Pool School With Randy Dukes

Our bond coat system is used by applicators of competing plaster projects for one simple reason; it is the best bonding agent available. I’ve seen so many failed plaster applications (new construction & remodels) over the years through my work as an expert witness, and many of them could have been avoided had the applicator properly prepared the substrate (and used a bond coat) prior to plastering the swimming pool.

I’ve carefully rewritten my technical description on PermaKote including the installation guidelines in an effort to reintroduce our customers to the product. PermaKote will in nearly all cases extend the life of exposed aggregate pool finishes.

Here is my take on the product’s benefits as well as my recommendation for the installation guidelines.

Permakote is a cementitious bonding agent with highly modified polymer additives providing superior chemical and mechanical bonding for underwater use. Permakote provides a strong link between properly prepared substrates and new plaster.

Permakote can be applied over most properly prepared masonry surfaces after 28 days including formed and poured, shotcrete (wet or dry), for the application of tile, pool, and water feature plaster.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

  • Coverage 250–300 sq. ft. (approx. 23-27 sq. meters) depending on the coarseness of the substrate
  • Simplified mixing
  • Economical, no waste, one component blend
  • Superior bond
  • Provides uniform stabilization of substrate promoting even drying
  • Reduces unnecessary substrate preparation
  • Virtually eliminates pop-offs and delamination when properly applied

PACKAGING:

PermaKote is factory pre-blended in convenient 80 lb. (36.3 kg) bags of specially prepared Portland cement, oven dried quartz aggregate, and water activated modified polymer admixes. 

SURFACE PREPARATION:

The use of foreign compounds on the receiving cementitious substrate is not permitted. 

NEW CONSTRUCTION:

The substrate should be free of laitance. Remove foreign materials including any crystallization, form release agents, algae, fungus, rust, etc. by sand blasting, water blasting preferably with a Turbo Tip, or acid washing. To be waterproof all penetrations must be properly filled and compacted before PermaKote is applied.

MIXING:

State-of-the-art dry catalyzing resins have been scientifically factory blended and require only the addition of potable water to activate their special qualities. The jobsite addition of any liquid acrylic, polymer, or latex additives will adversely affect the coverage, ease of use, and unnecessarily increase the applied cost.

PermaKote requires 8 quarts (7.5 liters) of potable water per 80 lb. (36.3 kg) bag of dry mix. Partial bags of PermaKote may be mixed using the same proportional formula. Example: 1 quart (approx. 0.9 L) per 10 lbs. (approx. 4.5 kg)

Add a proportionate amount of potable water into a suitable flat bottom mixing container (5 gallon – 19 L bucket). While continuously mixing, add Permakote and continue mixing for 2 -3 minutes. Allow to slake for 2 minutes and remix.

PermaKote may be made thicker or slightly thinner by the addition or deletion of water although the above proportions are for optimal bonding performance, workability, and coverage.

REMODEL:

Thoroughly inspect receiving surface for hollows, loose and/or chemically damaged soft plaster removing all suspect materials. Acid washing must be followed by neutralization with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

Painted and fiberglass coatings over cementitious surfaces should be sand blasted, water blasted or scarified to a rough surface, making sure all previous foreign coatings are removed.

Undercut tile and around fittings a minimum of 3 inches (approx. 7.5 cm).

NOTE: All preparations require a thorough wash down by pressure washing to remove all chemical residues.

METHODS OF APPLICATION:

  • Heavy nap roller 1¼ inch (approx. 3.0 cm) & masonry brush
  • Hopper gun and masonry brush
  • Masonry brush for smaller applications
cli-permakote

Starting next to steps continue coating the entire wall surface to the floor using the same procedure around the pool walls. Promptly move to the deep end of the pool. Coat the entire floor following the same procedure and back rolling to the steps.

PermaKote may be re-tempered 1 time with a small addition of water while mechanical mixing.

Wash tools with water promptly after use. Caution: PermaKote is designed to stick tenaciously to all surfaces. DO NOT allow PermaKote to dry on any unwanted surfaces. It can only be removed by vigorous mechanical action and/or harsh chemicals.

  • CURING: PermaKote will reach minimum cure in 6 hours. Cooler temperatures and low humidity could extend the minimum to 12 hours, but preferably overnight. Plaster should not be applied before 6 hours. Overnight curing is recommended.
  • COVERAGE: 80 lbs. (36.3 kg) Coverage 250 – 300 sq. ft. (approx. 23 – 37 sq. meters) depending on surface conditions, viscosity of mix, and thickness.
  • PLASTERING: Apply a light mist of clean potable water to PermaKote prior to plastering. Inspect to make sure no foreign material has settled on PermaKote that could prevent proper bonding. Plaster must be applied within 2 weeks or an additional coat is required. Minimum 3/8 – ½ inches (0.95 – 1.3 cm) plaster for most surfaces.

WARRANTY:

For warranty validation, the following must be true.

INSTALLERS: The installer shall have had at least 2 years experience with bonding agents and demonstrate that they have successfully installed and completed similar projects with the same scope and size.
Installer shall provide at least one experienced technician during the application. Installer shall provide an affidavit stating that all of the Manufacture’s recommendations were followed with pictures.

MATERIALS: Packaging of the 80 lb. (36 kg) bags shall be protected before, during and after installation from heat and moisture, off the ground and covered with moisture proof heavy plastic sheeting.
The pre-blended factory material shall be mixed with potable water to a consistency prescribed by the manufacturer’s water to cement ratio for the chosen application method.

APPLICATION: Material can be sprayed, rolled or brushed to provide a rough surface that will facilitate the application of the finish coat that will help develop a good mechanical as well as a good chemical bond.

Please contact your C.L. Industries representative for any clarification before installation.