Technical Information for Professional Tilers

NO. 02

> OUR ADVICE <

Tiling work in swimming pools

The construction of swimming pools is a special

challenge for tiling specialists. This information
brochure is intended to provide some assistance
with the workmanship as well as material selection.

Stefan Marx,
Applications Adviser with
PCI Augsburg GmbH,
explains his view on:
Tiling work in swimming pools.

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Body of the concrete

The concrete must be in compliance with the quality provisions
of DIN 1045 Parts 1 and 2 as well as the official notes issued by
the Central Association of the German Construction Trade:
Information on the planning and workmanship of ceramic
coverings in swimming pool construction issue date: July
2008.

When filling the pool sudden and too rapid thermal exposure to
cold water on e.g. areas of the pool construction heated up by
sunlight should be avoided. Filling must be carried out slowly at
a speed of approx. 5 cm height/hour. The maximum time to fill
the pool should range between 36 and 48 hours. By experience
the same time should be applied to empty the pool.

In accordance with the DGfdB leaflet 25.04 Swimming and

bathing pools made of reinforced concrete and the ZDB leaflet
Swimming pool construction the reinforced concrete pools are
capable of being covered after 6 months.

Installation parts or penetrations must be fitted with flanges to

ensure a reliable connection of the bonded waterproofing.
Jacket tubes with central seal ring are another option for the
waterproofing of installation parts. This is within the scope of
responsibility of the general contractor and/or the designer of
the swimming pool.

We consider a three-month minimum age of the concrete body

sufficient to ensure that the residual shrinkage does not
endanger the reliable laying of the ceramic.
Before any tiling work is carried out, the concrete construction
must be subjected to a leakage test over a period of 14 days.
The test water must be mixed with chlorine (2 mg/l) to prevent
beforehand microorganisms colonizing on the concrete surfaces
in the pool.

Before any tiling work is carried out the concrete surface must
be mechanically pre-treated to achieve a capillary-open,
bondable concrete matrix. This can be done e.g. by means of
compressed air blasting with solid abrasives (sandblasting). The
adhesive tensile strength must be more than 1.5 N/mm. Cracks
exceeding 0.2 mm must be grouted by injection in accordance
with the repair guidelines of the DAfStb (German Committee for
Reinforced Concrete).

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Levelling layers

Lime-aggressive pool water

For pool surrounds the official leaflet ZDB Information on the

planning and execution of ceramic coverings in swimming pool
construction principally distinguishes between:
Cementitious renders of mortar group P III, strength class
CS IV without the addition of lime hydrate/lime aggregate
according to DIN V 18550 and DIN EN 998-1 or PCC
mortar. The manufacturer must indicate that the materials
used are suitable for the use in swimming pools.
Screed levellers in the pool bottom according to
DIN EN 13813, minimum quality CT-C25-F4, carried out
as bonded screed to DIN 18560-3.

The issue of water quality has to be addressed already during

the planning phase. Depending on the pH value, water hardness,
salt content etc., cement-based systems may very quickly
reach their limits so that the use of two-component reaction
resin systems becomes necessary. A decision in this regard is
only possible by means of the analytical data of the pool water.
The PCI application technology department supports everyone
involved in the evaluation of the analysis data. For this purpose,
either the analytical data supplied are processed or samples are
taken on site which are then analysed in the analytics laboratory
of PCI Augsburg GmbH.
Based on the water hardness (calcium index), buffer capability
(acid capacity index) and the pH value of the pool water a
recommendation for the tiling materials (waterproofing, laying,
jointing) is then submitted (fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Lime index calculator for determining the tiling materials

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Pool head systems

A distinction is made according to:
 
Deep-set pool head systems (e.g. deep-set Wiesbaden
drainage channel, frequently used in the case of older pools
used for swimming competitions from the 1960s and 1970s
or skimmer pools which are exclusively used for private
pools).
 High-set head systems (e.g. System Finland, Zurich, Berlin
or Bamberg). Here the water level of the pool is at the same
level as the ceramics of the pool surrounds. The advantages
of these systems are e.g. a better view enjoyed by the
swimmer, a continuous water overflow as well as nonreflecting waves which create a calmer water surface. This is
above all very much appreciated by competitive swimmers,
since the first pool with a high-set water level at the 1972
Olympics in Munich led to a flood of world records.
 
Therapy pools (e.g. type St. Moritz). Concrete edge
settings enable carers to assist their patients.

