Plunge Pool (Cocktail Pool) advise
- Thread starter chrisofot
- Start date
Wondering if anyone can confirm I have the check valve in the right place?
Also curious about the start up...I see instructions on new plaster pools but since this will be all tile is there anything special that needs to be done (i.e. don't slam for the first 30 days)?
Also curious about the start up...I see instructions on new plaster pools but since this will be all tile is there anything special that needs to be done (i.e. don't slam for the first 30 days)?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 53,951
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
cfherrman
TFP Guide
Nice project!
Either install two main drains (tee'd together) and put the hydrostatic valve in one of those or don't install a drain at all and plug the hole.
Either install two main drains (tee'd together) and put the hydrostatic valve in one of those or don't install a drain at all and plug the hole.
Not sure about the check valve, but like ajw22 said, in general you want to treat the start up like you would a plaster pool.
Make sure you follow the manufacturer specifications for cure times. Most thinsets require 24-36 hrs of cure time before grouting, and most thinset/grout/tile systems should be allowed to cure for anywhere between 7 and 21 days prior to being submerged. I would also make sure you have sufficient expansion joints with large areas of tile like that, particularly in the corners.
Laticrete has a good technical manual about tile applications in swimming pools and fountains that you might fine helpful:
https://cdn.laticrete.com/~/media/s...hash=2693656FEC6D52C16F7E3210B04C21D43F675917
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Miner; pick your next batch up at the plant & swing by my house & the shotcrete guru’s.
It’s about 10 minutes from both of our shops as the crow flies.
It’s about 10 minutes from both of our shops as the crow flies.
The Laticrete technical manual is great, thank you!!
For the start up does it change anything since I am using epoxy grout?
The tile comes on a 12x12 mesh backing, so I am not sure what this means: "make sure you have sufficient expansion joints". I am very new to this space, so this might be obvious to others, but not to me.
For the start up does it change anything since I am using epoxy grout?
The tile comes on a 12x12 mesh backing, so I am not sure what this means: "make sure you have sufficient expansion joints". I am very new to this space, so this might be obvious to others, but not to me.
Hah! Just a quick 37 hour drive from here...
I think you mentioned Spectralock Pro epoxy grout, which I believe specifies a minimum of 10 days curing at 70F (longer in colder conditions) prior to being submerged. Double check before you rely on my memory though.
Expansion joints are joints filled with something flexible rather than grout, and allow things to expand or contract without causing the tiles to crack or break. There's a detail drawing of an expansion joint on an inside corner in the technical manual linked above. Your pool is so small it's likely only necessary in the inside corners.
You will find no continuity between setting material & tile installation guidelines; both are authored to throw the other one under the bus..
Pick a proven method & run with it.
Pick a proven method & run with it.
Thought I would share progress photos....Xypex installed, then tile. Discovered the tank is not perfectly square...it is off a good two inches on the back wall and 1/2 inch on the bottom of same wall.
Went with spectrolite pro premium grout Raven color for the pool and white for the waterfall.
Wobblerlorri
Bronze Supporter
- Apr 16, 2019
- 2,010
- Pool Size
- 4024
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Liquid Chlorine
Thanks Wobblerlorri! Since this is DIY project...I had a hard time finding pool tile. My local pool tile supplier only deals with pool contractors...would not even give me price.
I ended up purchasing the tile on-line and very happy with how it turned out. Here is the link to where I purchased:
www.discountglasstilestore.com
The waterfall tile (since not submerged) was easier, although I still had to consider outdoor & freeze/thaw cycles, so it really limited my choices (within my budget)...I ended up going with this (also very happy):
besttile.com
I ended up purchasing the tile on-line and very happy with how it turned out. Here is the link to where I purchased:
Discount Glass Tile Store
www.discountglasstilestore.com
The waterfall tile (since not submerged) was easier, although I still had to consider outdoor & freeze/thaw cycles, so it really limited my choices (within my budget)...I ended up going with this (also very happy):
Electric Linen Porcelain Tile | Linen Look Tile | Best Tile
Electric Linen porcelain tile offers a soft linen look in a semi-polished finish. Available in three modern colors, Electric Linen is a truly unique tile that brings strong design and monochromatic colors to any project.
No shocker there.. Those tanks are mostly used for septic tanks and drainage. The poop really does not care if it is out of square... The tanks are always buried so there is really no reason for exacting standards....
Very innovative project, Great job with the tiling. I am sure you will be the only one to notice any imperfections..
RoyR
Bronze Supporter
Waited 3 weeks after grout...to start filling with water.
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So excuse my ignorance and I know you said in your initial post your main reason for going with this type of "pool" is space, but is this just something lounge in? It seems there isn't enough room for doing anything except standing up in it. Is that the primary purpose of this? The tile work looks very good though!
I wanted a water feature that had a water fall that could cover up my neighbors very loud AC unit, I could take a dip in to cool off, and that would fit in my space. I live in the city and have very small space, so even above ground pools are too big for my tiny yard. I did some research and found out about Plunge Pool or Cocktail Pools. They are geared towards adults and are like a large deep spa, only not 'hot'. Although you can not swim, they are perfect for low impact exercise....also perfect for lounging and having a cocktail (or two) 
??
??
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