Swimming Pool Liquid Glass: Waterproofing and Reinforcing the Bowl

The concrete bowl of the pool is constantly in contact with water, experiencing hydrostatic pressure and temperature changes. Without proper waterproofing, concrete gains moisture, loses strength, and along the walls and bottom there are microcracks and efflorescence. Liquid pool glass — one of the inexpensive and proven tools that helps to compact concrete, reduce its water absorption and create a reinforcing waterproofing layer. Let's analyze how sodium silicate works in the pool bowl, where it is really useful, and where additional protection is needed.

What liquid glass is and why it is used in swimming pools

Liquid glass ETHYZ is an aqueous solution sodium silicate (sodium liquid glass), obtained from natural raw materials: quartz sand and soda. This is a concentrate-liquid, not a sheet, not reinforcement or insulation. When applied to concrete, the silicate reacts with the components of cement stone and hydration products, fills capillaries and pores, forming insoluble compounds. As a result, the surface becomes denser, stronger and noticeably worse lets water through.

For the pool, several properties of sodium liquid glass are valuable at once:

• Waterproofing — fills the pores of concrete and cuts off capillary moisture;
• Reinforcing and dedusting — binds the surface layer of concrete, removes dust;
• Increases water resistance and chemical resistance concrete and cement mortars;
• ❕ antiseptic; — suppresses mold, fungus and rotting in a humid environment;
• Binder. — works as an additive that accelerates the setting of the solution.

Sodium liquid glass is a universal building silicate, which is standardized according to GOST 13078 (the exact figures are in the product data sheet). It is sodium ZhS ETIZ that is suitable for waterproofing, concrete and cement mortar works. You can get acquainted with the product and packaging in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.

Three Ways to Use Liquid Glass in a Pool Bowl

In the pool, sodium silicate is used in three scenarios, and their combination gives the best result.

1. Additive in concrete and mortar

A small proportion of liquid glass, introduced into a concrete mixture or cement mortar, increases water resistance and resistance to aggressive media, accelerates setting. Thus, a denser "waterproof" concrete is obtained for the bowl itself or repair compositions. The dosage is a small part of the cement weight; the specific value is selected tentatively and specified according to the instructions and the task, because the excess silicate accelerates the setting so much that the mixture becomes difficult to lay.

2. Membrane waterproofing of walls and bottom

With diluted liquid glass, the inner surface of the bowl, walls and bottom are coated, joints and junctions are processed. The silicate penetrates the pores and creates a water-repellent layer. For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is usually diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3 — the exact values depend on the task and condition of the concrete, so check according to the instructions.

3. Priming and impregnation of concrete

As a soil, liquid glass impregnates concrete floors and walls, de-dusts and hardens them, prepares the base for subsequent finishing or finishing. Impregnation reduces water absorption and makes the surface more homogeneous.

Table: application of liquid glass in the pool

The proportions in the table are approximate; always check the dilution mode according to the instructions and the nature of the work.

Specifications: what to expect

Sodium liquid glass is characterized by certain typical ranges of indicators. The silicate modulus (ratio of silica to sodium oxide) is typically about 2,6–3,4, density — of the order of 1.4 g/cm³These are typical landmarks for sodium LC; refer to the ETHYZ product data sheet for exact batch specific values. Viscosity, setting speed and adhesion depend on the module and density, so for responsible work, focus on passport data, and not on averaged figures.

Honestly about the finish coating: where is the limit of liquid glass

Liquid glass is a strong, but not universal material. It is important to understand the limitations so as not to be disappointed in the result.

• In its pure form, the solidified silicate gives relatively brittle film, which may crack during deformations and movements of concrete.
• The silicate layer is not designed for constant direct contact with a large volume of water as the only protection: in the pool it is logical to use it as strengthening impregnation and additive, and from the top to provide a full-fledged finish waterproofing or finishing coating (elastic membrane, specialized waterproofing, tiles on waterproof adhesive).
• Material quickly grasps, so you need to work quickly and in small areas, without mixing a large volume at once.
• When working, use hand and eye protection: alkaline solution.

Such a "layered" approach — silicate hardening and waterproofing of concrete plus finish protection — gives a durable and reliable pool bowl.

Work procedure: briefly

1. Prepare the base: clean the concrete from dust, dirt, delamination, smear out cracks.
2. When pouring a new bowl, add liquid glass as an additive to the concrete (dose according to instructions).
3. Treat the dried surface with diluted silicate: first joints and seams, then walls and bottom.
4. Allow the layer to gain strength, if necessary, repeat the treatment.
5. Apply a final waterproofing or finishing coat.

ETHYZ packing

Sodium liquid glass ETHYZ is supplied in a convenient container: cans 5 L (7 kg) And 10 l (14 kg)For a small pool or repair, one or two canisters are enough, for a large bowl, plan the flow with a margin. You can pick up the volume and place an order in liquid glass catalogue.

FAQs

Is it possible to waterproof the pool only with liquid glass?

It is not worth using liquid glass as the only and final waterproofing of the pool. In its pure form, the solidified silicate gives a rather brittle film, which can crack when the concrete moves. It is more correct to use liquid glass as an additive in concrete and reinforcing impregnation, and to provide a full-fledged finish coating on top — an elastic membrane, specialized waterproofing or tiles on waterproof adhesive.

How to dilute liquid glass for pool bowl waterproofing?

For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is usually diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3, and a small fraction of the cement weight is taken into concrete for admixture. These are approximate values: the exact mode depends on the task and condition of the concrete, so be sure to check the proportions according to the instructions. Knead in small portions — the composition sets quickly.

Which liquid glass is needed for the pool — sodium or potassium?

For construction tasks, waterproofing and concrete works, sodium liquid glass is used — this is exactly what ETIZ produces. It is versatile and suitable for pool bowl, coating, solution additives and impregnation. Potassium liquid glass is another product that is more often used in paints and flame retardants, and it is not positioned in the ETHYZ line for these tasks.

Does liquid glass increase the water resistance of concrete?

Yes. Sodium silicate fills the pores and capillaries of concrete, forms insoluble compounds and compacts the surface layer. This reduces water absorption, increases water resistance, strength and chemical resistance of concrete and cement mortars. As an additive, liquid glass helps to obtain more waterproof concrete, and as an impregnation, it strengthens and de-dusts the finished surface of the bowl.

In what packaging is ETHYZ liquid glass sold?

ETHYZ sodium liquid glass is supplied in cans of 5 L (7 kg) and 10 L (14 kg). For repairs or a small pool, one or two canisters are usually enough, and for a large bowl, the volume is calculated with a margin, taking into account the admixture in concrete and the coating of surfaces. The exact flow rate depends on the area, porosity of the concrete and the number of treatment layers.