Pool head versions

Fig. 2 Capillary breaking grouting (marked in orange)

A decisive detail, especially with a high-set water level, is the

capillary breaking grout based on epoxy resin in the pool head
area (fig. 2/3). The capillary breaking grouting must be carried
out flush with the top edge of the overflow channel and/or the
formed part. Thus no water can ingress into the pool surrounds
due to hydrostatic pressure. If the capillary breaking grout is
missing water will ingress into the substructure of the pool
surrounds so that this will be continuously moistened (principle
of communicating pipes).
The overflowing water will then either drip into the substructure
or dissolve lime and alkali silicates from the tile adhesive of the
pool surrounds and transport them to the covering surface
over the years via the capillary pores of the joints. Unsightly
lime and silicate deposits are the consequence.

Fig. 3 Pouring the capillary breaking grout

(PCI Apoten, 1:1 blended with quartz sand 0.3 0.8 mm)

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Fig. 4 System Wiesbaden, high-set

Large channel stone with hand grip, grating and silent drain
SILENT W 2000. Can be used for various types of swimming pools.

Fig. 5 System Wiesbaden, high-set

Small channel stone with hand grip, grating and silent drain
SILENT W 2000.

Fig. 6 System Wiesbaden, deep-set

Large channel stone (without grating) with silent drain
SILENT W 2000 and upper edge stone. Can be used for
various types of swimming pools.

Fig. 7 System Wiesbaden, deep-set

Small channel stone (without grating) with silent drain
SILENT W 2000. For therapeutic swimming pools.

Fig. 8 System Finland

Inclined, beach-like pool edge with hand grip; covered channel with
half-shell and silent drain SILENT 100. Especially suitable for sports
and competition pools.

Fig. 9 System Finland

Shortened, inclined, beach-like pool edge with hand grip and
box-shaped channel.

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Overflow edge stones/

pool head formed parts

Built-in parts

The laying of gutter stones requires a particular level of precision

from the tiling specialist, as the precise installation of an overflow
channel is an essential requirement for perfect pool hydraulics
and pool water treatment. Therefore, for the installation of the
moulded parts, the corresponding regulations require a
maximum deviation from the horizontal of 2 mm for the entire
channel. Furthermore, if installed incorrectly, dryness or the
inability of pool water to run off may cause germs to grow in the
channel.

In principle, built-in parts should be fitted with loose/fixed flange

constructions, e.g. self-adhesive flange, to achieve a reliable
bonded waterproofing. The flanges must consist of rigid PVC,
stainless steel or red casting and/or bronze. Synthetic materials
which impair adhesion such as polyethylene or polypropylene
are unsuitable.

Fig. 10 Placing of the channel

In practice the formed parts of the pool head are mostly fixed
by means of trass cement mortar and a bonding agent.
Occasionally, special solutions are applied such as fixing with
epoxy resin mortar (PCI Bauharz system). In accordance with
the Building Regulation List A part 2 no. 1.10 we recommend to
fix the formed parts with PCI Carrament grey on cured bonded
waterproofing, such as PCI Seccoral 2K Rapid. The system
has an official test certificate.

For the subsequent installation of spotlights, inflow nozzles etc.,

core drillings are necessary. These penetrate the body of the
concrete completely to provide a rear-side media supply.
Waterproofing with an impermeable grout and bonded
waterproofing are a special solution and must be carried out
with utmost care. Compact seals are an elegant solution of the
problem. After the seal has been placed on the medium pipe in
the core hole drilling, the rubber element is squeezed by
screwing together two stainless metal discs ensuring the
annulus space between the medium pipe and the core hole
drilling is impermeably closed. Compact seals are available for
all standard diameters of core hole drillings and medium pipes.

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Bonded waterproofing/example
Since April 2002 bonded waterproofing (waterproofing level
directly underneath the ceramic tiling) has been subject to
Building Regulation List A, Part 2, No. 1.10. These regulations
are issued by the DIBt (German Institute for Construction
Technology) in Berlin. The ZDB leaflet Information on the
application of bonded waterproofing with claddings made of
tiles and flags for the interior and exterior, January 2011, should
also be followed.

Tile adhesives (according to DIN EN 12004), in combination with

the bonded waterproofing, must have been tested in accordance
with the test principles to issue an official test certificate for
waterproofing materials to be processed in liquid form in direct
connection with tiles and flags. An official test certificate for the
waterproofing/adhesive combination must be available.

