Sika’s high-performance waterproofing render system provided the hardwearing, maintenance-free solution for the refurbishment of an open-air swimming pool which is due for a royal opening.
The New Cumnock swimming pool is the last surviving outdoor pool in Ayrshire, Scotland. Built in the 1960s, its dramatic transformation to a glamorous 1920s-style art deco lido has been funded by the Dumfries House Trust.
For such a high-profile and ambitious project, the lead swimming pool design & installer Aquateq Pools Ltd called on the services of The Fraser Bruce Group to complete a high-quality, watertight solution for the pool’s 300m2 tank to ensure its readiness for its official opening by the Prince of Wales later this year. The Sika®-1 Pre-Bagged Waterproofing System proved ideal for the task.
Work on the waterproofing element of the refurbishment began in February 2017. The pool’s uneven substrate was among the main challenges encountered by contractors. It meant extensive re-profiling was required to ensure a flat surface to enable tiling and create a visual effect as part of an overall aesthetic. The Sika®-1 Pre-Bagged Waterproofing System was hand-applied to the entire surface. Along with the screed, it was applied to pre-set rails in order to provide excellent lineage.
A system that supplies robust and long-term protection for above and below ground structures against water ingress, the Sika®-1 waterproofing render eliminates the need for the maintenance of any internal drainage or pumping system associated with other solutions. Designed to withstand high water pressures, the product bonds to the substrate to create a smooth, hard-wearing surface capable of achieving waterproofing grades one-to-three according to BS 8102-2009.
Euan Bruce, Contracts Director at the Fraser Bruce Group, a Sika®-1 registered contractor, said: “The Sika®-1 Pre-Bagged Waterproofing System was essential to meeting the project deadline. The exposed nature of the site also introduced inclement weather conditions to contend with.
“The Sika system proved versatile in these conditions and performed as expected in the hands of our highly trained operatives.”
Despite the challenges presented by the weather and the attendance of other trades whilst the pool’s tanking was being applied, the New Cumnock swimming pool was fully-waterproofed within the client’s strict deadline and to their full satisfaction. This sparkling and stylish attraction is now fully-equipped to provide years of alfresco fun for visitors from around the county and maybe the world, given it is due to receive royal assent.
