Project Overview
- Location: Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles
- Project Type: Swimming pool waterproofing
- Structure: Reinforced concrete hillside swimming pool
- Primary Waterproofing System: AVM 700 waterproofing membrane
- Additional Protection Product: ARK nano-technology waterproofing additive
This project involved waterproofing a newly constructed swimming pool located on a steep hillside property in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Hillside construction requires carefully engineered waterproofing systems because structural stress, soil movement, and constant water pressure can affect the performance of concrete structures.
This project was completed in Pacific Palisades, one of the hillside neighborhoods in Los Angeles where swimming pool waterproofing systems must withstand structural movement, hydrostatic pressure, and demanding soil conditions.
Luxury homes built in hillside communities such as Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood frequently integrate pools directly into complex structural environments, where long-term waterproofing reliability becomes critical.
Swimming Pool Waterproofing for Hillside Homes in Pacific Palisades
Because the pool was built directly into a hillside structure, the waterproofing system needed to protect the concrete shell from cracking, water penetration, and structural stress over time.
Surfacing and Waterproofing designed a multi-layer protection approach using a combination of traditional waterproofing membrane technology and an advanced structural waterproofing product.
The Challenge
Swimming pools constructed on hillside properties often experience unique structural and waterproofing challenges.
Key issues included:
• potential structural movement caused by hillside soil pressure
• hairline cracking during curing or seasonal ground movement
• constant water pressure inside the pool structure
• vulnerable transitions such as penetrations and construction joints.
Because the pool structure must permanently retain water, the waterproofing system needed to provide long-term durability while maintaining compatibility with the final pool finish.
Waterproofing Strategy
For this project, our team used AVM 700 as the primary waterproofing membrane applied to the concrete pool shell.
To enhance the waterproofing performance of the system, we also incorporated ARK, a nano-technology waterproofing product developed under the IHC Group umbrella.
ARK is designed to enhance the protection of concrete structures by helping reduce water penetration within the structure itself, rather than relying only on surface-applied protection.
The waterproofing system used on this project included three protective components:
• AVM 700 waterproofing membrane serving as the primary waterproof barrier
• ARK nano-technology waterproofing product to improve structural resistance to water penetration
• a thin slurry protective coat applied to the concrete substrate to support the overall waterproofing assembly.
This thin slurry layer helps transform the surface of the concrete into an additional protective interface that works together with the primary waterproofing membrane.
Certain elements of this process involve proprietary installation techniques developed by our team for complex structural waterproofing projects.
Installation Process
Surface Preparation
The concrete pool shell was carefully inspected and prepared prior to waterproofing installation.
Preparation included:
• cleaning the concrete surface
• repairing voids or honeycombing
• preparing construction joints and structural transitions.
Proper surface preparation ensures strong adhesion and long-term performance of the waterproofing system.
Waterproofing Application
Once preparation was completed, the waterproofing system was installed across the entire pool shell.
Installation included:
• application of the protective slurry interface layer
• installation of the AVM 700 waterproofing membrane
• sealing penetrations and transitions
• reinforcing structural joints and corners.
Maintaining a continuous waterproof barrier across the entire structure is essential to prevent long-term leakage.
Structural Detailing
Special attention was given to areas where waterproofing systems most commonly fail.
These areas included:
• wall-to-floor transitions
• plumbing penetrations
• structural cold joints
• corners and geometry changes.
Addressing these details ensures the waterproofing system remains continuous and effective over time.
Large-Scale Project Capability
Our company operates with large-scale equipment and advanced field capabilities that allow us to execute demanding waterproofing projects efficiently while maintaining high quality standards.
This operational capacity enables us to handle projects that would normally require very large manpower operations while maintaining consistent installation quality and control.
Results
The completed waterproofing system provides durable protection for the concrete pool structure while maintaining long-term resistance to water penetration.
Key outcomes included:
• reliable waterproof protection for the pool shell
• improved resistance to cracking and water migration
• multiple layers of structural protection
• reduced risk of long-term leakage.
The combination of AVM 700 waterproofing membrane and ARK nano-technology protection created a multi-layer waterproofing strategy designed for demanding hillside construction conditions.
Why Hillside Pool Waterproofing Is Critical in Los Angeles
Swimming pools built in hillside neighborhoods such as Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood require carefully engineered waterproofing systems.
Without proper waterproofing protection, structures may experience:
• water leakage through structural cracks
• deterioration of concrete components
• soil erosion around the pool structure
• long-term moisture damage.
Professional waterproofing systems help ensure long-term durability and protection.
Surfacing and Waterproofing provides waterproofing services throughout Los Angeles including:
Pacific Palisades
Bel Air
Beverly Hills
West Hollywood
Malibu
Services include:
• swimming pool waterproofing
• deck waterproofing
• below-grade waterproofing
• foundation waterproofing
• hillside waterproofing systems.
Request a Waterproofing Consultation
If you are planning a swimming pool project in Pacific Palisades, Bel Air, or Beverly Hills, our team can help design a waterproofing system tailored to the structural conditions of your property.
Contact Surfacing and Waterproofing (323) 508-4033 to discuss your project and receive professional guidance on advanced waterproofing solutions.