Swimming Pool Tiling Specialists - ARDEX UK Ltd.

Our company’s heritage dates backmore than 50 years and, as a globalmanufacturer of high performancespeciality building materials, ARDEXhas remained at the forefront of theUK flooring and tiling industries.The Experts in Swimming Pool Tile InstallationOperating across 50 sites worldwide, ARDEX are thepremium supplier of products for the preparation andinstallation of tiles in swimming pool environments.ARDEX products have been specified on many prestigiousprojects, from the London Aquatics Centre, to the RoyalCommonwealth swimming pool in Edinburgh.Specification Support at Every StageWhen specifying ARDEX you can rely on our expert teamfor on-going support at every stage of the process, fromrapid response to specification writing, to installation visitsand on-site testing. National Building Specification clausesprovide best practice, guidance and support for your tilingspecifications.Our purpose-built training facility enables us to bringall parties involved in an ARDEX specification together,from the client through to the main or sub-contractors,ensuring total confidence in the specification andsubsequent on-site application.For the latest and most up to date information andadvice, you can visit the ARDEX CPD ACADEMY at:www.ardexcpdacademy.comThe academy allows you to earn CPD points by takingone of our RIBA approved CPD seminars online,including ‘Specifying Tiling in Swimming Pools andLeisure Centres’Technical guidance, product information and projectcase studies are also available to download, makingthe ARDEX CPD Academy an essential tool in thespecification process.3

The ARDEX Pool SystemWalls - PreparationARDEX AM 100 is recommended for use as a wall render prior to tiling. ARDEX AM 100 can be applied from 2-20mm thick, and tiling can commence after 2 hours at 20°C.Walls and Floors - WaterproofingUse ARDEX S 7 waterproof coating to ensure your swimming pool is water tight and free from leaks. Apply to walls and floors prior to tiling.Ensure you use the correct joint tapes required.Walls - Tile FixingFix mosaics or wall tiles with ARDEX X 77 MICROTEC adhesive ensuring solid bedding is achieved.Floors - PreparationDepending on the thickness of base required there are three options for floor preparation prior to tiling.1 Apply ARDEX S 21 neat to the floor at a 0-10mm thickness2 Apply ARDEX S 21 and the incorporation of screeding sand to produce a 10-30mm base. This can also be used to formramps and falls.3 Apply an ARDEX A 38 screed to make up a concrete base for a 15-50mm bonded screed.Floors - Tile FixingEnsure solid bedding of the tiles is achieved when fixing mosaics or floor tiles using ARDEX X 77 MICROTECadhesive or for a rapid setting adhesive use ARDEX X 77 S MICROTEC adhesive. If you are fixing large formattiles and require a semi-pourable adhesive, use ARDEX X 78 or ARDEX X 78 S MICROTEC adhesives.Grouting Walls and Floors1 ARDEX-FLEX FS and ARDEX-FLEX FL are available in 32 colours to colour match any tile choice.2 For areas where chemical resistance and hygienic joints are required, use ARDEX EG 8Cement/Epoxy Hybrid Grout and Adhesive.Always refer to the product data sheet or call the ARDEX Technical Services Department for adviceon 01440 714939. You can also refer to BS 5385-4:2009 regarding timescales for stages of workand pool filling times.CONCRETEARDEX AM 100Rapid HardeningOne Coat Tiling RenderARDEX S 7Flexible Waterproof Coatingfor Floors and WallsOption 1:Standard Set AdhesiveorOption 2:Semi-Pourable AdhesiveCONCRETE BASEARDEX X 77MICROTEC® FlexibleFloor and Wall TileAdhesiveARDEX X 78MICROTEC® FlexibleSemi-Pourable FloorTile Adhesive4

