Countdown to...

The time is fast approaching to the UK Pool & Spa Expo and we can't wait! Come and visit our stand to discuss the latest Tile & Stone installation systems.

The UK Pool & Spa Expo will return to the NEC, Birmingham in 2015 from 22nd – 24th January, this time in the larger Hall 10.

Bigger floor space means a bigger show and as well as returning favorites such as the New Product Zone, The NSPF Certified Pool Operators Course and full seminar program, UK Pool & Spa Expo will be adding new exhibitors and more content for the 2015 visitor.

For more information about using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE UK Ltd on: 0151 486 6101, email sales@laticrete.co.uk or visit www.laticrete.co.uk

Naval Academy Competition Pools

Project Spotlight: Naval Academy Competition Pools 

Without question, this grandiose project was no in-and-out pool renovation. “The pools sit 50 meters below sea level,” said Kurt Weber, Sales Representative for LATICRETE International. “With the campus located on the Chesapeake Bay, there were plenty of concerns and challenges in keeping water from running off into the pools' foundations while construction took place. There were even days when construction had to be shut down during the Hurricane Sandy period for fear that there could be some residual effects. 

“The pool was so deep, it was astonishing,” Weber continued. “It's not very often you look down into a pool and see forty feet of scaffolding rising up towards you!” 

The pool renovations had to take place within a pre-existing steel structure so everything had to be exact. 

“This was clearly a high-profile job,” said Eric Pucilowski, LATICRETE Regional Sales Manager. “Anytime you are working on a military facility, you are going to be under a microscope and scrutinised the whole time.” 

Typically when building a pool, a key concern is keeping the base and shell completely sealed so that water does not leak out. But in this case, the construction team had to worry about water leaking in. While working below sea level is not a new task for highly-skilled construction and installation specialists, it still cannot be taken lightly as any leak or crack can potentially cause major structural and/or cosmetic problems. Profast Commercial Flooring was the company in charge of installing all the tiles on the project, and the professionals from that firm found optimal ways to deal with these water issues. 

“We installed over 2,800m of 3x3cm mosaic tiles as well as 2,970m of thick mortar bed on the walls and floors of the facility,” said Kevin Killian, President of Profast Commercial Flooring. When you have a project that big, you need to know you're going to have installation products that work. LATICRETE materials are spectacular… trustworthy and have a great reputation. They worked well not only for our tile installations, but for sealing and water-proofing!” 

Click here to continue reading.

For more information about using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE UK Ltd on: 0151 486 6101, email sales@laticrete.co.uk or visit www.laticrete.co.uk

Superior Pool Interiors Are Cost Effective

An Interesting Article in Pool+Spa Review:

The installation of a recreational or therapeutic pool is a big investment for a community, health, commercial or domestic consumer. The investment has to be sound in that it will provide years of service for its intended function with minimal running and maintenance costs. The right choices made at the time of design and construction will pay big dividends in the overall cost to maintain the pool over its design life. 

Given in-ground concrete pools should have a life span of more than a few decades or longer, you should plan on the pool interior lasting just as long, especially given its exposure to varying degrees of water balance and chemical concentrations. 

The consumer is presented with many options when having a pool installed and it is important to recognise that some pool interiors may have significant repercussions on the economic life of the structure. Some interiors have relatively short lie spans and require renovation sooner than you would like; some are porches and susceptible to chemical attack or staining and require more attention to water chemistry than normal; some can be easily damaged resulting in costly repairs; or some are just plain hard to look after and require a lot more attention than others. Read more.

By Fred Gray - LATICRETE Australia Technical Services Manager

For more information about using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE UK Ltd on: 0151 486 6101, email sales@laticrete.co.uk or visit www.laticrete.co.uk

Pool Mosaics

"Installed!! Blue skies in the forecast in the foreseeable future. I am SO glad to be finished with this installation, and happy that it went well, finally. Thanks to all for the helpful advice. 

Created with Mexican Smalti, kiln formed glass fish, and glow in the dark outlines on the compass. SPECRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout. 254 Platinum thin set adhesive. A couple glasses of wine to wind down and celebrate."

Dianne Sonnenberg Mosaics

For more information about using LATICRETE in your projects, product demos, samples or technical support please contact LATICRETE UK Ltd on: 0151 486 6101, email sales@laticrete.co.uk or visit www.laticrete.co.uk

LATICRETE Pool, Spa and Fountain System Brochure

When you need Innovation, Durability and

Peace of Mind, Choose LATICRETE

The LATICRETE Pool, Spa and Fountain System is composed of time and job proven LATICRETE tile installation products which have been successfully installed around the world for over 50 years. It provides single source responsibility for these demanding, high performance applications. 

The LATICRETE System offers the latest technology in construction materials and methods, delivering superior performance.