Use class

Definition

Examples

PCI waterproofing products

A
Heavy-duty exposure to
non-pressurised water in the
interior

Wall/floor surfaces for

direct and indirect use in
rooms subject to frequent
exposure to industrial and
cleaning water

Swimming pool surrounds,

shower facilities

PCI Seccoral 1K
PCI Seccoral 2K Rapid
PCI Pecilastic W
PCI Pecilastic U
PCI Lastogum (only for
cementitious wall surfaces)

B
Heavy-duty exposure to
water pressing from the
inside in the interior and
exterior

Surfaces of containers in the

interior and exterior exposed
to pressurised water

Public/private pools in the

interior and exterior

PCI Seccoral 1K
PCI Seccoral 2K Rapid
PCI Pecilastic W
PCI Apoflex W
PCI Apoflex F

C
Heavy-duty exposure
to non-pressurised water
with additional chemical
influences in the interior

Surfaces for direct and

indirect use in rooms subject
to frequent or long-term
exposure to industrial and
cleaning water, also subject
to limited exposure to
chemicals

Industrial kitchens,
car washes,
lime-aggressive water

PCI Apoflex W
PCI Apoflex F
PCI Pecilastic W

Table 1

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Waterproofing a floor drain

example of Kessel Variofix
The ZDB leaflet Swimming pool construction information on
the planning and performance of ceramic coverings in swimming
pool construction points out that also new impermeable
concrete constructions should be waterproofed to avoid
efflorescence around the subsequent joints or any hollow
positioning of tiles due to shrinkage of the substrate.

Tiling/Grouting

Fig. 11 After fixing the attachment piece in mortar

the loose flange is removed and the fixed flange surface
primed with PCI Gisogrund 303. When the primer is dry
PCI Seccoral is applied.

Not only tile adhesives, but also joint grouts must be resistant to
pool water (drinking water, thermal water, brine etc.) as well as
to chemicals necessary for water treatment and ensuring
hygiene. Depending on the aggressiveness of the water and/or
the chemicals, either cement-based tiling materials are sufficient
or reaction resin products must be used. Table 2 shows example
build-up systems for laying mosaic and ceramic.
The subject of mosaic laying has already been discussed in
detail in PCI Our Advice! No. 20. In case of translucent mosaic
it is important to apply a white layer (PCI Nanolight White)
beforehand. We would like to point out that only mosaic held
together on the front surface are allowed to be used when tiling
in permanently wet areas. Otherwise hollow positions of the
mosaic resulting from a reduced contact area or saponification
of the adhesive are possible. Proceed with utmost care when
removing the paper on pool walls by moistening and washing
off. The wash water must be thoroughly removed from the floor
area as otherwise organic nutrients for micro-organisms will be
embedded in the floor covering. The washing water is to be
removed from the floor surface after last washing after grouting
to avoid disturbing the curing process of the floor joint. Please
see the PCI brochure Laying ceramic coverings in swimming
pools for additional information.

Fig. 12 Place fabric (supplied by Kessel) in the fresh

application, press on and cover completely.

Fig. 13 Fit clamping flange and screw tightly.

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

New
construction

Levelling

Bonded
waterproofing

Laying

Grouting

Silicone

Concrete

PCI Nanocret R2
(wall + floor)

PCI Seccoral 1K,

PCI Seccoral 2K
Rapid

PCI Nanolight

PCI Durafug NT

PCI Silcoferm VE

Concrete

PCI Pericret
(wall + floor)

PCI Pecilastic W

PCI FT Klebemrtel PCI Durafug NT

modified with
PCI Lastoflex

PCI Silcoferm VE

Concrete

P III acc. to DIN EN

PCI Apoflex2
1
998-1 (P III, CS IV)
resp. CT-C25-F4
acc. to DIN EN
13813 as bonded
screed to DIN 18560

PCI Durapox NT

PCI Durapox NT

PCI Silcoferm VE

Refurbishment

Levelling

Bonded
waterproofing

Laying

Grouting

Silicone

GFK 3 -Pool

PCI Ocean Cret

(wall)
PCI Ocean Deck
(floor)

PCI Collastic2

PCI Collastic and

front-faced glued
mosaic or swimming
pool ceramics

PCI Durapox NT
plus

PCI Silcoferm VE

Concrete + old
bondable tile
covering

PCI Grundreiniger
(basic cleaner)
intensive/acid
PCI Polyhaft

PCI Seccoral 1K,

PCI Seccoral 2K
Rapid

PCI Flexmrtel
and swimming pool
ceramics

PCI Durapox NT

PCI Silcoferm VE

Pool head

Bonded waterproofing

Tested bedding mortar

Formed part, e.g. Deutsche Steinzeug

(for high-set water levels)

e.g. PCI Seccoral 2K Rapid system

PCI Carrament grey

Table 2

1 without lime hydrate/lime aggregate

2 for lime-aggressive waters, based on the
result of the water analysis
3 glass-fibre reinforced synthetic material

10

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

Please note
Even if the tiling specialist carries out his work as accurately
as possible it will not give the constructor a great deal of
pleasure if the water treatment does not work efficiently and
reliably right from the start.
Swimming pools must be thoroughly cleaned with chloric
cleaning agent before they are filled.
Only water treatment with chlorine as a disinfection agent
permanently prevents infection with micro-organisms.
The constructor must be familiar with the operation of the
system which must be correctly calibrated (set). It must be
checked from the very start that the digital displayed values
for free chlorine and the pH value are in accordance with the
real values of the pool water.
If at all possible, the pool circulation should run continuously
and never be switched off, not even at night or during
vacation times.