orARDEX-FLEX FSFlexible Tile Grout1 - 4mm jointsARDEX-FLEX FLRapid Setting FlexibleTile Grout3 - 15mm jointsARDEX EG 8Cement/Epoxy HybridGrout and Adhesive2 - 12mm jointsCONCRETEOPTION 3: 15 - 50MM2A3BARDEX A 38Rapid HardeningCement for FloorScreedsCement/Sand Screed,15 - 50mm1Option 1: 0 - 10mmARDEX S 21Rapid HardeningFloor Tile BeddingMortarNeat, 0 - 10mmOption 2: 10 - 30mmARDEX S 21ARDEX S 21 RapidHardening FloorTile Bedding MortarSand Filled Screed,10 - 30mm andA Bonding Coat(neat ARDEX S 21)ARDEX E 100Bonding/Slurry GroutB Bonding CementSystemThe information supplied in our literature or given by our employees is based upon extensive experience and,together with that supplied by our agents or distributors, is given in good faith in order to help you.We guarantee the consistent high quality of our products; however, as we have no control over site conditionsor the execution of the work, we accept no liability for any loss or damage which may arise as a result thereof.For detailed information and advice please visitwww.ardex.co.uk or call our Technical Services Department on 01440 7149395

TILE ADHESIVESARDEX MICROTEC Tile Adhesives have unique features which include extended open times of up to 60 minutes,and ultra-rapid setting properties which allow tiles to be walked on and grouted after just 90 minutes.ARDEX X 77MICROTEC ® Flexible Floor and WallTile Adhesive• 60 minute open time - spread larger areas of adhesivein a single application• 3 hour pot life means less mixing• Where ultra rapid setting is required, ARDEX X 77 Sallows tiles to be grouted after just 90 minutes.ARDEX X 78MICROTEC ® Flexible Semi-Pourable FloorTile Adhesive• 60 minute open time - Spread larger areas of adhesive in asingle application• Semi-pourable consistency for solid bed fixing large formatfloor tiles• Where ultra rapid setting is required, ARDEX X 78 S allowstiles to be grouted after just 90 minutesGROUTSARDEX Grouts provide the perfect finish to any installation and are available in 32 colours.ARDEX-FLEX FSFlexible Tile Grout with Built-In Admix• Suitable for wall and floor tiling in swimming pools• Water repellent and dirt resistant• For joint widths up to 4mmARDEX-FLEX FLRapid Setting Flexible Tile Grout withBuilt-in Admix• Suitable for wall and floor tiling in swimming pools• Rapid hardening, receives foot traffic in 90 minutes• For joint widths from 3mm-15mmARDEX EG 8Cement/Epoxy Hybrid Grout and Adhesive• Combines the chemical resistance of an epoxy-based grout with the easeof application associated with cement based grouts• Ideal for use in swimming pools, hydrotherapy and spa baths, bathrooms& showers• Can be cleaned off the tile surface up to 45 minutes after application• For joint widths from 2mm-12mmARDEX-FLEX grouts areavailable in 32 colours7

Swimming Pool Repair and RefurbishmentThe refurbishment or repair of a swimming pool is the most cost effective way to return itto its original condition, and ARDEX products facilitate the rapid repair of damage to loosetiles or leaks to small areas, or the re-tiling of entire pools without the expense of a newinstallation.Repair and Refurbishment – The ARDEX Tile on Tile SolutionSTEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: STEP 4: STEP 5:Assess the pool and poolarea, checking for loosetiles or areas of damage.Fill any gaps, holes orareas of damage withARDEX A 46 Repair Mortarto give a flat even surfaceto tile onto.Use ARDEX Degreaserto thoroughly clean theexisting tiled surface, priorto fixing the new tiles, toensure the surface is freefrom contamination thatmay impair adhesion.Fix the tiles withARDEX X 7 Tile Adhesiveand ARDEX E 90 ADMIX, togive the additional adhesionproperties required in a wetlocation.ARDEX-FLEX groutsare available in 32colours to complete therefurbishment project.For further information and advice please contact our Technical Services Department on Tel: 01440 714939ARDEX DegreaserEffectively removes contaminants from theexisting tile surface, prior to the applicationof the ARDEX adhesiveARDEX A 46Slump free repair and patch mortar ideal forfilling holes behind loose or damaged tilesARDEX X 7 and ARDEX E 90ARDEX X 7 Tile Adhesive and ARDEX E 90Admix is the perfect system for facilitatingtile on tile applications in internal andexternal swimming pool refurbishments.The addition of ARDEX E 90 ADMIX providesthe adhesive strength required for fixing ontosmooth or glazed surfaces.ARDEX-FLEX GROUTSWater-repellent and dirt resistant grouts idealfor use in submerged areas.ARDEX-FLEX FS is ideal for joints up to4mm wide, and ARDEX-FLEX FL for jointsfrom 3-15mm. Both products are availablein a range of 32 colours.ARDEX EG 8A cement/epoxy hybrid grout that providesa durable, waterproof finish with chemicalresistance, making it ideal for use in areaswhere hygienic joints are required.8

