FAQs

1. Q - What is a Myrtha Pool?

A - A Myrtha Pool is a modular self supporting structure constructed from a unique corrosion resistant combination of materials. Myrtha Pools are manufactured under a full Quality Assured ISO 9001 process. The basic elements of the system comprise a series of ‘Virgin’ AISI 441 or AISI 304 stainless steel wall and gutter sections that are bolted together, interfaced with a floor membrane. The PVC membrane which coats the stainless steels walls and gutters, are fused together with the floor membrane to form a watertight shell.

All Myrtha Pools concrete interfaces and structural Myrtha Pool components are certified by local engineers, in line with the environment and ground conditions that prevail on each individual site.

2. Q - What are the waterproofing elements of a concrete pool when compared to a Myrtha Pool?

A – Concrete pools can have a service life of 50 years however to protect the concrete elements, specifically the reinforced steel from degradation, waterproofing membranes such as The Laticrete System or Metz Waterproofing Membrane System, should be applied to prevent pool water migrating through the inevitable ‘micro cracking’ in the concrete cover and attacking the reinforced steel bar.

The purpose of tiles is generally aesthetic and to limit pool water coming in contact with the concrete structure. The real water-tightness of a concrete pool is reliant on the water-stops cast into concrete shell.

The Myrtha Pool structure is expected to have a 50 years plus life and the oldest installations are in good condition after 44 years. The water-tightness characteristics of a Myrtha Pool are very different to that of a concrete pool as there is no need for control joints in the concrete floor or caulking of expansion joints. The Myrtha Pools wall and gutter system is sealed with a specially shaped profile that is liquid PVC welded in place, coupled with a sealing bandage system under the tiles and in the overflow gutters. The floor membrane is hot air heat welded in sections and then secondary sealed with ‘liquid PVC fusion welding’ – this same process is used on the wall to floor joint. For return to pool inlets a QA process is instigated to ensure that the inlets, coupled with a gasket system are water-tight.

3. Q - How do the chemicals utilised for disinfection and water balance in swimming pools effect a Concrete Pool and a Myrtha Pool?

A - If the water balance is not kept in check, this will impact on any guarantee given by the concrete pool builder, because if tile failure occurs, it could be as result of poor water balance. A ‘low risk’ tiling specification will always call for a waterproof membrane coupled with epoxy tile grouts and adhesives.

Myrtha Pools use a PVC coating which has a high level of chemical resistance. PVC is used in the potable water supply industry and it is basically inert in that it does not add to the chemical interaction within swimming pools as will all the grouts, adhesives and exposed concrete in a concrete pool. For all tiles fixed in a Myrtha Pool, only epoxy type adhesives and grouts are used. Generally all balance tanks associated with Myrtha Pools are lined with a PVC membrane or epoxy coating to offer protection to the exposed concrete.

4. Q – How do we compare the Quality Assurance (QA) of a concrete pool and a Myrtha Pool?

A - The success of a concrete pool relies greatly on the ability, experience and interface process of numerous engineers, trades-people, concrete quality, selection and fixing of finishes such as tiles or render.

A Myrtha Pool system is eighty percent factory based and QA is carried out in a controlled environment. When the Myrtha Pool arrives on a site a documented QA process for assembly and finishing is followed.

Myrtha Pools are ISO 9001 certified for Quality Assurance – both factory and site based.

5. Q – What are the comparative guarantees associated to Myrtha Pools and Concrete Pools?

A - Guarantees with concrete pools can vary but in general terms, the concrete structure will come with a 10 to 15 year guarantee and a well built concrete structure, protected by a tilling system membrane can last 50 years. The tiling will at most be guaranteed for ten years. The sealing of control and expansion joints will be guaranteed for no more than 5 years, which relate to the product guarantees of urethane or silicon based caulking compounds.

The Myrtha Pool structure is expected to last 50 + years. Myrtha Pools offer a watertight guarantee of 15 years to both wall and floor, which incorporates wall structure. The floor membrane has an expected life of 25 years. To date Myrtha Pools have 43 years experience with the ‘heat bonded’ PVC walls and gutters and associated structure not requiring refurbishment (Ref: First Myrtha Pool installed in 1960’s close to Hamburg Airport – Germany)

6. Q – What is the oldest Myrtha Pool installed in Australia?

A - The Myrtha water polo pool at Challenge Stadium in Perth is now approaching 14 years old and is an outdoor pool subjected to full UV conditions. This pool experiences harsh usage like helicopter dump module training, water polo release weights being dragged on the floor membrane and constant cleaning yet the floor membrane is still in very good condition as are the walls. This pool has never been emptied in 14 years. Call Rob Verboon - Centre Manager (08) 9441 8222 for reference.

