The 37BVPA is a pool base aggregate vermiculite often used as floor material for inground pools with a vinyl liner. It helps to create a smoother surface for the finished liner and has high insulation properties in comparison to the rougher grout bottom finish.
What to use instead of perlite or vermiculite?
What is a good substitute for perlite?
- – Rice husks. Parboiled rice husks or PBH rice hulls are a great option for replacing perlite in soil mixes. ...
- – Pumice. Pumice is very similar to perlite, as both of them are porous rocks formed during volcanic eruptions.
- – Horticultural grit. ...
- – Granite gravel. ...
- – Vermiculite. ...
- – Calcined clay. ...
- – Bark. ...
- – Peat. ...
- – Coir. ...
- – Sand. ...
What are the uses of vermiculite?
We recommend that you:
- Leave vermiculite insulation undisturbed in your attic or in your walls.
- Do not store boxes or other items in your attic if it contains vermiculite insulation.
- Do not allow children to play in an attic with vermiculite insulation.
- Do not attempt to remove the insulation yourself.
Why are vermiculite pool bases installed?
Things You Will Need
- Wrench
- Broom
- 5-gallon bucket
- Vermiculite
- Cement
- Water
- Trowel
How do you install vermiculite?
Vermiculite Insulation: Is it Really a Risk if it’s in the Attic?
- The Danger of Vermiculite. It might look harmless, but some vermiculite has a nasty personality. ...
- The Fine Line of One Percent. ...
- Attics Don’t Necessarily Prevent Exposure. ...
- Zonolite Attic Trust Helps With Abatement. ...
- New Tools for Home Inspectors. ...
- Vermiculite Removal. ...
- Safety Tips for Home Inspectors. ...
- Continuing Asbestos Education. ...
See more
Is vermiculite good for pool bottom?
Vermiculite is the usual choice of floor material for inground vinyl liner pools. it is not the cheapest option for your floor, but it is long lasting and one of the easier floor materials to install.
What does vermiculite do for pools?
Vermiculite pool bottoms are inexpensive and easy to apply. Palmetto Vermiculite for Pools is a medium C-3 grade that works best as a pool base. Retains flexibility after cure, to handle soil movement without cracking. Forms a semi-permeable aboveground pool base that allows water to percolate into the ground.
How long does it take for vermiculite pool bottom to dry?
A vermiculite bottom sets up completely in three to five days. Although in some instances liners can be installed almost immediately after troweling, pool owners should be cautioned about using the pool until curing is complete.
What do you put in the bottom of an inground pool?
The two most common materials for the bottom of your pool are vermiculite and grout. Whichever material you choose, you'll apply it right on top of the soil with a round-edged pool trowel, and then the liner goes on top of it.
What is the best base for a swimming pool?
0:234:08Above Ground Pool Base Materials - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf installed correctly the sand base floor will not have any major divots. When your pool isMoreIf installed correctly the sand base floor will not have any major divots. When your pool is completely filled with water this base material will be just as hard as most in-ground pool bottoms.
How much does pool vermiculite cost?
This vermiculite pool base aggregate is often used by pool contractors, along with industrial and commercial businesses. Priced per bag. 30 $20.950 ea.
What happens if vermiculite gets wet?
Vermiculite insluation itself does not burn: it is non-combustible, though contaminants and debris, if mixed with any insulating material at enough volume, might burn. When wet, vermiculite can hold a lot of water, as much as 220-325% by weight, and as much as 20-50% by volume.
Can it rain on vermiculite?
Although Pool-Krete® should not be used during a rain, there will be occasions when the weather simply rolls in quickly during installation. If possible, cover the pool area with polyethylene. A light mist will generally not affect the Pool-Krete®.
How do you fix the bottom of vermiculite in a pool?
2:444:41Concrete Pool Floor repair for Vinyl Liners - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a one part portland cement to one part sand mixture. So that way it's easier to sand off yourMoreUse a one part portland cement to one part sand mixture. So that way it's easier to sand off your edges with a masonry sanding block when you're finished.
How long does it take to vermiculite a pool?
Concrete sets faster, necessitating that his crew trowel quicker. But this has an advantage: He can install a concrete bottom in about half a day, whereas vermiculite can take eight-plus hours to cure, provided there is no rain. Concrete is cheaper than vermiculite and more efficient.
What can I use instead of sand under my pool?
Here are some alternatives that we've discussed:Old carpet could be nice, although it will get moldy over time, giving it about a year.Cardboard boxes will work for a few weeks, until they fall apart.A few old blankets could also work, but they won't last a year.More items...
How thick should a pool bottom be?
To be structurally sound, a concrete pool shell should generally be 6 inches thick. Depending on the engineer and the soil condition, it may be more. (On top of that, the plaster interior finish should be at least ⅜ inch thick.)
How is vermiculite mixed?
