Hi all! Is a waterproofing step prior to plaster a standard practice? I have been reading up and there doesn’t seem to be a consensus. My tile guy is putting in a waterproofing compound at the tile line where we are using glass tile. Should the rest of the she’ll be waterproofed prior to plaster? From what I’ve read, it sounds like using waterproofing agents over the entire shell is an art form that requires a great amount of knowledge to be done right. Thank you for any input!
Waterproofing
- Thread starter Jojom0406
- Start date
I don't think there is any real point. The plaster is virtually waterproof......why would you need more?
Thanks @duraleigh! That’s what I’ve been thinking but it seems like waterproofing with something before plaster is maybe a “new fad”? I read some articles online but it sounded like maybe people trying to advertise their product/service. Glad to have your input!!
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
No expert but around CA it is standard to water proof the tile line. The entire shell, no. As said the plaster should take care of that. But if you have an uncommon build like a roof top pool, then I've heard of the entire thing being water proofed with either a special additive to the gunite or a product sprayed on after gunite.. Also if you have a raised, expose wall or something that could show any possible water seeping, then a builder may recommend a sealer be sprayed on the gunite. Maybe just an up sale but the spray on stuff is cheap insurance.
Thanks @Desertdog! We will have waterproofing on the tile line. We have about an 18 in raised wall on one side of the pool. Would the sealer be sprayed on the inside of the shell or the outside? I’m thinking the plaster and waterproofing at tile line should keep the back of the raised wall) ok.
We are ready for plaster here and they didn't treat the shell with anything. They used some liquid rubber gasket material around the piping, near the skimmer, and light fixture.
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
One side of my pool is raised out of the ground about 2' because it is built on the edge of a slope. I did OB so the plaster guy who has been is the business 30 years had nothing to gain but recommended the sealing as he (and I) have seen pool walls seep. I further researched and found information about it in a pool builder publication. There are several products, and do not remember the one I used off the top of my head but it must be compatible with the bonding of a cement product as you will plaster over (Forgot the tech term).
5 Gallons was enough for the whole pool (2 light coats Sprayed with a garden spray) $300.
I did the whole interior and the exterior of the exposed area.
Proceed at your own risk as I'm not an expert but everything appears fine with my pool. This could void your warranty. My plaster was done in May. If you like I will try and find the name of the stuff I used.
5 Gallons was enough for the whole pool (2 light coats Sprayed with a garden spray) $300.
I did the whole interior and the exterior of the exposed area.
Proceed at your own risk as I'm not an expert but everything appears fine with my pool. This could void your warranty. My plaster was done in May. If you like I will try and find the name of the stuff I used.
This is extremely helpful @Desert Dog! I’m going to have my guy send me info about the specific waterproofing product that he wants to use before we move any further. Thank you!
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
Not sure about the waterline product as I did not buy it. The tile installer provided it. There is different products I have seen being used and I only noticed the color. I have seen red, blue and mine was a pale green. Then they use a mortar bed then tile adhesive on that.
Last edited:
Desert Dog
Silver Supporter
To clarify, I spayed the pool shell with a clear water proof product. The tile installer did his standard water proofing method on the water line tile as I described. So he used a product over what I used. I did not intend the product I used to replace his. BTY, I informed him of what I used and he was familiar with it.
This is what I used: Vapor Shield Multicoat by Sepulveda
My proofing was to avoid any seeping through the raised area.
This is what I used: Vapor Shield Multicoat by Sepulveda
My proofing was to avoid any seeping through the raised area.
That makes sense @Desert Dog. I’m thinking that the stuff he wants to put on my shell is not the right product but might be ok at waterline tile.