The designer should then work with the client to select smooth, equally impermeable finishes. Higher resistance against water infiltration and chloride penetration will increase the life cycle of the pool structure.
Pool assembly
A rooftop amenity pool usually includes a raised deck surrounding the top of its shell. The deck has an elevated or surface-mounted paver or tile system. Underneath lies the roofing system on the structural deck slab. The shell is supported from below by a reinforced concrete structure. Typically, this is where the pool is incorporated into the building’s structural system.
Roof/pool deck
Many drainage complexities come with the construction of a low-slope roof deck. Incorporating the pool requires an extra level of co-ordinated effort between design and construction teams.
Communication between the owner, pool contractor, and other plumbing professionals is key when arranging the construction associated with roof drainage and layout of related systems.
Like a standard roof, a pool deck is required to shed water and avoid ponding. Not only is it visually undesirable, but it also impedes foot traffic in communal areas. By most industry standards and roof material specifications, ponding should not occur for more than 48 hours.
The deck should slope away from the pool. If the surface consists of a poor or minimum slope, dirt and debris left by ponding water may wash in. Evaporation tends to leave behind additional residue that can stain deck finishes and cause contamination, which may shorten the life cycle of the filtration system.
The unsightly appearance of surface mould, silt, and dirt produces a slippery safety hazard at the pool edge. Slip resistance and compliance with industry standards should be considered when selecting surface coatings or finishes.
Coping caps
The edge of a pool will usually have coping within the design. The coping caps prevent water from getting behind the shell and shed water back into the pool drains.
An alternative to coping is the placement of deck material with a slight overhang above the water’s surface. This method serves a similar function, as contaminated water is sloped away from the pool and bathers.
Deck drains
Beyond the perimeter, the rooftop deck should be a system of valleys, with multiple slopes directed toward specific drains. These include, but are not limited to, spot, strip, or French drains. They are strategically placed by design professionals and the drainage pipe is encapsulated within a waterproofing and flashing system to remain watertight.
Waterproofing
The waterproofing system is one of the most hidden, integral components. It ensures the watertightness of the pool structure and spaces below.
Waterproofing should be straightforward. However, client ambitions tend toward a complex design and require the need for early collaboration. A continuous multi-layer waterproofing system is fully adhered to the pool structure and is designed to be completely integrated into the coping and drainage system.
The drainage system is designed to minimize the restriction of water flow and limit blockages. A waterproofing system with properly terminated penetrations reduces the risk of moisture intrusion. Conditions and procedures addressing encapsulation of the entire surface area can ensure necessary construction order is carried out with warranties preserved.