The LATICRETE Pool, Spa and Fountain System is resistant to pool chemicals, shock treatment and pH imbalance of water, and has the flexibility and high strength to accommodate differential movement caused by moisture expansion and drying shrinkage. Click here to view/download - LATICRETE Pool and Tile Systems Brochure.

For more information, product demos, samples or technical support call us on 0151 486 6101 or email sales@laticrete.co.uk

Progress on Private Luxury Pool

Randy Beard, David Penton, Rick Chafey, Jimmy Reed, Doug Johnston

An Amazing Pool Project in Texas, USA

An update on the above project by Jimmy Reed, Rock Solid Tile Inc. and Doug Johnston, Stonecrest Pools. Looks absolutely amazing - we can't wait to see the pool filled!

View/download the LATICRETE® Pool, Spa and Fountain Tiling Systems Brochure by clicking here, to ensure your next project is as successful. 

For more on Jimmy Reed of Rock Solid Tile Inc. - click here.

For more on Stone Crest Pools - click here.

Click here for more info on WATERtv.

For more information, call us on 0151 486 6101 or email sales@laticrete.co.uk

Evergreen Wings and Waves Water Park

LATICRETE Helps Put ‘Seal’ of Approval on Water Park

"Tile was a major part of this project. Basically, the entire inside of the building is a big swimming pool. There is water and tile everywhere – in the pool, in the bathroom, along the walls. Chlorine can be very corrosive. So we had to figure out a way to keep the building from rusting from the inside out. We had to manage the chlorinated water. We spent a lot of time working on keeping the water safe for the visitors and the employees." 

Hoffman worked closely with Paragon Tile of Tigard, OR, which had successfully bid on the project. As Paragon began to map out the project, they knew what the needed. That’s when Paul Luttrell, VP of sales for Paragon Tile, called LATICRETE sales representative Mike Werner. Paragon ended up selecting and delivering a number of high-performance LATICRETE products for the job, including SPECTRALOCK® PRO Grout^, 4-XLT, 254 Platinum, 255 MultiMax™* and LATASIL™. 

"In particular, we used LATICRETE Latasil because we needed something that would not crack or deteriorate in the wet coved areas and corners for the life of the installation," Luttrell says. And with the amount of tiling prevalent throughout the facility, Luttrell used SpectraLOCK PRO Grout, a product designed to be used for swimming pools, fountains and other wet area applications. 

Paragon used the products in the entryway, in each of the restrooms, in the water lines in the pool, in the mezzanine and on a lot of the wainscoting throughout the building. "Everything needed to be waterproofed or have crack isolation. So we chose HYDRO BAN® to use behind all our tile." HYDRO BAN is a thin, load bearing waterproofing/crack isolation membrane that DOES NOT require the use of fabric in the field, coves or corners. 

"In the pools," continued Luttrell, "we used 4-XLT, on the water lines we used 254 Platinum, and for the floors, etc., we used the 255 MultiMax. Everything was grouted with SPECTRALOCK PRO Grout. It's a such a strong, high performance product; we couldn't use anything else." 

Continue reading this project spotlight by clicking here.

Marina Bay Sands Pool in the Sky

In concert with the need for a lightweight roof deck material, the LATICRETE specification for the 254,000 stone and mosaic glass tiles took a slightly different path to achieve the same high-performance results. Safdie’s elaborate, already famous pool that connects all three towers ultimately would rely on the pioneering epoxy adhesive technology developed by LATICRETE. 

The elevated swimming pool construction project on the cantilevered boat-shaped, 360-degree view observation deck faced the additional challenges that being suspended 200 metres above ground, across three separate structures will provide. For most typical pools, the LATICRETE specification would have included one of two innovative anti-fracture and waterproofing membranes with either LATICRETE® 9235 Waterproofing Membrane or the most advanced membrane on the market today, LATICRETE HYDRO BAN. Due to the unique structural design, weight and stresses placed on the three buildings by the Sands SkyPark, it was necessary to bond the tile directly to the stainless steel pool shell. To accomplish this task, LATAPOXY® 300 Adhesive, a high-strength 100% solids epoxy adhesive was chosen based on its ability to tenaciously bond to stainless steel.

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Semi-Precious Stone Mosaics Pool

Throughout history, Lapis Azul has been described as a gemstone that might have come straight out of the Arabian Nights. Characterised by a deep blue colour, its body has golden inclusions of pyrites which shimmer like little stars. When Alexander the Great first showcased it throughout Europe, this distinctive colour was referred to as ultramarine, which indicated "from beyond the sea."

Fast forward to modern times, where recently Lapis Azul was used "besides the sea" in one of the most outstanding pool installations one could imagine. It is located at a private residence, facing the beach alongside the Pacific Ocean.

Rock Solid Tile, Inc. of Los Angeles, California, is an elite tile contractor which over the years has taken the process of installing tile for swimming pools to the ultimate level. With a resume including some of the most unique and immediately recognisable water feature projects worldwide, owner/president Jimmy Reed, not surprisingly, approaches every job in a very unique way. "Step One is to connect with the owner or the designer, the person who leads the team," he states. "Step two is to make sure we can provide above and beyond what is the client's expectation."

