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When a concrete swimming pool is getting old, it tends to crack and blister, becoming rough and unsightly. One of the best ways to fix such a pool is with a waterproofing system, such as the one called Sani-Tred. This is a method of resurfacing the inside of the pool with a smooth, flexible, durable coating.
The resurfacing begins with draining the pool and cleaning out any loose surface material, such as chips of concrete. When clean, the pool is painted with a coat of "PermaFlex," a product that primes the surfaces. The manufacturers say that it cures as "tough as a tire." It is available in white, light gray, and light tan. Two or three coats are even better, especially on very porous concrete, such as concrete blocks. It can be sprayed on or painted on. (Note: Old paints and surface materials must be removed first.)
Next the cracks, joints, holes, and rough areas in the pool need to be patched. The product used in the Sani-Tred system is called LRB/TAV, which stands for Liquid Rubber Base/Thickening Activator. This product is used like a caulk in 3/4 to 1-inch bead depending on the area being patched. On level areas, the product LRB will self level, making a smooth surface. The next step in restoring and repairing the pool is the application of two coats of a good quality swimming pool epoxy.
Inground pools get a lot of pressure from water in the ground around them. This pressure is called hydrostatic pressure. For this reason, and because the water in the ground and in the pool might freeze and thaw each winter, pools can eventually crack if they are not very durable and flexible. The idea behind PermaFlex is that this coating will remain flexible permanently so that the pool will not be able to develop new cracks from the hydrostatic pressure.
The makers of the Sani-Tred system say that it works well because the products penetrate the wall of the pool instead of just adhering to the surface. Because it is so securely bonded within the concrete of the pool, and because it remains flexible, the pool should be able to stay smooth and beautiful for many years. The result is a method that is advertised to be able to restore any pool, no matter how hopeless the surface damage may seem. The renewed pool interior is reported to be soft to the touch, too, so swimmers will be less likely to get hurt on rough areas.
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