Tiling Pool Surrounds and Changing RoomsARDEX have the perfect system for pool surrounds, changing rooms and shower areas.Most changing room specifications now include underfloor heating, withradiators becoming less popular due to a requirement for more space.An ARDEX A 38 screed can be laid in wet or submerged areas, and tilingcan commence after just 4 hours. Underfloor heating systems can becommissioned after 3 days when an ARDEX A 38 screed is used.When installing showers and wet rooms it is essential to ensure thatthe background to be tiled is protected from water ingress, which canresult in leaks to other areas of the changing room or adjacent rooms,or loss adhesion between the tiles and substrate. Advice in BS 5385-4recommends that in tile installations that are not immersed, but subject tofrequent contact with water, the basic structure behind the tiles should bewatertight. Since there is likely to be relatively little opportunity to dry outbetween periods of use, it should be tanked.ARDEX WPC offers a watertight guarantee, is quick and easy to apply andcan be tiled on after only 90 minutes.Tiling in changing rooms and wet areasARDEX WPCWaterproofProtectionSystemARDEX AM 100Rapid HardeningOne Coat TilingRenderARDEX X 77MICROTECFlexible Floorand Wall TileAdhesiveARDEX-FLEX FS/FLFlexible Tile GroutAvailable in 32 coloursARDEX X 78MICROTECFlexibleSemi-PourableFloor TileAdhesiveorARDEX EG 8Cement/EpoxyHybrid Grout andAdhesiveARDEX ST SiliconeSealantNeutral Cure ElasticSilicone Sealant9

The Aquatics Centre, Olympic Park, LondonArdex Tiling Products deliver gold at London 2012 Aquatics CentreThe Aquatics Centre has been designed bythe internationally acclaimed architect ZahaHadid, who worked in conjunction withleading swimming pool architects, S&P.The breathtaking 17,500 seat Aquatics Centreforms part of the gateway to the OlympicPark, and is housed beneath a distinctivewave-like curved roof. The centre housesa 50m competition pool, a 50m warm uppool, and a 25m competition diving pool,with a ‘dry’ warm-up area for divers. Theproject required a proven tiling solution whichcould deliver fast track completion, as wellas the ability to withstand the challengingenvironment within the centre, and rigoroushygiene demands.ARDEX CASE STUDY:COMPLETED TILED AREAS INCLUDE:•50 metre Olympic competition pool and surround•50 metre warm up pool and surround•25m x 25m by 7metres deep diving pool and surroundPROJECT SIZE:Approximate total of 10,000m 2 for the projectPROJECT VALUE:£1.2 Million10

