental in the final evaluation of the effect of the pool water. Light shades allow crystal clear turquoise water, while dark shades create a "mirror" effect.
• The action of chlorine and the products used for water disinfection can lead to long-term shade fading, especially if the management of chemical parameters is not properly controlled. In the same way, excessive hardness of the water can lead to the formation of calcareous deposits with whitish imperfections on the coating. The darker the shade of the overlay, the more pronounced these effects will be.
• The colour of the coating at the waterline (e.g. pools with skimmers) may be subject to fading over time.

For any details, contact the technical service.

Protection

Poseidone does not need additional protection for hydraulic tightness purpose. However, if you plan to leave the pool or tub overlayed without water, without any protection from possible pollutants (soil, leaves, guano, etc.) that may stain the surface, it is possible to protect the coating with a transparent polyurethane finish (1).

• The treatment is intended as protection against stains that may occur during the period in which the tank is empty.
• The treatment with GiGi Sealer has no hydrostatic sealing function.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:

1. Clear polyurethane sealer GiGi Sealer.

Curing

The full curing of Poseidone takes place in 28 days, and that of GiGi Sealer in about ten days.

Subjecting the pool to chemical stress before the end of curing can reduce the final resistance of the products. Do not fill the pool before 15 days after the products have dried out completely.

Warnings

• Avoid laying during hot hours and in the presence of direct sunlight.
• Avoid laying when the temperature of the air or substrate exceeds 30 ° C.
• Do not apply if rain is expected in the next 48 hours.
• Poseidone is NOT an elastic coating and has no crack-bridging capability. Any damage to the substrate can therefore affect the coating.
• Observe the general indications provided by the regulations in force for the treatment of swimming pool water (UNI EN 16713-3, etc.).
• Poseidone is not compatible with water treatment systems based on potassium/magnesium salts.
• Every type of electrolysis disinfection can accelerate the degradation process of the coating.
• Chemical shock treatments can only be done occasionally as they can lead to premature degradation of the coating.
• Poseidone can be irreparably stained by contact with aggressive substances and/or pigments (e.g. leaves, earth, animal excrement, etc.). Protect the coating during any emptying periods.

Tips for proper maintenance and preservation

• 1. Check daily that the level of free chlorine in the water is between 0.7 and 1.5 ppm and the pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. If the disinfection system does not contain a device that regulates the chlorine level, this must be checked manually using a special instrument.

• 2. Regardless of the disinfection system (with chlorine or salt electrolysis equipment), it is important to check the chlorine and pH level. High pH values (> 7.5) are aggressive on the skin, decrease the effectiveness of chlorine and can cause long-term bleaching on the coating. Low pH values (< 6.5) tend to be corrosive on the metal elements in the pool and on the pool coating itself.

• 3. Nel caso di sistema di disinfezione con elettrolisi salina si deve considerare l'utilizzo di uno stabilizzante di cloro (acido isocianurico) ad inizio stagione e quando la piscina è molto esposta al sole per proteggere il cloro dalla degradazione dei raggi UV. Il quantitativo di stabilizzante generalmente si attesta tra 25 e 50 ppm ma deve essere valutato secondo le indicazioni dei produttore.

• 4. It is necessary to check the CAT (Complete Alkalimetric Titre) of the water, which represents the water's ability to neutralise acids. A balanced CAT value prevents pH fluctuation. A CAT of less than 100 ppm makes the water corrosive with possible coating damage. Generally, CAT values should be between 100ppm and 175 ppm.

• 5. It is recommended to check this value weekly and every time it rains.

• 6. Protect the pool in both summer and winter and avoid emptying it unless maintenance work is necessary. Emptying the pool may generate chemical/physical stresses on the structure that may be reflected on the pool coating.

• 7. During summer, keep the water level constant; over winter, protect skimmers and filtration circuits from freezing. Consult professionals for information on the best treatments to keep the pool in good condition until the next season. Protect the pool with a cover when not in use for long periods.

• 8. If well water or water of unknown origin is used, it is advisable to analyse and treat it before filling the pool in order to prevent any dissolved metals such as iron, copper and manganese from reacting and altering the colour of the coating, causing irreparable aesthetic damage.

• 9. Chemicals must never be placed in contact with the coating. The safest and most correct way is by introduction into the skimmers with the circuit pumps. If the format of use is powder, granules or liquid and you wish to dose them directly into the pool, you must pre-dilute them separately in a bucket with water and disperse them by pouring them into different areas of the pool, with the recycling pump running in order to avoid concentrations in particular areas. The use of floating dispensers is to be avoided because if they remain in the same position for a long time, they can lead to bleaching of the coating in the immediate vicinity.

• 10. Do not use chemicals containing copper (e.g. algaecides containing copper sulphate) which may cause discolouration of the coating.

• 11. Do not use aggressive cleaning products or abrasive tools. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that could damage the coating. Any use of cleaning robots must be limited to exceptional cleaning tasks and must not be used on a daily basis.

• 12. Check the hardness (TH, total hardness) value, which is recommended to be between 175 and 225 ppm. High TH values can lead to the appearance of limescale along the waterline. Values that are too low can lead to corrosion of metal parts.

• 13. The water characteristics of the pool, even during periods of non-use, must be maintained at optimum levels as stated above.