How is Pool Floor Vermiculite Mixed? Vermiculite is mixed on site and in a cement mixer called a paddle mixer, which can be rented at any rental shop. You will need Portland cement on hand to complete the mix. The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement.
How long does it take to install vermiculite pool bottom?
To install your vermiculite pool bottom you will need: Mix up for 20-30 seconds, dump the mix into the wheelbarrow underneath the mixer, then shovel into the 5 gallon buckets, and hand them down into the pool.
How much vermiculite to cement?
The ratio is 2 bags of Vermiculite to 1 bag of cement. The Vermiculite and cement go into the mixer and then you’ll add about two and a half 5-gallon buckets of water, until you reach an oatmeal consistency that you can trowel easily. Leave it in the mixer for about 20-30 seconds and that should do it.
What to do after pool liner is dry?
There are other parts of the pool that can be done while this is drying. After the bottom is dry, and before installing the liner, sweep the pool bottom and remove any loose vermiculite or other debris so there is nothing on the bottom that will show up under the liner.
What is pre mix pool mix?
Pre-mix product is sold under such names as Pool Base or Pool Mix. If you can buy it locally, it may be worth the extra expense, but if you have to pay large shipment fees, it can end up costing 30-40% more than buying both Portland and Vermiculite locally and mixing it yourself on-site.
How long to mix a pool mix?
Shovel, a steel bullnose trowel and a wood float. Mix up for 20-30 seconds, dump the mix into the wheelbarrow underneath the mixer, then shovel into the 5 gallon buckets, and hand them down into the pool.
Can you use vermiculite on a pool floor?
Buying, Mixing and Applying Vermiculite to the Pool Floor. Vermiculite is the usual choice of floor material for inground vinyl liner pools. it is not the cheapest option for your floor, but it is long lasting and one of the easier floor materials to install. This article covers the necessary steps and supplies for installing your own vermiculite ...
Why is vermiculite not porous?
Many of the arguments against vermiculite are same reasons some builders favor the material. Because it is porous, it won’t trap water between the floor and liner. The liner may float, but it will recede in time. As with concrete, crews should make the vermiculite layer between 1 and 2 inches thick.
How thick should vermiculite be?
As with concrete, crews should make the vermiculite layer between 1 and 2 inches thick. Any thicker and it will void the porosity, which would defeat its purpose. Fans of this material also claim that it’s easier on the liner. Vinyl expands and contracts with the temperature.
How does Lenz pool mix work?
Lenz uses a gravity feed mixer, which dispenses the vermiculite through a hose at the bottom of the pool as needed. A concrete truck isn’t going to be patient. “They’re accustomed to doing sidewalks and driveways, so they dump it quick,” Lenz says. “A pool requires a little more time.”.
Where are Penguin Pools located?
The owner of Penguin Pools, with locations in Waukesha, Wis. and Minneapolis, says one of the biggest adjustments to make was speed. Concrete sets faster, necessitating that his crew trowel quicker.
Does concrete have a floating liner?
Unlike vermiculite, its porous counterpart, concrete keeps groundwater at bay — no more floating liner. And liner replacements aren’t complicated by floor repairs, which can be extensive given vermiculite’s tendency to dent and spoil.
Is mineral mix better than concrete?
Proponents of the mineral mix say that the ability to quickly patch problem spots is the material’s main advantage over concrete. New vermiculite bonds to old vermiculite well. When doing a liner replacement, floor fixes are common.
Can concrete be affected by vermiculite?
And if the earth below the floor caves or settles, the concrete shouldn’t be affected. On the other hand, even proponents of vermiculite acknowledge that their preferred material is subject to shift, crack or cave due to the ground settling. (However, they maintain that vermiculite repairs are much easier to make.)
What is vermiculite used for?
Vermiculite boasts several characteristics that make it useful to gardeners. The product is: 1 Lightweight 2 Highly absorbent. Its particles absorb water and nutrients (which must still be supplied) and retain them in a soilless potting mix. Whenever the plants' roots are ready to use the water and nutrients, they are able to, thanks to the vermiculite. 3 Neutral in terms of soil pH, so that you do not have to worry about compensating for pH alterations due to the presence of the soil amendment.
Why is vermiculite sterile?
Plus, the fact that it is sterile means that gardeners do not have to worry that the vermiculite is harboring pathogens that could kill their plants. Vermiculite is silvery-gray and flaky. In fact, it is so light that you can move the little particles by blowing on them.
What is the best vermiculite for cuttings?
Straight vermiculite can also be an excellent choice for a growing medium in which to root cuttings. Select a medium grade vermiculite for this purpose. Because it does such a good job at aeration, perlite is the go-to product in mixes for plants that do not mind drying out and crave outstanding drainage.
Why use vermiculite in soilless potting mix?
