Utilising the same sophisticated pool waterproofing methods and materials employed within Dubai’s world famous Burj Al Arab Hotel and Norman Foster’s iconic Gherkin tower in London, Sunset Pools has transformed an ageing pool shell into an inner city swimming haven.
Situated in one of Sydney’s densely populated suburbs, the award-winning 25m x 5m heated commercial pool boasts a number of operational enhancements designed to bring enjoyment to swimmers for many years to come – and boost the complex’s common property and physical assets.
“Sunset Pool’s project management plan was tailored to meet the development’s exacting standards and overcome the additional challenges imposed by local authorities,” explains company founder and owner Ben Thompson. “A 3.5 tonne weight restriction imposed in and around the complex with the absence of any practical on-site vehicle access, made concrete pours and equipment deliveries quite demanding to say the least!”
Excessive and unseasonal heavy rain, coupled with multiple project variations were masterly accommodated to keep the project progressing along its critical path. Contract milestones were met without compromising quality control or incurring additional costs.
“Challenges of this complexity are exactly the types of construction projects where Sunset Pool’s project and quality management abilities come to the fore,” Ben says with pride. “The project’s quality manager made certain that the aspiration of the precinct’s residential community, as well as retail operators, commercial suite owners and non-resident investors – whose interests were understandably focused on their property’s value – were all fulfilled.”
Sunset Pools’ project manager ensured that the structural engineers’ responsibilities were simultaneously achieved. Not only was the original pool shell in substandard condition, but also water filtration and sanitisation systems wre in disrepair, rendering the pool both unattractive and a qualified risk to public health. “All but the reinforced shell needed removal before remedial concrete cancer was completed,” adds Ben.
Eight new reinforced concrete skimmer boxes were expertly formed and incorporated into the pre-existing concrete structure. All new water management and utilities ducting was then integrated to accommodate two independent Waterco commercial filtration systems, a fully automated water monitoring and sanitisation systems, and an 80kW heat pump.
Sunset Pool’s multilayer replacement of the shell’s lining was then formed over a rendered Laticrete load-bearing waterproof membrane before the pool’s interior finish was completed with bright new tiles and Laticrete epoxy grout.
“The swimming pool’s fully tiled interior and Dry-Treat Pyrocrete sealed limestone coping sets off the wide expanse of ‘Rougher headed’ pinewood decking that extends on all three sides and establishes the pool within its contemporary urban environment,” Ben explains. Both the pool’s interior and its immediate surroundings are beautifully defined with Lumascape stainless steel light fittings
This not only creates a welcoming sight after the sun sets but also illuminates this prestige residential development, night and day.