Repair and protection of bathing pool surrounds.
Background
La Vallette Bathing Pools form part of Guernsey’s heritage, having been constructed in the Victorian era. There are four tidal pools which fill up with seawater at every high tide and when the tide goes down, the sun heats the water and makes swimming pools. The main pool holds 1.5 million litres of seawater when brim-full. Open to the public for salt water swimming and bathing 365 days a year, La Vallette also comprises a children’s pool.
Guernsey has one of the most extreme tidal systems in the world and the pools and railings at La Vallette can sometimes be totally submerged. Over time, chlorides in seawater and aggressive tidal action had caused the bathing pool surrounds to deteriorate significantly. The walkways, diving areas, sea wall, steps and stone walls were all showing signs of attack and
steel reinforcement was clearly exposed in several areas.
The Solution
This project required a repair mortar that could be applied within a narrow tidal window yet provide years’ of effective protection in this aggressive environment. Marine Mortar S, a thixotropic, fibre reinforced, polymer modified cementitious mortar, was specified due to its outstanding resistance to wash-out soon after application and its ability to protect against the ingress of chlorides, acid gases and moisture.
The contractor only had a limited timeframe in which to apply Marine Mortar S due to the tidal movement, but the rapid trowel application and quick curing times allowed successful completion. This project was completed some 10 years ago and the bathing pool surrounds look as good today as they did when they were first repaired. Marine Mortar S is BBA approved and CE marked in accordance with BS EN 1504.
Project Profile - La Vallette