Where and how should I use concrete for the pool?
Having decided to make a pool of concrete, it is necessary to take into account the fact that its surface will be constantly exposed to pressure and moisture. In addition, in our climatic zone cold enough winters, so the concrete must have high frost resistance.
First, the base of the basin is made of "lean" concrete. For this purpose, an inexpensive brand of cement, for example, M 100 , is suitable. It has a sufficient level of quality and low price. To fill the walls and the bottom, it is necessary to use cement of better quality, for example, M 400 .In this composition it is important to take into account the additives that it contains, for example, various mastics. For final works it is recommended to use cement grades with average characteristics, but which have a high degree of waterproofing. Specialists advise M 400 with various additives for these purposes.
Important! To ensure that the concrete is well laid down and firmly held, it is necessary to lay the steel reinforcement in advance.
What does the right mixture consist of?
Let's consider in more detail the composition of concrete for the pool. Existing material requirements:
- Sand should be with medium-sized granules, from 1.5 to 2 millimeters, clean, without clay and other foreign inclusions. Waxed sand is not recommended;
- Crushed stone and gravel for concrete must be used exclusively from strong rock. Crushed stone is used with a fine fraction, 10-20 millimeters in size, without lumps and foreign impurities;
- Cement should only be fresh, with a shelf life of not more than three months. It is best to use 400 grade cement. The water must be soft and clean. Swamp water is too hard, it can not be used.
The mixing ratio of concrete should be as follows: 1: 3: 5.From which it turns out that, for example, for 25 kilograms of cement you need to use 75 kilograms of sand and 125 kilograms of crushed stone. The amount of water is expressed in parts of the total weight of the cement. For good resistance of concrete to the action of water in the solution, it is necessary to add any hydraulic additive. It is poured into the solution before use, last. One cubic meter of concrete should account for 4 kilograms of hydraulic engineering material.
Note! Observance of the exact proportions will ensure that the concreting of the basin is carried out reliably and durably.
The process of preparation of
The first step is to mix cement and sand in the above proportion. Further, an amount of water is added to make the solution look like a creamy mass, after which crushed stone is poured. If the solution is too thick, pour the water, it is important to make sure that there is not too much water, as excess water will worsen the strength of the solution. At the end, the hydraulic material is added. Stir it on a large wooden or metal sheet.
Note! The amount of the prepared solution should be such that it can be used in 30 minutes.
If you have a concrete mixer, the cooking process will be much easier. The technology of batching in a concrete mixer differs from the previous method. First of all, water is poured in, then concrete and crushed stone are poured. The amount of water will depend on the volume of the tank, but the proportion of 1: 3: 5 should not be violated. For example, you fall asleep 10 kilograms of cement in a concrete mixer, then, by the proportion, you need to add 30 kilograms of sand and 50 kilograms of rubble. When the solution is almost ready, the hydraulic additive is poured. Portions of ready-mixed concrete will depend entirely on the capacity of the concrete mixer.