The heart of functioning swimming pool treatment is the

filtration system. Quartz sand, anthracite or pumice in
defined grain sizes are used as filtration media. Impurities of
an organic nature collect in the filters. In particular, if the
pool circulation comes to a standstill, micro-organisms may
abruptly increase in the filter.
The filter should be thoroughly backwashed twice a week
for at least five minutes.
The constructor must be informed about DIN 19643-1
Treatment of water in pools and swimming pools, even if
these specifications apply to public use.
In summary, the significance of a perfectly functioning water
treatment system cannot be emphasized often enough. The
pH value, duration of circulation, free chlorine content of the
pool water, backwashing of the filter system, regular
mechanical cleaning of the pool etc. must be observed or
carried out; otherwise it is only a question of time until
bio-films and micro-organisms occur.

Example damage/defects
Problem

Cause

Discoloured water, e.g. black, grey, brown, blue or red

Oxidizing contamination (e.g. copper, iron, manganese).

If well water is used to fill the pool iron and manganese
precipitations may cause discolouration.

Turbid water

Insufficient filtration due to missing or rare filter backwashing.

Precipitations of calcium carbonate due to high calcium
hardness values and/or high pH value.

Foaming

Overdosing of an algicide.

Growth of algae

Occurs in the form of yellow, black or green algae.

Caused by UV light, carbon dioxide, warm water and nutrients
such as phosphates and nitrates.

> OUR ADVICE < No. 02

How does PCI Augsburg GmbH

assist?
Bonded waterproofing materials, tiling and jointing products
in conformance with the building regulation list.
Free consultation and advice, especially for the decisive
design details by experienced application advisers and sales
staff also on site.
If necessary, instruction on the correct application of the
products by expert demonstrators.
If required, an object-related warranty.
Detailed product information and brochures such as the
PCI swimming pool brochure, with detailed application
instructions.
Evaluation of the pool water in regards to aggressiveness
of lime by means of a special softwater programme.

11

Important standards and regulations

DIN 1045 Supporting structures made of concrete,
reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete, 2008
DIN EN 12004 Mortars and adhesives for ceramic tiles and
flags definitions and specifications, 2007
DIN 18195 Tanking of buildings
DIN 18202 Tolerances in structural engineering, 2008
DIN 18550 Render systems application, 2005
DIN 18560 Screeds in construction
DIN 19643-1 Treatment of water in pools and swimming
pools general requirements, 2011
DIBt, Building regulation list A Part 2 No. 1.10
Waterproofing materials to be processed in liquid form,
2011
ZDB leaflet Information on the application of bonded
waterproofing in liquid form with claddings and coverings
made of tiles and flags for internal and external areas, 2011
ZDB leaflet Swimming pool construction Information on
the planning and application of ceramic coverings in
swimming pool construction, 2008
DGfdB leaflet 25.04 Pools and swimming pools made of
reinforced concrete
DGfdB leaflet 25.07 Sloping in floor coverings of swimming
pools, 2001
DGfdB leaflet 25.01 Reinforced concrete with ceramic
cladding
KOK regulations (group of associations swimming pools)

PCI Augsburg GmbH

Piccardstr. 11 D - 86159 Augsburg
P.O.B. 10 22 47 D - 86012 Augsburg
Germany
Phone +49 (8 21) 59 01-0
Fax +49 (8 21) 59 01-459
www.pci-augsburg.de

>Our Advice < includes important information for every tile layer.
The following articles are available on the Internet under
www.pci-augsburg.de Download Technical Article Our Advice.
No. 01 The Art of Mixing.
No. 02 Tiling work in swimming pools.
No. 03 Mould formation on silicone joints is it unavoidable?
No. 05 Rupture of the elastic edge joint on tile or flag floor coverings
a material problem?
No. 06 Avoiding damage to highly stressed ceramic tiling in interior
and exterior applications.
No. 07 Refurbishing damaged ceramic and natural stone coverings
on balcony and terrace.
No. 08 Thin-bed underfloor heating systems in combination
with tiles and flags.
No. 10Calcium sulphate flow screed a controllable substrate for
ceramic tiles, flags and natural stones in thin-bed adhesive?
No. 11 When is a cement-based screed ready for covering?
No. 12 Application of bonded waterproofing and connection
to installation components.
No. 13 Legal issues in connection with tiling work advice for tilers.
No. 16 Washed-out joints in residential showers.
No. 19 Trouble-free laying and grouting of natural and engineered stone.
No. 20 Effective application of glass mosaic and glass tiles.

2702/0612 SaWe

No. 21 Laying large format tiles the key points?