Cinder blocks become a choice when you require construction items as they look long-lasting and strong. Cinder block is versatile as well as easy to handle. But it can also be destroyed when exposed to water. The way to deal with water-related problems is by changing them with new substances. But, it does not happen always. If you replace the old, ruined materials, you can avoid correcting them.
- In this article, we have mentioned some methods to make the cinder block pools waterproof after a good research. Keep reading to know that.
Benefits of cinder block pool
- It is inexpensive compared to concrete. You can use them as a foundation for your house to save time and money.
- Cinder blocks are easy to work with, so you do not need special tools or skills.
- In addition, cinder blocks are durable and lightweight, which makes it easy for you to install them on your property.
- Many waterproofing substances can be utilized for concrete pools, but they are more costly as compared to cinder blocks. However, it’s better to use cinder blocks as a pool than concrete.
- There are various types of cinder blocks, and they come in various colors, sizes, shapes, and thicknesses. However, you can choose the right type according to your requirements.
Drawbacks of a cinder block pool
- Waterproofing a cinder block pool has some disadvantages. You’ll have to do the work yourself, which means you’ll need to use your hands, tools, and some equipment like a sprayer or an air compressor.
- Some cinder block pools are waterproofed with epoxy, and they cause issues later on due to water damage from the epoxy. So use a water-resistant and waterproof substance for cinder block pools to avoid any problems with the sealant and adhesive afterward on the road.
Planning for waterproofing swimming pools is valuable and crucial.
You can avoid many issues during the planning for the construction of swimming pools. As waterproofing is not adequate, It is essential to protect the area and the walls from different aggressive agents that can cause problems with their durability. Other elements that should be considered are the plant engineering system and the sealing phase of the castings. Examples are water filtration and lighting, & the recirculation systems, All these elements may cause issues for the goal of correct waterproofing. It is clear that to waterproof pools effectively, you require specific items with good features.
To make your cinder block pool protective, you can follow the given methods
- Seal with Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement
- Use Flex Seal on pool edges and corners.
Seal with hydraulic water to stop cement
This is a repair material characterized by its fast setting and ability to be used on leaks in active pools. The material mostly sets in 3-5 minutes and can be delayed if you combine it with cold water. Keep in mind that the temperature should not be near freezing while working with it. Otherwise, the material will not be set properly. This will develop cracks.
Method to apply it
- Firstly, clean the pool and remove all the debris, dirt, and oil.
- Undercut the region that you need to patch up and widen any little holes.
- Use a mechanical mixer with rotating blades to ensure an even mix.
- Wet the mixer first, then remove excess fluid.
- You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for water-to-dry mix ratios and first add the water. Then dry mix.
- Now start mixing; just make a small batch of cement that can be worked on before it sets entirely.
- Fill any holes and cracks, putting up vertical support to prevent the substance from sagging.
- Leave it to set completely, and then sand it for a smooth finish.
Use a flex seal on pool edges and corners.
This material sprays out as a thick fluid, seeps into any small cracks, and then dries to form a rubberized shield that is both flexible and watertight. They come in various forms, like paste, spray, and liquid. You can choose whatever you are comfortable with.
- The spray is easy to apply and does not need any special tools to do so. You can apply it directly where you want.
Method to apply it
- Neat the surface and remove all the oil, dust, and debris.
- Wear goggles before applying the spray.
- Spray from an 8″–12″ distance and coat the area evenly, feathering to the sides.
- Leave it for 24 to 48 hours to dry the first coat; after drying the first coat, apply the second coat and dry it completely.
- Apply coats until edges, corners, and floor-wall joints are entirely coated.
- Wait for it to dry completely.
- You should apply thin coats.
Why do cinder block walls leak water?
Cinder block is more porous than standard concrete block. They are permeable to water vapor (+10 permeability) and water. Heavy-weight blocks are half permeable (5 perms) or less when the hollow cores are full and packed with a slurry mix of concrete ( almost 2 perms). Comparable to blocks, high-quality, freshly poured concrete foundation walls (8 to 10” in thickness) are impervious to liquid (0.3-0.4 perms).
Only a thin (1-1/4-inch) wall separates the block’s hollow cores from the cores that are filling up with liquid. Wind-driven rain, water-soaked land, saturated zones, significant heavy rainfall, and high water tables all have a role in moist cinder block walls. When the blocks’ cores hold groundwater, the thin walls give less resistance to hydrostatic water pressure, and the cinder blocks leak. Water readily seeps through the cracks in the mortar joints, pushes through the pores, and dampens the walls inside the cellar.
Basements with cinder block walls have more chances to leak than those with poured concrete walls because cinder block is water permeable. Above-grade block walls have fewer hydrostatic pressure complications. During wind-driven spots of rain, water can be absorbed by penetrative surfaces, increasing the chance of lime staining and surface efflorescence.
Some safety factors should consider when installing a cinder block pool
- If the concrete is not thick enough, it will crack and leak in the swimming area. So, always choose the appropriate type of concrete blocks based on your needs.
- Consider the water pressure in the pool and ensure it’s adequate for a cinder block pool. If they are not sufficient, you may face cracks or leaks in the pool walls.
- Always select a type of waterproofing that can cover the whole pool.
- To prevent issues, make sure everything has been installed properly before beginning work on your swimming area.
- Fire safety is also mandatory because cinder blocks are not fire-resistant, so if there’s any fireplace or spark, then it can cause damage in the swimming area.
Are there cinder blocks more resistant to water damage than others?
- There are, indeed. Heavy cinder blocks, such as those made of concrete or block, are more resistant to water damage than light cinder blocks, which are mostly found at Lowes and Home Depot.
- Heavy cinder blocks are more resistant to water-related issues due to their weight. Heavy cinder blocks will not dampen like light blocks, and they will not collapse due to the pressure placed on them when there is heavy rain.
- They are denser than lighter-weight cinder blocks, which makes it more difficult for them to absorb moisture from the ground.
