Section 1 -  Introduction
1.1      This document has been prepared to establish acceptable practices and guidelines for application of AquaGuard 5000 epoxy coating products on swimming pool surfaces. These recommendations are intended to assure that the restoration of the swimming pool surface will meet the manufacturer’s criteria for the proper Application of AquaGuard 5000.
  The procedures outlined in these recommendations apply to all concrete, steel & fiberglass swimming pools, spas and fountains.
 
Section 2 - Preliminary Preparation
2.1      All pools should be drained away from the pool itself, not in immediate area. Utilize Storm drains when available.
2.2     If necessary, groundwater should be stabilized by removing the hydrostatic plug at the bottom of the drain. It may be necessary to install a plug if one is not available. It may also be necessary to install an overhead well point if groundwater is higher than 24 inches above the pool bottom.
 2.3     Remove or cover any hardware, hardware accessories, plates, machined surfaces, light fixtures or other similar equipment to avoid contact with the epoxy compound.

Section 3 - Surface Preparation
3.1      Surface preparation is the most important step in the application of AquaGuard 5000 coating. Improper surface preparation is responsible for most of the problems associated with dis-bonding or delamination of a coating material on concrete, steel, or fiberglass surfaces. As much care as possible must be taken to insure good surface preparation.
 3.2     Before applying AquaGuard 5000, the entire surface must be thoroughly cleaned using a high pressure cleaner to remove any loose marcite, dirt, grease, oil, release agents, or other surface contaminants or residue. In some cases, a diluted solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water can be used to remove stubborn oil and greases. A diluted solution of muriatic acid should only be used to etch a very smooth surface. After acid washing, a solution of sodium bicarbonate must be used to neutralized the acid and maintain proper pH balance. Fiberglass surfaces should be profiled by using a grinding machine. After the above steps have been completed, THE ENTIRE POOL MUST BE THOROUGHLY RINSED WITH WATER TO REMOVE ANY ACIDIC RESIDUE AND TO RESTORE NEUTRALITY. Litmus paper may be used to determine the pH of the Neutrality range 6-8 pH.
 3.3     Thoroughly inspect the surface area to determine the extent of any damage or degradation in the existing cementations surface. Check for hollow spots, cracks and any other defects. Repairs should be made with a mixture of gray Portland cement sand and a high latex acrylic bonding agent. Repairs must be thoroughly dried and cured prior to the application of the coating material.
All repairs to the surface shall be sanded or ground smooth so that the repaired area does not show through the epoxy top coat.
The immediate areas around light fixtures, returns and drains should be sealed with an epoxy patch kit to help prevent leaking. The entire surface must be free of dirt, oil, and any loose cement prior to application of the coating materi

Section 4 - Application of AquaGuard 5001 Primer/Sealer Concrete Only
4.1      All Personnel shall wear proper safety equipment and protective clothing during the handling, mixing, and application of all AquaGuard products. This includes protective eye wear, OSHA approved vapor masks and soil resistant gloves.
4.2     Thoroughly tape and cover areas that are not to be rolled with the coating material (tile, returns, pool light, etc.) to insure that these areas are adequately protected against accidental spillage.
The lower water tile line shall be taped 1/8 inch above the bottom of tile edge to insure ease of tape removal and a good bond. Undercut all tile lines with a diamond blade approximately 1/8 inch in depth at a 45° angle. This cut can be filled with the initial sealer coat, and continuously filled when roller applying. We do offer trowel filler, for all degragated areas.
4.3     Preheat or cool AquaGuard primers to 80 to 85°F, add one (1) gallon can of activator to the five (5)gallon can of resin. Mix at 450-600rpm for 2.5minutes with a mixing paddle designed per Aquatic Technologies, Inc. recommendations.

• PRIMER/SEALER APPLICATION DATA

Working Time 45minutes
Pot Life 35minutes at 77°F
Curing Time                           6-24 Hours Depending on Geographic Area
 4.5     Prior to application of the primer/sealer, inspect the entire pool surface to insure that the surface is clean and completely free of any dust, dirt, or any other surfical residues. An industrial grade vacuum may be used to clean the surface.
 4.6     Roll one coat of AquaGuard 5001 primer (4-6 mils) to the dry pool surface (pool must not be wet). Coverage for the primer/sealer is approximately 450-550 square feet per unit of product. Actual coverage will vary depending on the porosity and absorption rate of the surface.
4.7      The primer/sealer shall be applied to the entire surface with 3/8” nap phenolic core epoxy roller. The primer/sealer must dry for a minimum of 8 (eight) hours prior to the application of the top coat. Do not thin this product with solvents.
4.8      CAUTION: Gas bubbles and pin holing may occur during the application of the primer sealer. This is common on marcite and other porous cementitious pool surfaces that may retain moisture. This problem may be reduced by insuring that the surface has had sufficient time to dry and by applying the coating material during the coolest part of the day (early morning or late afternoon). If gas bubbles or pinholes appear, use a porcupine roller or equivalent spiked roller to eliminate and or remove gas bubbles. All AquaGuard sealers are moisture tolerant. A two coat application may be necessary to porous cementitious surfaces.