"Most people," continued Reed, "are not familiar with what entails a high-end swimming pool. Their image is to just 'tile the pool' and after that, the job is done. From our standpoint, that really isn't the case, as a high-end swimming pool is a completely different animal; it's much more than just adhering tile to a water feature surface. Rather, it's actually a very structured, complex process which consists of very detailed steps that result in building a stunning piece of art for the environment." Reed went on to state that when working on any pool project, his firm's job doesn't begin or end with the visuals. "As far as we're concerned, it has to be a bulletproof installation which lasts a lifetime. Any failures occurring after the tile installation are not an option." Rock Solid Tile's Lapis Azul pool installation is a good example of that.

Designed for an ultra-private seaside California home, this relatively small pool was built for owners who only spend a couple of weeks per year at that residence. In particular, they wanted a pool big enough to enjoy when they were together with family and friends on its surrounding stone deck living area.

"We used The LATICRETE® System for the entire project," commented Reed. This included LATICRETE 254 Platinum (grey) for the initial bond coat, followed by LATICRETE 3701 Fortified Mortar Bed for all of the leveling that was required. For the waterproofing aspect, there is no substitute for LATICRETE HYDRO BAN. From there we used LATICRETE 254 Platinum again as the adhesive to adhere the tiles. Then finally we used LATICRETE SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout* to finish it off."

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UK Pool & Spa Expo

UK Pool & Spa Expo will return to The NEC in the larger Hall 10 from 22nd – 24th January 2015.

Come and visit our stand where we will have innovative products, demos, displays and technical sales and services representatives for you to discuss your pool and spa product needs with. 

Click here for more information on the Expo.

Project Spotlight: Infinity Tower, Dubai

LATICRETE lends expertise for swimming pools in Dubai’s breathtaking Infinity Tower 

The first thought is, WOW. That’s the impression you get when you see the Infinity Tower in Dubai, which many are calling the new face of 21st Century architecture. The first structure in the Dubai Marina development, the tower – designed and built under the motto, “Nothing is impossible” – is a marvel of modern design. 

With 80 stories seemingly rising endless into the sky, the development’s groundbreaking architectural design is an ideal complement to a region that features some of the world’s most state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. Dubai, with its unique blend of ultra-modern malls and skyscrapers, has become a leading tourist attraction and major international business hub at the crossroads between the East and West cultures. 

At first glance, the 80-story residential apartment development (there are 73 floors) arcs upward in a 90-degree spiral, creating the shape of a helix that helps shield the building’s interior from the desert sun. Designed by noted architectural firm Skidmore Owings & Merrill, it is the world’s tallest tower to feature a 90-degree twist. 

There isn’t a single structural pillar anywhere inside the building. Instead, it is supported by a complex concrete column structure that holds it up from the outside (a central service core remains). The exterior façade is defined by pre-finish metal panels with repetitive staggered screen panels that filter direct sunlight to the residential units. 

“I would rate this project as one of the best we’ve ever worked on because it is such a unique design,” says Jose Gembell, senior sales manager for LATICRETE RAK CO. LLC., who worked closely with the subcontractor, ASCON LEISURE & GRC, Dubai. ASCON was subcontracted to install the swimming pools. 

For more than three years, Gembell worked closely with Richard Yap of ASCON, providing drawing plan details and training the ASCON installation team on proper application methods. Together, Gembrell and the ASCON team helped fortify the tower’s swimming pools, located on podium floors 4, 67, 68, 69, 70 and 72. 

At the core of the pools’ design can be found LATICRETE® products, which were used to waterproof each of the pools’ surfaces, from the walls, to the floor, and the grouting on the joints of the mosaic tiles. The slate of products included 3701 FORTIFIED MORTAR BED (for screeding and patching); 9235 WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE (waterproofing); 4237 LATEX ADDITIVE and 211 FILLER POWDER (tile adhesion); SPECTRALOCK® PRO Premium Grout^ (tile grout) and LATAPOXY® 310 ADHESIVE (pipe penetration). 

“It was about defining, and then incorporating the right LATICRETE systems for the swimming pool applications,” Gembell says. 

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An Impressive Pool

An impressive pool in Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia.

Another "Wow" pool project from Jack Boyd Pools.

LATICRETE has successfully provided the technology for innovative, permanent installations of tile and stone finishes. Architecturally specified and preferred by professional installers, LATICRETE provides solutions for virtually every application.

• LATICRETE products are industry accepted, code approved and backed by 100% labour and materials system warranties, thereby assuring a successful installation each and every time.
• LATICRETE membranes, adhesives, grouts, and sealants are weather resistant and freeze/thaw stable.

Contact us on +44 (0)871 284 5959 for more information, technical assistance, FREE samples or to arrange a demo.