Cinder block has become a choice when you need construction materials since they look sturdy and durable. Cinder block is indeed versatile and easy to handle. But, like other building materials, it can also be damaged when exposed to water.
The usual way of dealing with water-related issues is by replacing them with new materials. But, it does not always happen if you replace the old damaged materials, you can avoid repairing them.
In some cases, your only choice is to deal with them and get them fixed. Cinder blocks aren’t the most preferred choice for constructing concrete pools.
The truth is, the structures they create are prone to cracking and breaking apart due to the material’s porous nature. This makes pool owners eager to find a way to waterproof it. Besides, if you’re bothered by floating debris on a windy day, the porous nature of cinder blocks can cause a more significant issue.
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How To Waterproof a Cinder Block Pool In 7 Steps
Here are a few steps to follow when waterproofing a cinder block pool.
1. Preparing the Cinder Blocks:
You need to remove any dirt and debris from your swimming area before starting work on it so that there’s no chance of water leaking in while working on it. This is also an excellent time to check the condition of your cinder blocks and make sure they’re not rusty or damaged.
2. Cementing:
You can use concrete blocks for this purpose, but it’s a costly option if you want to waterproof your swimming area. You need at least two coats of waterproofing material for this purpose. One coat is usually enough to seal the walls, and one more coat is applied on top of that to make sure it’s completely sealed.
3. Caulking:
You can use a caulking gun or some other type of caulk, but it’s not necessary. You can use a brush to apply the caulk on your swimming area walls, but you don’t have to do it in one go because it will give way if you’re too forceful while applying it, and that could result in water leakages.
4. Sanding:
You need to sand down your swimming area walls and make them smooth before applying the waterproofing material. You can use a power sander or hand-held rotary sander for that purpose. It’s imperative because if you don’t remove all of the loose debris from your cinder blocks, it can get trapped between the wall and your waterproofing material and result in water leaks.
5. Applying:
You need to apply a coat of waterproofing material to your sanded-down walls before applying another layer over that one. You also need to make sure that your swimming area has been completely sealed before you start working on it.
6. Finishing:
You need to clean up the excess material and make sure there’s no dampness in your swimming area at all before leaving it for a few days so that water can’t seep through the walls. You also need to make sure that you’ve left enough space between your swimming area wall and any other structures so that it can drain properly.
7. Painting:
You need to paint a coat of waterproofing material on top of the sanded-down cinder blocks before you can start applying your paint on top of that. You also need to make sure you’ve left enough space between the swimming area wall and any other structures so that it can drain adequately before painting a coat over the waterproofing material.
Best Results When Waterproofing a Cinder Block Pool?
The first thing you need to do is determine the waterproofing material that will work best for your situation. There are several options, such as epoxy resin and acrylic paint.
The former has a faster drying time than the latter, but it also costs more money than other types of waterproofing. In addition, there are some particular types of waterproofing materials that you can use for your pool.
For instance, the kind used to seal concrete pools is cement plaster paint, and it’s available in different colors and textures. “Stucco,” made from cement, sand, water, and lime, is the most common one.
Most Critical Factor In Waterproofing A Cinder Block Pool?
The main reason why many people choose to waterproof their cinder block pool is that it’s a cheap option. However, there are other factors that you need to consider before making the final decision on whether or not your pool should be waterproofed.
For instance, if you’re worried about water leaking into your house, you need to make sure that the waterproofing material can be applied without causing any damage.
Besides, it’s also vital to know how long it will take before the concrete is arid.
If there are cracks in your pool and water has already seeped in, then you need to find out how much it will cost for a new pool.
In addition, if your cinder block is already cracked or damaged somehow and the cracks are getting bigger every day, you should consider waterproofing it rather than replacing it with another type of material.
Advantages Of Using Cinder Blocks As a Pool Instead Of Concrete?
The main reason why many people prefer using cinder blocks as a pool is that it’s cheaper than concrete. Besides, you can use the same type of material to build your swimming pools and other types of structures such as walkways or patios.
In addition, if you’re interested in saving much money, you can use cinder blocks as a foundation for your home. The good thing is that cinder blocks are easy to work with, so you don’t need special skills or tools.
You can also use them as a foundation for your home to save money and time.
In addition, they’re lightweight and durable, which makes it easier for you to install them on your property. You can use cinder blocks as a pool liner to save money and time.
Many waterproofing materials can be used for concrete pools, but they’re more expensive than cinder blocks. So, it’s better to use cinder blocks as a pool instead of concrete.
