The rooftop pool at BLVD Reston Station, a luxury apartment complex situated just 20 miles out of Washington, DC., had been a beloved amenity for many years. However, the pool deck had begun to deteriorate, causing several problems including leaking into the offices and residential spaces below the rooftop.
Get a free quoteOwners of the property had concerns about potential damage and safety issues, so their representative reached out to Bob Miller, vice president at SUNDEK of Washington, for help. Could SUNDEK restore the deck, making it a sound, durable surface while also making it as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the complex? Fortunately, this type of work is second nature for SUNDEK of Washington at this point, so they happily took on the challenge.
Firstly, Bob proposed removing the 5,200 square feet of failing coating. Then, SUNDEK would prepare the concrete slab for a new coating of SUNDEK’s SunLastic WP50/EPC35 system. In the U.S., water intrusion has become a major concern after the tragic building collapse that happened in Miami in 2021. SunLastic is an elastomeric waterproofing membrane that not only protects surfaces from water damage but can also be customized to meet design requests.
SunLastic has been a game-changer in the industry, because up until this system was available, the waterproofing systems were typically unsightly, not falling into the “decorative” category. Using the SunLastic system would ensure the rooftop deck would be both durable, beautiful, and safe—a perfect combination for a high-end property.
To enhance the deck’s appearance, SUNDEK also recommended SunLastic in combination with SunSplash, an acrylic spray. This addition would provide both texture and color, elevating the look of the pool area while offering slip resistance, a must-have for a deck that’s used by many residents of the complex.
For color, the owners opted for Franciscan Tan to create a clean, neutral aesthetic. A light color is a great choice for a pool deck in a location such as this—it’ll stay cool, even on hot days when the sun beats down on the rooftop.
The property owner was thrilled with the proposed solution, and SUNDEK quickly got to work. After removing the old coating, the team meticulously prepared the surface, ensuring it was clean, even, and ready for SunLastic. After the waterproof membrane was applied, SUNDEK followed up with SunSplash, creating a finish that was both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The result was a transformed pool deck, waterproofed to prevent future damage and finished with a gorgeous surface that enhances the luxury experience of the complex. With high-quality coating materials, the deck will be enjoyed by residents for many years to come.
The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is a leading organization that develops standards and codes for the pool and spa industry. PHTA-10 code specifically provides standards for elevated pools, recognizes that just like any in-ground pool, a leak can occur in an elevated pool, for a variety of reasons. When an in-ground pool has a leak, the water ends up in the ground and doesn’t typically cause significant damage. However, when an elevated pool has a leak, unless there’s a secondary containment system, the water can infiltrate whatever is beneath, causing substantial damage. When water (especially salt or chlorinated water) infiltrates concrete and reaches the rebar, it can cause unwanted corrosion.
That’s why PHTA-10 recommends a secondary containment system. This is an essential safety feature for buildings with pools or water systems. Think of it like the pan under a washing machine: it’s there to catch any leaks and direct water away from places it could cause damage.
There are several ways to design a secondary containment system, and the PHTA-10 standard, a guideline for pool safety, doesn’t require a specific design. One example of a system in use today is a waterproof membrane, such as SunLastic. SunLastic can be the primary or the secondary containment protection in accordance with PHTA-10 recommendations for elevated concrete pools and/or deck surfaces.
While most building codes using the PHTA standard will likely apply to new construction, it’s wise to consider retrofitting existing pools, especially if they’re elevated. Although installing a secondary system can be expensive, not having one could lead to even greater costs if there’s a leak.
Learn more about PHTA-10 from the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance.
SUNDEK of Washington resurfaces concrete in the major metros in the area, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Reston, Virginia; Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Hagerstown, Maryland; Washington D.C.; and beyond. Contact us today to get started with your project!
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