7. Q – How are Myrtha Pool guarantees and concrete pool guarantees backed up if problems do occur in the future?

A - Myrtha Pools is a large company with a global reputation to uphold and guarantee all Myrtha Pools directly. Should the installer/distributor of Myrtha Pools cease operating for any reason, all guarantees associated to the Myrtha Pool are directly honoured by Myrtha Pools. The Myrtha Pool guarantee is essentially an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) guarantee.

Concrete Pools have many elements to them which include the interface of a number of engineering disciplines and trades. If the tiles or ‘caulked’ joints fail prematurely or worst case concrete cancer occurs due to poor waterproofing who takes the full responsibility? Probably the Head Contractor and then Sub Contractor, and then there are numerous engineering disciplines and trades who may have to share the responsibility.

Myrtha Pools are now finding that a major part of their business is the refurbishment of failed concrete pools using Myrtha Pools RenoVaction technology, which is essentially a Myrtha Pool placed inside a concrete pool structure.

8. Question – Can a Myrtha Pool structure be backfilled and how is the pool deck supported in a backfilled situation?

A - Eighty percent of all Myrtha Pools installed are in backfilled situations. All Myrtha Pools installations are carried out with the design being certified by a Structural Engineer who has experience with the Myrtha Pool system. In backfilling situations, the grade of backfill, process of backfill, AG drain requirements, pier support for pool-deck are all considered site by site and the final design certified by a structural engineer.

The Myrtha Pool can be both free standing ‘self supporting’ with corridor behind or backfilled.

In backfilled Myrtha Pools, deck support is achieved with piers and designed by a structural engineer familiar with Myrtha Pools technology.

9. Question - How do Myrtha Pools treat their gutter design and drainage and return to pool (RTP) pipe work – and differences to that of concrete?

A - The Myrtha gutters are generally smaller than concrete pool gutters to cut down on noise by limiting the waterfall effect in the gutter cavity. Myrtha Pool gutters are angled on the inside face to allow water to run down rather than splash into the gutter.

Myrtha Pools always recommends that the German designed Strahlenturbolenz side entry system is used in both concrete pools and Myrtha Pools, as this system limits the pipe work under the floor slab. The Strahlenturbolenz system is installed in many pools worldwide and in Australia at Trinity College Perth, Kardinia Park Geelong, Birrong 50m Sydney, Forbes 50m, Cobar 50m, Young 50m, West Wyalong 50m, Yarra Junction 25m, Coffs Harbour 50m and the University of Western Australia where a full dye test was conducted with a full mix of dye being achieved in 15 minutes in a 5 hour total volume turnover pool.

10. Question – How are minor repairs to a Myrtha Pool affected, such as replacing broken tiles or repairing damage to the floor membrane?

A – If a tile is broken and requires replacement a trained and certified Myrtha technician can replace the tile in two three hours without compromising the Myrtha structure or water-tightness of the pool.

Damage to the floor membrane is easily repaired by a diver using underwater vinyl repair adhesives, or if necessary a well type arrangement can be used for a dry repair.

With new Myrtha technology now applied to sealing walls, floors and wall to floor joints leaks are rare. If a leak occurs on a step section or corner joint it is easily located with dyes and quick to repair underwater.

11. Question – If after the 15 year guarantee on the Myrtha Floor membrane has expired, what would be the cost of replacement if for instance; it was to be compared to replacing the tiled floor of a concrete pool?

A – It is considered that the floor membrane would last at least 25 years but at today’s costs (2010) it would take 8 days to replace a Myrtha floor membrane in a standard 50m x 8 lane pool and the cost would be in the region of $111,000.00. Downtime is minimal and costs are predictable.

It would take at least 60 days to do a floor retile in a concrete pool. Re-tile cost is about $150/m2 and with 1050m2 of tiling; the base cost exclusive of consultants, would be $157,000.00. Downtime is excessive and costs are unpredictable along with the risk of being able to achieve a successful water-tight repair.

12. Q - Why do Myrtha Pools use a PVC floor membrane as opposed to stainless PVC coated panels?

A - In a Myrtha Pool the stainless steel PVC coated panels are only used in those areas which are deemed to be structural; being the walls and gutters. The Alkor floor membrane achieves a very good water-tight finish and the concrete floor sections only purpose, is to afford the floor membrane a rigid base to sit on. The floor membrane offers a flexible and resilient waterproofing solution that is also cost effective in terms of the ‘life cycle’ costing of a Myrtha Pool. The floor membrane can accept tiles too, and tiles are often used for lane lines and are fixed in place with flexible epoxy adhesives.

There are currently millions of square metres of Alkor 2000 membrane installed world wide, under every conceivable type of climatic condition and pool environment. This membrane requires no periodic maintenance and has an expected life of 20 to 25 years.

13. Q – Is a Myrtha Pool cheaper than a Ceramic Tiled Concrete Pool?

A – A Myrtha Pool is not necessarily cheaper than a Ceramic Tiled Concrete Pool. The cost is best established through the tender process so that both Ceramic Tiled Concrete pools and Myrtha Pools can be fairly evaluated and compared.