Having completed many prestigious leisure installations, ARDEX UK were delighted towork in partnership with specialist tiling contractor, W B Simpson Limited, and supplythe ideal tile fixing system to assist with the completion of the iconic Aquatics Centreat the Olympic Park, London.As with previous high profile projects, including Heathrow Airport, Kings Cross StPancras Station, Harrods and London Zoo, it was the proven performance andversatility of ARDEX products that won favour with the contractor. In addition, theARDEX Business Development and Technical Services teams provided on-goingsupport at every stage of the process, from rapid response to specification writing,to installation visits and on-site testing. ARDEX’s purpose-built training facilityenabled them to bring together all parties involved in the specification, from theclient through to the main contractor, ensuring total confidence in the specification,and subsequent on-site application.Once the main construction of the Aquatics Centre had been completed, thedifferent depth ‘falls’ of the pool surround were levelled with an application ofARDEX S 21, a Rapid Drying Floor Tile Bedding Mortar which allowed further workto commence after only 3 hours.Prior to fixing the pool surround tiles, ARDEX S 7 was applied to provide awaterproof coating, eliminating the risk of leaks, or water damage to themechanical and electrical equipment under the pool surround.One of the key influences in ARDEX winning this prestigious project was the factthat ARDEX X 77 MICROTEC ® Flexible Floor & Wall Tile Adhesive was suitablefor fixing all of the tiles in the Aquatic Centre. By using just one tile adhesive, cost savings and application time was saved. ARDEX X 77 hasan open time of up to 60 minutes, which means that you can spread larger areas of adhesive in a single application, enabling the team at theAquatic Centre installation to work more efficiently, and allowing more time when tiling awkward areas, or cutting around fixtures and fittings inthe pool and pool surrounds.The tiling installation for the Aquatics Centre was vast, with 866,000 ceramic tiles installed in the pools, poolside and changing rooms,(180,000 lining the pools themselves). The main pool tiles were supplied by Spectile Ltd of Crewe.ARDEX-FLEX FL Rapid Setting Flexible Grout in Dove Grey was chosen to fill the pool tile joints, to complete the installation. ARDEX colourtests every batch of grout, and the advanced manufacturing process ensures uniform colour distribution of the grout powder which eliminates‘streaking’ during mixing. In addition to offering a colour palette of 32 colours, ARDEX-FLEX tile grouts incorporate flexibility, water repellence,ease of application and dirt resistance, which combined to ensure the perfect finish for the Aquatics Centre.ARDEX Products used in the Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park, LondonARDEX X 77MICROTEC® Flexible Floorand Wall Tile AdhesiveARDEX-FLEX FLFlexible Tile GroutDove GreyARDEX S 7Flexible Waterproof Coatingfor Floors and WallsARDEX S 21Rapid Hardening FloorTile Bedding MortarARDEX WPCWaterproofProtection SystemIn addition to the tiling system installed throughout the pools, the shower areas within the changing rooms were prepared with ARDEX WPC,which provided a rapid drying waterproof protection coat. It was essential to ensure that the tiled background has protection from moistureingress, which can result in leaks to other areas within the changing rooms, or loss of adhesion between the tiles and substrate. ARDEX WPC isquick and easy to apply, and helped to minimise downtime, as tile fixing can commence after just 90 minutes.Andy Reid, ARDEX National Business Development Manager commented, “The Aquatics Centre is an amazing facility, and one that willbenefit the local community for years to come. Our tiling systems have been specified in many leisure projects, but to win the contract forthe Aquatics Centre has been a great achievement, and a testimony to ARDEX’s ‘gold standard’ product range and support. The feedbackfrom the installation team was extremely positive, and the completed venue is truly stunning. In addition, we are delighted to havesecured, as a result of our success with the Aquatics Centre, various new prestigious swimming pool projects”.For further information on the ARDEX product range please telephone 01440 714939, email info@ardex.co.uk or visit ARDEX online atwww.ardex.co.uk11

ARDEX UK LIMITEDHomefield Road Haverhill Suffolk CB9 8QP United KingdomTelephone: 01440 714939 Fax: 01440 716640 Email: info@ardex.co.ukARDEX online: www.ardex.co.uk www.ardexcpdacademy.com