Section 5 -  Roll On Application of the AquaGuard 5000 Top Coat
5.1      Prior to the application of the top coat, inspect the entire primed surface and check for any gas bubbles or pinholes. Repair as required.
5.2Preheat or cool the AquaGuard 5000 to 80-90°F. Add the 2 gallon can of activator to the 5 gallon can of resin. Mix at 450-600 rpm for 2.5minutes with a mixing paddle designed per Aqua Technologies recommendation. Mix 38-40 ozs. of Xylene Solvent to the resin or 19-20 ozs. if you split the unit. (we recommend that you pre-mix the Xylene Solvent to the resin).
5.3      The ideal application temperature of the mixed product should be maintained between 80-90°F to insure ease of application and a consistent finish. The top coat should not be applied at temperatures below 55°F without the use of an indirect heater to direct heat into the pool after rolling top coat or primer.
5.4     AquaGuard top coat shall be applied to the entire surface in a 3 (three) coat process using a 3/8” nap phenolic core epoxy roller. Apply the initial base coat approximately 12-15 mils. Allow each coat to dry for a minimum 6-8 hours depending on ambient air temperature. Sand any runs or sags. Roll-apply the finish coat to a thickness of approximately 8-10 mils and allow to dry for a minimum of 8 hours commencing any detail work or tape removal. Coverage for the top coat is approximately 550-650 sq. ft. per unit of product. Let dry for 24 hours prior to filling pool or spa.
5.5PRECAUTION: During the application of any high build epoxy, gas bubbles and pin holing may occur. This is particularly important when applying the finish coat. Steps outlined in Section 4.8 of this document discusses procedures to help minimize this problem. Always attempt to apply the finish coat during the coolest part of the day.
5.6      TOP COAT APPLICATION DATA (80 F)
Working Time                 45 minutes
Pot Life                            60 minutes
Drying Time                     4-8 hours
Curing Time                     24 hours
5.7    If unfavorable weather conditions and other unforeseen factors cause a delay (greater than 24 hours), between the application of the primer and top coat, the entire surface will require additional preparation.  If this occurs, lightly sand the primed surface and wash with MEK prior to the application of the top coat.
5.8     Install a slip-resistant finish on all pool stairwells immediately after applying the epoxy top coat to the stairwell steps. This is required for all commercial or cooperative swimming pools. Evenly disperse an ultra-pure fine grain silica sand or #3 glass beads acrossthe steps surfaces to achieve the desired slip-resistant texture.
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AQUAGUARD 5000 15 POINT CHECK LIST

• DRAIN POOL - AWAY FROM POOL.

2.   CHECK GROUND TABLE FOR STATIC PRESSURE

• INSTALL AUX1LLJARY PUMP TO REMOVE STATIC PRESSURE IF NECESSARY.
• ACID WASH POOL - NEUTRALIZE- PROFILE POOL FOR GOOD ADHESION.
• CHECK ENTIRE SURFACE FOR HOLLOW SPOTS - REMOVE ANY ANDALL                      SUCH AREAS. REPLACE WITH HIGH BOND MORTAR AND BONDING AGENTS.
• REMOVE ALL LIGHTS, DRAIN COVERS, RETURN OUTLET FITTINGS AND     CHECK ALL GASKETS.
• PROTECT ALL TILE AND POOL HARDWARE WITH TAPE. PROTECT DECKING WITH VISQUEEN.
• ROLL AN EPOXY SEALER OVER ENTIRE SURFACE TO:

a. STRENGTHEN EXISTING CONCRETE SURFACE.
b. STOP AIR ESCAPING FROM CONCRETE.

• ROLL A 6-8 MIL BASE COAT OF AQUAGUARD 5001 SEALER. DRYING TIME. 4 HOURS OR MORE.
• REPAIR ALL HOLES OR DEGRADED AREA WITH AQUAGUARD 5000 REPAIR PUT TV.
• HEAT TOP COAT TO 85-90 DEGREE. ROLL APPLY TWO - THREE COATS of AQUAGUARD 5000 TOP COAT. ALLOW 6 - 12 HOURS OR MORE BETWEEN COATS.
• REMOVE ALL TAPE AND VISQUEEN, CLEAN POOL HARDWARE, RE-INSTALL AND ADJUST ALL FITTINGS.

13: TOUCH-UP ANY NECESSARY AREAS TO ENSURE A SECURE JOB.
14. ALLOW A MINIMUM of 24 HOURS BEFOR FILLING POOL

• FILL POOL AND ADJUST CHEMICALS.
• USE FILL TANKS WHEN NECESSARY.