State-of-the-art tiling solutions and products open up a world of creative opportunities and alleviate technical challenges for pool builders and tilers
When trusted with the task of bringing a designer’s and homeowner’s vision to life, a good tradesman should always look for the best solution to create a low-maintenance, high-quality pool or spa for the homeowners to enjoy for many years to come.
For this project, tiler Sam Gardener not only used state-of-the-art LATICRETE products, but also drew on the expertise of LATICRETE professionals to ensure this project would stand the test of time.
The newly built private residence in Indooroopilly, Qld, consisted of approximately 1200sqm of construction including a pool, spa and water feature. Skilled designer Owen Rentoul helped in the creation of the project design and Tim Stewart Architects was engaged to assist with the project drawings.
Large-format 1200mm x 600mm marble from SNB Stone and 40mm x 40mm glass mosaics from Trend Mosaics, which were new to Australia and not used before, were chosen for the pool, spa and water feature. The installation of these tiles required more than the above-average application technique. With award-winning skills from Sam Gardener Tiling and LATICRETE solutions, the project was completed with exceptional quality.
Sam Gardener was faced with a few challenges during the installation of the pool, spa and water feature. The position of the pool was the first challenge as it was located on the second level above the main bedroom, so ensuring it was watertight was extremely important. Secondly,
Perspex was used at one end of the pool and in the spa, so Sam needed a product to seal against a non-porous surface. Finally, there was an issue making the air blowholes in the spa waterproof.
After attending a specialised Profit Through Knowledge industry training day at LATICRETE, Sam locked in LATICRETE tiling solutions, which proved to be beneficial to the project both visually and technically and would guarantee to perform for years to come.
“The LATICRETE Profit Through Knowledge training seminar I attended with Fred Gray and Mitchell Haw answered many questions that I had,” says Sam. “This helped in my decision to choose LATICRETE and also gave me the idea of using marble in the submerged part of the pool and spa.”
Both the home owner and Sam were very pleased with the end result. Sam says that without confidence in the application products and the knowledge of the LATICRETE technical team, it would have been a very different outcome. “There are no leaks and I sleep easy with the product warranty that comes when using LATICRETE,” he adds.
Sam had to ensure the air blowholes in the spa were watertight and was reassured when a HYDRO BAN® waterproofing membrane was applied. He chose to use a full LATICRETE installation system for this: 226 Thick Bed Mortar and 3701 Mortar Admix was used for the render and bedding for the substrate preparation; 211 Crete Filler Powder and 4237 Latex
Additive was used for the bond coat in the pool; and HYDRO BAN was used for waterproofing all the areas. Sam had selected 335 Premium Flexible Adhesive White, knowing it was suitable for immersion and would give the partly translucent glass tile a more even, consistent look.
LATAPOXY® 310 Stone Adhesive was used to bond the 1200mm x 600mm marble slab, nominally 50kg/m², to the front protruding featured face of the pool. He was impressed with the result, which was a flat finish that he knew would hold. SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout and LATASIL™ was then used to finish it all off.
Sam was acknowledged for his quality workmanship at the 2017 Master Builders Association Awards, winning Brisbane Residential Trade Contractor of the Year for this project. He was also the overall winner for Queensland in the same category. “Sam’s drive for perfection consumed him on this project,” exclaims the homeowner. “We had many conversations about the pool finishes and it always came back to using LATICRETE products so he could turn it into something truly spectacular. He is a true craftsman and deserves the accolades for his effort.”
With more than 60 years in business, LATICRETE is the expert in manufacturing quality products and creating ingenious methods and solutions for installing ceramic tile and stone. The company’s range includes ceramic tile adhesives, stone adhesives, waterproofing membranes, stainless grouts and tile cleaners. Boasting maintenance-free solutions, LATICRETE products are guaranteed to perform effectively in all conditions.
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