Popular: Sikaflex · waterproofing · grout · data sheets
Build the pool shell watertight from day one: waterproof concrete, sealed joints and pipe entries, a cementitious waterproof coating, then pool-rated tile adhesive and grout. A structural engineer designs the shell itself.
General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.
The shell is designed by a structural engineer. Add a waterproofing admixture to the concrete: SikaControl-760 lists swimming pools and water parks (p.1), Sika-1 PK lists swimming pools (p.1), and Sika Plastocrete N PK lists water tanks and swimming pools (p.1) but needs a suitable mix design (p.2).
SikaControl®-760 should be used in all structural concrete that is constantly or intermittently in contact with water such as sea walls, tunnels, basements, structural and precast concrete. SikaControl®-760 can also be used as crystalline waterproofing admixture for cement mortars and plasters. T… (TDS p.1)
Sika®-1 PK is used for waterproofing of mortars and concrete, in particular for: Renders, masonry mortars and screeds, Reinforced and unreinforced concrete, Brick, concrete and stone substrates, Indoor and outdoor applications, such as basements, swimming pools, tunnels, water tanks, manholes, cu… (TDS p.1)
Sika® Plastocrete® N PK is recommended for use in waterproofing of masonry and concrete structures such as: Reservoirs and dams , Sewerage works , Canals , Culverts, tunnels , Water tanks, swimming pools and wherever waterproof concrete is required . (TDS p.1)
Cast Sika Waterbar V-20 L SH into construction joints and Sika Waterbar O-20 SH into expansion joints; both list swimming pools (p.1). Surface waterbars cannot be used against negative water pressure (O-20 SH p.2). Around pipes, skimmers and light niches use SikaSwell S-2 (penetrations, p.1), never in movement joints and with at least 8 cm cover (p.2).
Sika Waterbar® V-20 L SH is used to waterproof construction joints in concrete structures such as those in water retaining structures, including reservoirs, canals, sewage plants, dams, swimming pools etc. (TDS p.1)
Sika Waterbar® O-20 SH are used to waterproof expansion joints in concrete structures such as those in water retaining structures, including reservoirs, canals, sewage plants, dams, swimming pools etc. (TDS p.1)
The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.
Once the concrete is at least 28 days old, remove laitance and form oil and fill non-structural cracks up to 10 mm with Sikadur-20 Crack Seal (p.2), which lists swimming pools (p.1). Close blowholes with a pore sealer (SikaRep Fine PK p.1).
To fill and seal non-structural crack and cavities in structural concrete such as concrete decks, balconies, concrete roof structures, wet room, swimming pool and especially before waterproofing works. (TDS p.1)
The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.
Water the concrete until damp and apply SikaTop-107 Seal PK, which lists swimming pools (p.1), in at least 2 coats (p.3), never more than 2 kg/m² per coat (p.2). Apply the second coat within 48 hours of the first (p.3). Cure under damp hessian or plastic and keep it out of sun and wind (p.3). Fill-test the shell before tiling; ask us for the hold time.
For external and internal waterproofing, on concrete, mortar, brickwork, and steel in: Basements, Swimming pools, Water tanks, Flat roofs, Balconies, terraces, Bridges. (TDS p.1)
SikaCeram-205 PK lists swimming pools (p.1) and needs cementitious substrates at least 28 days old (p.2). The SikaTop-107 data sheet names Sika TileFix-200 TA as the adhesive over it, within 48 hours (p.2), so ask us to confirm SikaCeram-205 over the coating before tiling (06 S3). Never use SikaCeram-51 in pools (p.2). See the Floor tiles guide.
The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.
Indoor pools: SikaCeram-850 Design (swimming pools indoors, p.1). Thermal, mineral or salt-water pools: Sikadur-54 Ceramic, experienced professionals only (p.1). SikaCeram RSG 705 lists swimming pools and leisure facilities (p.1). See the Epoxy tile grout guide.
Grouting tiles for the following interior residential and commercial building applications: Wet rooms, Shopping malls, Hospitals, Commercial / Industrial kitchens, Food industry, Swimming pools (indoors). (TDS p.1)
Sikadur®-54 Ceramic s used for rigid, waterproof and chemical resistant sealing of joints in ceramic wall and floor coverings, which are subjected to chemical and mechanical attack. Chemical/acids: Laboratories, Food and beverage industries, Medical and therapeutic rooms. Aggressive water:, Swimm… (TDS p.1)
SikaCeram® RSG 705 is used wherever a high degree of chemical resistance and excellent mechanical properties are required, such as: Food production: meat, fish, vegetable and fruit processing, canning areas, dairies and bakeries, Industrial kitchens and catering facilities, Electrical substations… (TDS p.1)
The flexible sealants on our file exclude pools: Sikaflex PRO-3 WF (p.3), Sika Sanisil (p.2) and Sikasil-715 WS (p.3) all say do not use in and around swimming pools. Ask us for a pool-rated sealant for each joint.
A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.
| Step | Product | Pack | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Watertight shell concrete | SikaControl-760 | SikaControl®-760 is available in 5 Kg & 25 kg pack. | TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 04.01 |
| 1. Watertight shell concrete | Sika-1 PK | 05 ltr jerry can 20 ltr plastic can 200 ltr drum 1000 ltr IBC Bulk supply in tanker is… | TDS p.1 · August 2026, Version 02.02 |
| 1. Watertight shell concrete | Sika Plastocrete N PK | 05 ltr jerry can | TDS p.1 · February 2026, Version 01.01 |
| 2. Joints and pipe penetrations | Sika Waterbar V-20 L SH | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01 |
| 2. Joints and pipe penetrations | Sika Waterbar O-20 SH | 15 m rolls | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 02.01 |
| 3. Prepare the shell and seal cracks | Sikadur-20 Crack Seal | 160 mL and 850 mL set | TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 03.02 |
| 4. Waterproof coating | SikaTop-107 Seal PK | — | TDS p.1 · May 2026, Version 03.02 |
| 6. Grout the tiles | SikaCeram-850 Design | 400 ml double side-by-side cartridge | TDS p.1 · April 2025, Version 01.01 |
| 6. Grout the tiles | Sikadur-54 Ceramic (professionals) | — | TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01 |
| 6. Grout the tiles | SikaCeram RSG 705 | — | TDS p.1 · September 2024, Version 02.01 |
We recommend both. The admixture makes the concrete itself resist water (SikaControl-760 p.1), but joints, cracks and pipe entries still need waterbars and crack sealing. SikaTop-107 Seal PK is listed for swimming pools (p.1) and showed no penetration at 5 bar negative pressure for 72 hours in testing (p.2).
Sikadur-54 Ceramic is listed for swimming pools with thermal, mineral or salt water (p.1). It is for experienced professionals only (p.1).
Its data sheet lists swimming pools indoors only (p.1) and says not to use it for applications that are not described (p.2). For outdoor pools ask us about Sikadur-54 Ceramic or SikaCeram RSG 705.
About 6 hours at +20 °C and about 3 hours at +30 °C (SikaTop-107 Seal PK p.2), and no more than 48 hours between the first and second coats (p.3).
No. Sika Sanisil (p.2) and Sikasil-715 WS (p.3) both say do not use in and around swimming pools. Ask us: it depends on site conditions.
Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.