The next thing you need to know is that there are different types of cinder blocks, and they’re available in many colors, shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. So, it would help if you chose the right type depending on your needs.
Special Tools You Need To Use When Installing Your New Cinder Block Pool?
You don’t need special tools to install cinder blocks as a pool. All you need is some essential hand tools and materials such as cement, sand, water, and other things that can be used for your project.
However, if you want to save time on the installation process or improve its quality, you can use special tools such as a power saw to cut the cinder blocks.
Besides that, there are different types of concrete blocks, and they have different sizes and shapes, which means that it’s essential for you to choose the right type depending on your needs.
Safety Issues When Installing a Cinder Block Pool?
Yes, there are some safety issues that you need to consider while using cinder blocks as a pool. For example, if the concrete is not thick enough, it can crack and cause leaks in your swimming area.
So, you should choose the right type of concrete blocks depending on your needs.
Another thing that you need to consider is the water pressure in your swimming area and make sure it’s enough for a cinder block pool because if not, you can get cracks or leaks in the pool walls.
So, choose a type of waterproofing that can cover the entire pool.
Fire safety is necessary because cinder blocks are not fire-resistant, which means if there’s any spark or fireplace, then it can cause damage in your swimming area.
Ensure everything has been properly installed before starting work on your swimming area.
Best Materials To Use For Waterproofing A Cinder Block Pool?
Different waterproofing materials can be used for cinder block swimming pools.
One of the most common is self-adhesive tape which comes in various thicknesses, and they’re usually sold with other accessories such as brushes or caulking guns to apply it properly on your pool walls.
Another waterproofing material is a liquid sealant that comes in different types. They’re usually sold with brushes that you can use to apply them appropriately to your swimming area. Other options include:
- Cinder block pool liners,
- Fiberglass or vinyl liner systems,
- Concrete blocks for pools,
- Pool covers.
Are there any types of cinder blocks that are more resistant to water damage than others?
Yes, there are. Heavier cinder blocks such as those made of concrete or block will be more resistant to water damage than lighter weight cinder blocks like the ones you find at Home Depot and Lowes.
The heavy cinder blocks will be more resistant to water damage because of their weight. They won’t get as wet, and they won’t collapse from the pressure placed on them when it rains heavily.
They have a higher density than lighter-weight cinder blocks, which means that it’s harder for them to absorb moisture from the ground.
Risks or Drawbacks to Waterproofing a Cinder Block Pool?
There are risks and drawbacks to waterproofing a cinder block pool. The main risk is that you’ll have to do all of the work yourself, which means you’re going to be using your hands, tools, and possibly some equipment such as an air compressor or sprayer.
That’s not much of a risk if you’re the one doing it, but if someone else has to do it for you, then that could be a problem.
The other drawback is that some cinder block pools out there have been waterproofed with epoxy, and they’ve had issues later on because of water damage from the epoxy.
That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re using a water-resistant and waterproofing material for your cinder block pool so that there won’t be any problems with the adhesive or sealant later on down the road.
How Long Does it Take To Waterproof A Cinder Block Pool?
It depends on the size and the complexity of your project. If you’re doing a small job, it should only take you one day or so to do.
However, suppose you have an elaborate project involving pouring concrete or using special tools such as air compressors and sprayers.
In that case, it could take several days or even weeks to complete the project. Additionally, if you’re doing a large project, it could take several days to pour concrete and then another few days to dry the cement.
How Much Does Waterproofing A Cinder Block Pool Cost?
The price of waterproofing a cinder block pool varies depending on what kind of material you use for your sealant and how many blocks you want to waterproof.
The average cost is between $200 and $300, but you could spend as much as a couple of thousand dollars if you’re working with epoxy or other more expensive materials.
There are many benefits to using epoxy or other sealants for your cinder block pool.
The main advantage is that it’s relatively inexpensive and much faster than having to pour concrete, but there are some disadvantages.
One disadvantage is that it’s not as durable or long-lasting as concrete. However, you can use epoxy for a pool for several years before having to repour the cinder block and then seal it again with another coat of epoxy.
Final Thoughts
Waterproofing a cinder block pool is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your swimming pool will last for many years.
It’s also effortless and cheap, but it requires some special tools such as air compressors, sprayers, and other tools that you may not have.
The average cost of waterproofing a cinder block pool is between $200 and $300.
However, it can be as much as several thousand dollars if you’re doing an elaborate project or using expensive materials such as epoxy to seal the concrete!
