Hydropanel Makes Waves at Swimming Pool

Hydropanel fibre cement boards from Marley Eternit have helped avoid the issues associated with tiling and painting of swimming pools, according to Project 5 Architects. That’s because its moisture resistant properties enabled the clay tiles, chlorine-resistant paint and an intricate mosaic freeze to be applied directly to the fibre cement boards on its latest project. Hydropanel’s water resistant properties and exceptional strength also meant that the boards did not need water resistant treatment before applying the tiles or paint, which would have been required on gypsum based boards. The stand-alone pavilion building was commissioned by a private resident and was constructed using a steel frame system encased in concrete between the columns. The architects wanted to avoid the use of cement render as it would not allow for differential movement that inevitably occurs between these materials. In time this may have resulted in cracking of the cement render and, as the owner had specified an intricate mosaic freeze and clay tiling, it was important that an inert wall lining system like Hydropanel was used. The Hydropanel boards were screwed directly to timber grounds on the wall of the new pavilion and will allow for any small movement in the building. Marley Eternit supplies a full range of Hydropanel fixing screws and nails. “We knew that Hydropanel had provided an inert and water resistant solution on other swimming pool projects,” said Malcolm Brown of Project 5 Architecture. “That gave us the confidence that it was right for this swimming pool project and the help we received from Marley Eternit’s technical department was excellent.” An artist is currently working on the mosaic freeze on one of the walls within the new pavilion, which is again applied directly to the Hydropanel boards. The chlorine-resistant paint was also applied directly to the Hydropanel boards. Gypsum based board and paints that are not suited for these types of harsh conditions quickly lead to flaking paint or, worse still, crumbling of separation walls. “We could begin tiling as soon as the Hydropanel boards had been fixed,” said Phil Cooper of R&B Plastering. “That helped us avoid the time consuming and costly process of having to seal gypsum based boards, which enabled us to make rapid progress on this aspect of the project.” Hydropanel, which is available from merchants and stockists nationally, is offered in 6mm, 9mm and 12mm board thicknesses. The 900 x 1200 one man-lift board is ideal for domestic applications, refurbishments and new build.

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