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—Building a new pool

Waterproofing a new pool

Concrete alone is not reliably watertight. A waterproofing layer, applied carefully and tested, is what keeps water in the pool.

Even well-built concrete can allow water to pass through small cracks, construction joints and around fittings. A waterproofing system — commonly a cementitious or polymer membrane — is applied to the shell before the interior finish. It continues up the walls and is detailed carefully at joints, corners, steps and every fitting that passes through the shell.

Construction guides follow a new pool from the first idea to the first swim, so each stage is easier to plan and to question.

Waterproofing is usually tested by filling the pool and monitoring the level before tiles or plaster go on. If there is a defect, it can be found and repaired while the membrane is exposed. Once covered, finding and fixing a waterproofing problem means removing the finish, which is far more disruptive.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Concrete alone is not enough

    Cracks and joints can let water through.

  • Details matter most

    Fittings, joints and corners are where leaks start.

  • Test before covering

    Defects are easier to fix while visible.

02Detail

How it is done

  • Surface preparation

    The shell is cleaned and repaired so the membrane bonds.

  • Membrane application

    Applied in coats to the specified thickness.

  • Detailing

    Reinforcing tape and sealing at joints, corners and fittings.

  • Testing

    Filling and monitoring the level over a set period.

03Before you start

Ask your contractor

  • Which system is used

    And how many coats.

  • How fittings are sealed

    Returns, lights and skimmers.

  • How it will be tested

    And what level drop is acceptable.

—In practice

How to use this

Ask which waterproofing system will be used, how it is detailed at joints, corners and every fitting, and how it will be tested before tiling — often by filling the shell and monitoring the level. Ask for the test to be recorded and for photographs of the details. Do not allow tiling to start until the test has passed.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Treating tiles as waterproofing
Tiles and grout are a finish. Water passes through grout lines; the membrane behind them is what keeps water inside the pool.
Skipping the water test
Testing before tiling is the cheapest moment to find a leak. After tiling, any repair means removing finished tiles.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Why waterproof a concrete pool?
Concrete can let water through cracks and joints; a membrane provides a continuous barrier.
Is waterproofing visible after tiling?
No, it sits beneath the tile adhesive and tiles.
What if the test shows a drop?
The cause is located and repaired before finishes go on.
Does waterproofing also protect the structure?
It helps keep water out of the concrete and reinforcement.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Planning a new pool?

Ask us how waterproofing is detailed and tested. We will explain each step.

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