Section 1 – Introduction
1.1 Preface
LATICRETE International, a manufacturer of ceramic tile, stone and thin brick masonry installation systems, has long recognized the need for a technical manual to provide guidelines and recommendations for the design, specification and installation of tile and stone in swimming pools, fountains, water features and spas. Technical advances in materials, manufacturing, and construction methods have expanded the role of tile and stone in this application type since the development of adhesive mortars in the 1950’s. In keeping with their position as an industry leader, LATICRETE International is publishing this first edition of the Tiled Swimming Pool, Fountain and Spas Technical Design Manual to make state-of-the-art information and technology available to architects, engineers, construction professionals, tile contractors, and manufacturers of ceramic tile and stone. It is the goal of this publication to encourage new ideas, research and technology for the purpose of improving the future of submerged installations of tile and stone.
1.2 History of Tile and Stone In Swimming Pools and Fountains
The use of swimming pools, fountains and water tanks can be traced back to the ancient world. The Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro (in the south of what is now Pakistan) may well be the earliest example of a swimming pool in the world. This pool is approximately 40' (12 m) long and 23' (7 m) wide with a maximum depth of 8' (2.4 m) and had two staircases leading into it. This pool was constructed of brick which was laid over a thick layer of bitumen (natural tar) which acted as a waterproofing. On top of the tar was a gypsum plaster that acted as the finish coat.1 This structure dates back to sometime during the third millennium BC (or between 2000 and 2500BC).
Evidence of the first use of tile and stone in pools, fountains and water features dates all the way back to the Roman Empire. Tiled fountains and bathing pools have been found in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. These tiled fountains and bathing pools were installed with ancient methods, have withstood the test of time (along with volcanic eruption and pyroclastic flow) and are still in place today.
Figure 1.1 – Stone water feature found in the ruins of Pompeii.
Figure 1.2 – Mosaic and Sea Shell fountain found in the ruins of Pompeii/Herculaneum.
The first recreational pools began to appear during the mid 1800’s in England and the popularity of these “status symbols” increased significantly in the United States after WWII ended. With the evolution of materials and installation methods, swimming pools have become less of a status symbol and more of a way to stay cool in the summer. According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) there are 4,134,610 swimming pools in the United States2 and many more all over the world. The materials used to create these pools include concrete, fiberglass, steel, and vinyl and many of these have a tile or stone finish within the pool, fountain, spa or water feature.
Pools and fountains now range in size from a few square feet (m2) to the world’s largest swimming pool located in Algarrabo, Chile – an amazing 3,323' long (1,010 m), which holds an astonishing 66,000,000 gallons (250,140,000 liters) of water which weighs 550,770,000 pounds (250,350,000 kilos)!
1.3 Why Use Tile and Stone In Swimming Pools and Fountains?
Swimming pools, fountains, spas, potable water tanks, and any other vessel which are designed to hold water for extended periods, or permanently, are ideal for the use of tile or stone. Historically, man has desired to create pools and fountains that are both beautiful and durable. Tile and stone installations can easily provide both of these qualities. Swimming pools are subjected to one of the most aggressive environments a tiling system has to endure, and a properly installed and maintained tile or stone installation should last the life of the pool structure. Tiled swimming pools are regarded as not only aesthetically pleasing but also as being one of the most chemically inert finishes.3
It is important to make sure that the tile or stone chosen for each swimming pool or fountain project is suitable for use in submerged installations. Swimming pools will often be exposed to different types of chemical treatments, varying pH levels, exposure to direct sunlight, regular usage, and other environmental factors. Porcelain tile, glass tile and certain other tiles which are specifically manufactured for submerged installations are the perfect choices. These tiles typically have a very low absorption rate, are impervious to pool chemicals and are available in a myriad of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures. The design potential with tile is virtually unlimited!
Stone is often utilized to provide a more natural look to a swimming pool or fountain installation. Granite, marble, slate, river rock, limestone and other stone have been used in fountains for many centuries, and more recently, in swimming pools around the world.
It is equally important to make sure that the tile and stone are installed with high quality setting and grouting materials manufactured by LATICRETE International, Inc. LATICRETE manufactures a variety of underlayments, membranes, thin-sets, grouts, and sealant that are ideal for use in permanently submerged applications. In fact, LATICRETE has been successfully used in these types of installations for over 50 years!
Where the tile is placed, along with the color and pattern, are the choices of the pool owner or design professional. Tile can be installed over the entire area of the pool and/or pool deck, just on the walls of the pool, just on the pool bottom, or along the water line or coping. Anywhere that tile or stone is placed it will provide a long lasting and beautiful finish.
1.4 Summary of Manual Content
Section 2 – Types of Pools and Fountains
This section provides a brief overview of the types of swimming pools, fountains and spas that are used around the world today. These include in-ground, above ground and suspended pools and a brief description of the construct of each.
Section 3 – Types of Pool and Fountain Construction
A more in-depth overview of the different types of pool and fountain construction that are used and how each type of construction is placed and how each type of construction relates to a tile or stone installation.
Section 4 – Pool Project Design Considerations
Information about the different building codes, structural considerations, movement and movement joints, and construction considerations for swimming pools and pool decks.
Section 5 – Selection of Pool Tile or Finish
Considerations for choosing the proper tile, and where it can be placed in a swimming pool or fountain. Different types of tile, including porcelain, stone and glass mosaics, are referenced as well as different types of alternative pool finishes.
Section 6 – Tile Installation Preparation and Equipment
How to properly prepare and inspect the substrate prior to installation of tile or stone in a swimming pool or fountain installation. There is also a brief description of equipment and tool considerations.
Section 7 – Pool/Fountain/Spa Tile Installation
A comprehensive overview of the tile installation methods including leveling, waterproofing, thin-setting, grouting, sealant application, and post installation.
Section 8 – Pool Deck and Natatorium Tile Installations
A comprehensive overview of the tile installation methods, including leveling, waterproofing, thin-setting, grouting, sealant application, and post installation.
Section 9 – Specifications for Swimming Pool/Fountain/Spa Installations
Individual specifications for installation of tile in concrete, steel/metal, and fiberglass shell pools, fountains and spas.
Section 10 –Swimming Pool/Fountain/Spa Detail Drawings
Individual details showing the installation of tile for different application types, as well as drain and pipe penetrations for pools and pool decks.
Section 11 – Pool Water and Tile Installation Maintenance
A brief description of the general standards for fill and drain rates, opening and closing a pool, water treatment, inspection and repairs for tiled swimming pool.
Section 12 – Appendix
Troubleshooting pictorial, case study, glossary, frequently asked questions, and resource guide.
1 http://www.harappa.com/indus/8.html
2 http://www.accuratebuilding.com/publications/family_circle/swimming_pool_guide_circle1987.html
3 Gray, Fred (2006). Correctly Installing Tile in Swimming Pools. Footscray West, Victoria, Australia: SPLASH EXPO Conrad Jupiters.