Information
Engineered Coating Solutions for Commercial Pool and Water Park Surfacing
Features of Aqua Armor Coatings
This is a unique product, and not related to anything else in the Aquatic Industry.
- Suitable for new pools/water parks and renovation projects.
- It is an industrial-grade product; used in the industrial protective coatings industry.
- AQUA ARMOR is a hard, wear, abrasion and corrosion resistant coating.
- It is glass-fiber reinforced, and also suitable for repairing cracked concrete.
- Minimal preparation is required compared to competing materials.
- Far more versatile usage compared to competing materials.
- No chip out of plaster required; no dust and mess around the facility.
- It is superior to epoxies, quartz plasters, and specialty cement-based finishes.
- Is less costly than tile, and produces a tile-like finish, without grout problems.
- It is a workhorse product for commercial pools and water parks.
- The ideal material for elevated pools, and exhibits waterproofing properties.
- No additional waterproofing products required.
- Very fast cure time means short downtime, and rapid return-to-service.
- Can be applied down to 5 °C; provides service in freezing and high heat conditions.
- Excellent bond to stainless steel and concrete, and conforms to any shape like spas.
- Superior performance in hot spas; not degraded by hot water.
- 20 yr service life based on resin chemistry, and verified under actual field conditions. No unsubstantiated/exaggerated performance claims.
- Does not require periodic refinishing.
- Spray-applied by selected Certified Applicators for a professional application.
Aqua Armor for Commercial Spas
Superior Performance in Hot Spas
Due to the hot water in spas, a deterioration of the plaster surface is observed. Hot water is very aggressive on spas, and causes a rapid breakdown:
- Spalling of plaster
- Discoloration/staining and difficult cleaning
- Roughness and cracks
- Black algae infestation
- Unsightly appearance and loss of aesthetics
- Formation of calcium salts
- Snagged bathing suits, and uncomfortable environment for bathers
Aqua Armor offers a tile-like finish, will eliminate these defects, and repeated resurfacing. It is not affected by high temperatures. Bathers enjoy an overall better experience when using the aquatic facility. It has excellent aesthetics retention, and offers a clean, inviting look.
Aqua Armor vs. Epoxy
| Aqua Armor | Epoxy paints |
|---|---|
| Specified by Aquatic Consultants | Never specified |
| 30 year track record in pools | Low-end epoxy paint used; will amine blush |
| An industrial-grade product | Not industrial-grade |
| A long term solution – high performance product | Short term only |
| Provides a uniform appearance | Mottles and discolors |
| Consistent performance | Flaking, peeling, chipping |
| Has glass fibre for extra strength | No glass fibre |
| Is spray-applied – more uniform | Rolled by hand – not even |
| Can be applied in low temps. | Will not cure in low temps |
| UV stable – will not chalk | Not UV stable – will chalk |
| Very fast application – short downtime | Slow process – long downtime |
| Labor highly skilled | No specific training – problems |
| Short cure time < 10 hrs | Long cure time to 7 days |
| Much thicker – 80 mils (2 mm) | Thin paint film – 12 mils |
| Can repair hairline/structural cracks | Cannot remediate cracks |
| More flexible | Inflexible and subject to embrittlement |
| 20 Year service life | Short service life and subject to periodic reapplication at high cost |
| Outperforms all pool paints | Old, outdated technology. A short-term get-by product |
Aqua Armor vs. Plaster
| Aqua Armor | Plaster |
|---|---|
| High-performance composite materials. An industrial-grade product | Basic white plaster with quartz aggregate. |
| Corrosion resistant | Not corrosion resistant |
| Can be applied to steel and concrete | Very limited in application |
| Has structural strength – repairs cracks/leaks | Not a structural material; hairline cracks. |
| Black algae cannot adhere | Subject to black algae infestation |
| Not sensitive to out-of-balance water chemistry | Sensitive to correct water chemistry |
| Not affected by pH swings | pH swings damage plaster |
| Eliminates rebar corrosion stains | Rebar stains can form |
| Always remains smooth | Gets rough over time |
| Excellent aesthetics retention | Loss of aesthetics – will stain/discolor |
| 20 year service life | Varies by contractor, and quality of work |
| Eliminates periodic reapplication. Excellent bond to concrete | Reapplication required. Pop-offs often occur |
| Not affected by elevated temperatures in commercial spas | Hot water very aggressive on plaster |
| Widely specified by Aquatic Consultants for new construction and renovation. | Outdated methods still specified due to lack of information |
| Reduces overall operating costs of pools and water parks | No benefits with cement-based finishes |
| High-tech method | — |
| Warranty provided based on actual product performance | No actual warranty provided, due to the inherent shortcomings of plaster |