This project centred on the refurbishment of a podium-level pool that had suffered significant water ingress and membrane failure. Over time, leaks from the pool structure had begun to affect the underlying car park and adjoining areas — creating both structural risks and inconvenience for occupants.

The Challenge

Pools present a unique remediation challenge. Constant water exposure, hydrostatic pressure, and thermal movement place immense demands on membranes and concrete structures. At Shelley Street, the existing waterproofing had reached the end of its life, and patch repairs had proven ineffective. The project required full remediation of the pool structure while maintaining safety and minimising disruption to residents.

Approach

The remediation strategy involved a complete renewal of the pool’s waterproofing system, reinforced by structural upgrades and modern finishes. The methodology included:

• Detailed substrate inspection to map out cracking, spalling, and weak points in the slab.
• Drainage planning to ensure that new membranes and finishes would perform long-term.
• Staged works program to ensure resident safety while maintaining clear access around the podium.

Execution

1. Demolition & Preparation
   • Careful removal of tiles, screeds, and failed membranes from the pool shell.
   • Ddemolition and breakout of deteriorated concrete, with reinforcement exposed and treated.
   • Precision preparation of surfaces to achieve a suitable profile for waterproofing adhesion.
2. Structural & Waterproofing Renewal
   • Structural patching of the concrete shell with high-strength repair mortars.
   • Application of a robust multi-layer Laticrete waterproofing membrane system engineered for constant immersion.
   • Detailing at pool edges, penetrations, and movement joints to withstand long-term stresses.
3. Reinstatement of Finishes
   • Installation of new screeds, pool tiling, and expansion joint systems.
   • Integration of drainage systems to control surface water around the podium.
   • Final refinishing of surrounding podium areas for consistency.

Outcome

The Shelley Street project delivered:

• A Fully Sealed Pool – Eliminating long-term leaks into the car park below.
• Strengthened Structure – Concrete repairs protected reinforcement and extended the lifespan of the pool shell.
• Upgraded Finishes – A clean, modern pool environment for residents, underpinned by compliant waterproofing.

Project Significance

This project highlights the importance of addressing pool remediation holistically — combining structural repair, waterproofing renewal, and finish reinstatement. Done once and done right, the Shelley Street pool is now safeguarded against water ingress and ready for long-term service.

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