The product is: Lightweight. Highly absorbent. Its particles absorb water and nutrients (which must still be supplied) and retain them in a soilless potting mix.
What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite?
How Vermiculite Differs From Perlite. Perlite is that white material in soilless potting mixes that looks like little chunks of styrofoam . In its natural state, it has a pearl-like shine to it that accounts for the name, "perlite.".
Why is vermiculite good for seeds?
There are two main reasons why vermiculite serves this function so well (better than perlite, peat moss, regular soil, etc.): When you are starting seeds indoors , they need to be kept consistently moist. If they are allowed to dry out, they will not germinate. The capacity that vermiculite has to retain water is greater than ...
When to use vermiculite vs perlite?
When to Use Vermiculite vs. Perlite. Because it retains water so well, add more vermiculite than perlite to your mix when you are creating a growing medium for plants that dry out easily. But vermiculite is useful to gardeners beyond functioning as one component in a mixed growing medium.
What is vermiculite used for?
Vermiculite came to be to fill a need. It was adapted to get away from a sand pool bottom and be used by those that couldn’t or didn’t want to pour concrete. Concrete is a strong and sturdy base that when done is very smooth . . . think of your garage floor the day after it was poured, that is what your pool bottom is.
Do you need a sump system for a concrete pool?
If you have that much ground water or hydrostatic pressure , then your pool was built wrong and you need or should have a sump system installed on your pool. A concrete pool bottom will not allow water to pass through it, which helps prevent floating liners.
Do vinyl pool lines need a liner?
Vinyl liner pools regardless if it is steel or polymer walled, needs a liner to go in and sit on a perfectly flat and smooth pool floor. #N#Pretty simple to understand that you want your pool bottom flat and smooth, but what is it made out of?
Does clay matter in pool bottoms?
Clay, sand, stone, rock, dirt . . . doesn’ t matter. Yes. Many regions pour pool bottoms a certain way based on advertising, marketing, tradition & availability. For example, what is common in the Midwest isn’t common in the North East, even though they have the same climate conditions.
What to say to an inground pool builder who only uses sand?
If you are talking to an inground pool builder who only uses sand, politely say thanks and escort him out of your house. While using sand is easier, less expensive, and less messy, it is also product of being lazy, stuck in 1980, and not good for the end user. Simply put, you are working with someone who isn’t concerned with building ...
What is a strong pool krete?
Strong Pool Krete is made up of Portland cement, vermiculite, and sand. When all three are combined and troweled out, you get a strong smooth surface for your liner to lay on. Pool Krete will setup and turn into a hard “cork board” for your liner.
What is the best pool bottom?
That is from the substrate, sand, moving or creating divots. A concrete pool floor is the best pool bottom you can get and the only way a top inground pool builder will build.
How much does it cost to add sand to vinyl?
Adding sand to the bottom is usually preferred as it is less expensive. Using vermic instead of sand is going to cost about $1,000 – $1,500 instead of the $300 for the sand, but if you want the best surface for your vinyl liner, then the option is well worth it.
Can you use sand in a concrete pool?
Never use sand and vermiculite is an OK option; HOWEVER a concrete pool floor is the best surface available. The concrete pool bottom will hold it’s form and is structural so it will not more. An experienced inground pool builder will be able to pour a cocnrete pool floor faster and better than using vermiculite.
Can you put sand under vinyl liner?
When using sand under your vinyl liner is doesn’t hold its form as well as Vermic. The sand takes years to get fully packed down and not move anymore. HOWEVER, before it packs down you can feel waves and even make indentations with your heel in the sand.
What Is Vermiculite?
- Vermiculite is actually a mineral that expands when heated and often exists in the form of clay. However, what we use for inground swimming pools is a little different. For our use, vermiculite is a mixture of the mineral known as vermiculite and Portland cement. When preparing to lay the f…
Process of Application
- The process of applying the vermiculite floor of a vinyl liner pool is pretty simple, but pretty complex—we know, it’s weird. The vermiculite comes in bags and its form is similar to sand. We pour that material into a bucket, wheel barrel, etc. and mix it with water. Sounds simple, right? Well, the amount of water added to the vermiculite has to be precise to get the correct consisten…
Disadvantages
- A significant problem with vermiculite is that it can be more difficult to apply as the base of the pool. Even though it is a softer material, once it is applied and smoothed out, it can be difficult to remove or re-shape if applied incorrectly. Instead of smoothing areas out if they are higher or lower than another, vermiculite must be chopped up and refinished, making the application proc…
Does A Vermiculite Pool Floor Need to Be Replaced?
- Just as a liner needs to be replaced, parts of a vermiculite pool floor may need to be repaired or replaced. It is possible for the vermiculite to corrode over time, especially if tears in the liner go unnoticed. Water can seep through these tears and make its way to the pool floor. If this is a repeating issue, you may find that the pool floor has corroded when you replace the liner. We kn…