Having a pool is about enjoying it... but it also means taking care of its structure. Waterproofing the pool shell is a critical step that determines its durability, safety and long-term maintenance. A small leak can quickly become a major issue: constant water loss, increased costs, moisture penetration and, over time, structural damage.
Waterproofing a pool involves creating a continuous, long-lasting barrier that prevents water from moving from the inside to the outside. With Euroshrink’s Waterproof.5 membrane, this barrier is integrated directly beneath the tile, ensuring safety, flexibility and a flawless finish on every project.
Why is proper pool waterproofing essential?
Pools, particularly those built in concrete, are subjected to constant water pressure, temperature changes and small structural movements that can generate microcracks. If the shell is not properly protected, these cracks become leakage pathways that degrade the finish and weaken the structure.
Pool water, whether treated with chlorine or salt, is also chemically aggressive. As a result, an unsuitable waterproofing system can deteriorate quickly, causing leaks, efflorescence and tile detachment.
Waterproof.5 addresses this issue at its source: it acts as a watertight, flexible second skin, able to accommodate structural movement while maintaining the pool’s watertightness over time.
What is the Waterproof.5 membrane and how does it work?
Waterproof.5 is a flexible waterproofing membrane designed by Euroshrink for areas in permanent contact with water, such as swimming pool basins, showers or spas.
Its polymer core, coated on both sides with a textile layer, ensures full adhesion using C2 cement-based adhesive and perfect compatibility with ceramic finishes including mosaic, tiles and gresite. Once installed, the membrane forms a continuous, watertight layer beneath the tiling: invisible to the eye, yet essential for the long-term durability of the entire system.
Why choose the Waterproof.5 membrane for pool waterproofing?
- Watertightness guaranteed by design: The membrane creates a continuous barrier that stops water even when the substrate presents microcracks or expansion. By remaining independent from the concrete, it blocks any possible path of filtration.
- Flexibility and movement absorption: Its flexible structure adapts to the small movements of the pool shell, such as expansion or settlement, reducing the risk of cracks in the waterproofing and extending the lifespan of the system.
- Full ceramic compatibility:5 is designed to receive ceramic finishes such as mosaic or tiles directly using C2 adhesives. This allows for a premium finish in the design of your choice, without the need to compromise on aesthetics.
- Complete and safe system at critical points: It includes overlap bands, prefabricated corners, collars and sealing pieces for pipe penetrations, lights, skimmers, inlets and drains. This standardises construction detailing and minimises the risk of error on site.
- Quick and clean installation: It is installed much like tiling, without long curing times. Its low thickness helps maintain levels and is ideal for refurbishment work, as it can be laid over an existing properly prepared substrate, avoiding unnecessary demolition.
- Minimum thickness and lightness: Perfect for renovations or existing pools, as it can be applied over the original surface without increasing levels or adding structural load.
- Easy maintenance: By working with a ceramic finish, you benefit from a hygienic surface that is resistant to treatment chemicals and easy to clean. The membrane remains protected beneath the tiling.
- Versatile applications: Suitable for pool shells, steps, perimeter showers and technical rooms exposed to moisture. A single system to deliver coherent, professional waterproofing for any pool.
How to waterproof a swimming pool with Waterproof.5
Assessment and preparation of the substrate
- Check the stability of the pool shell and the condition of the concrete.
- Level and clean the surfaces (planimetry): no dust, slurry residues, release agents or trapped moisture.
- Treat active cracks and seal grooves or honeycombed areas.
First layer of adhesive
- Apply C2 cement-based adhesive with a notched trowel, ensuring uniform coverage across the entire surface. Use a notch size appropriate for the chosen finish to guarantee correct adhesion.
Laying the Waterproof.5 membrane
- Position the rolls and mark the overlaps, usually around 10 cm.
- Lay the membrane without air bubbles using a trowel or pressure roller, ensuring full adhesive transfer.
- Resolve junctions with the appropriate prefabricated pieces such as corners or collars.
Sealing overlaps and junctions
- Apply compatible bands and butyl adhesives at overlaps, perimeters and service penetrations.
- Check the continuity of the membrane, ensuring there are no gaps or critical wrinkles.
Second layer of adhesive and laying the finish
- Apply a layer of C2 adhesive over the membrane and lay the chosen finish, whether mosaic or tile.
- Respect the adjustment and curing times specified by the manufacturer.
Grouting and finishing
- Grout with a joint mortar suitable for immersion. Many professionals opt for epoxy due to its watertightness and chemical resistance.
- Seal singular points and complete the coping or edge finish.
Commissioning
- After curing, fill the pool gradually and check it for watertightness.
- Balance the water parameters, adjusting pH and disinfectant levels according to good maintenance practice.
Why the Waterproof.5 membrane outperforms traditional systems
While other methods rely on rigid mortar layers or visible liners, the Waterproof.5 membrane works from within the construction system, providing elasticity, watertightness and full aesthetic freedom.
There is no need to give up mosaic finishes or a high-end design: the membrane sits discreetly beneath the tiles and guarantees long-term protection. Its elastic behaviour prevents cracking, shortens installation times and delivers more durable results than traditional solutions.
In other words: Waterproof.5 combines the reliability of a technical membrane with the elegance of a premium ceramic pool.
Best practices to maximise service life
- Plan the work in phases: substrate, membrane, overlaps, accessories, tiling, grouting. Avoid mixing tasks that might contaminate surfaces.
- Environmental conditions: work without frost or extreme heat and control substrate moisture.
- Suitable adhesives: use a quality C2 adhesive and tools in good condition to ensure full transfer.
- Detail of accessories: invest time in penetrations, corners and drains. These details represent 5% of the work and 95% of the problems when they are not resolved correctly.
- Immersion grouting: improves surface watertightness and chemical resistance.
- Controlled start-up: fill the pool gradually and monitor it during the first 48-72 hours.
- Water maintenance: keep pH, alkalinity and disinfectant within range. Avoid overdosing, which can affect grouting and accessories.
Complementary applications and versatility
The Waterproof.5 system not only protects pools. Its performance also makes it the ideal solution for:
- Terraces and balconies exposed to constant rain.
- Showers and wellness areas where watertightness is essential.
- Technical rooms or tanks with permanent moisture risk.
This allows professionals to standardise one waterproofing system for all wet areas in a project, ensuring consistency and minimising issues.
Looking for the best waterproofing system for pools?
If your priorities are leak prevention, ceramic compatibility and efficient installation, the Waterproof.5 membrane is a reliable choice for waterproofing pools in both residential and commercial projects. Its combination of a flexible membrane + ceramic finish offers the best of both worlds: technical watertightness beneath the tiles and complete aesthetic freedom on the surface. In addition, Waterproof.5 helps you standardise construction details and reduce risk.
Waterproof.5 waterproof membrane: invisible technology for leak-free pools
Waterproofing a pool is not an optional extra; it is the lifeline of the pool shell. With the Waterproof.5 membrane, you turn that technical requirement into a technical advantage: fast installation, reliable detailing at critical points, full compatibility with gresite and ceramic tiles, and a watertight, flexible barrier that protects the structure for years. For demanding waterproofing, whether new-build or refurbishment, Waterproof.5 is a high-performance system that helps ensure a watertight shell, minimise the risk of leaks and deliver results that are both long-lasting and aesthetically superior.
If you are planning a new pool or a renovation, get in touch with our technical team. We’ll help you define the safest, most durable waterproofing solution, tailored to the real conditions of your project and the intended use.
