Installing and maintaining Sukabumi stone

These are common guidelines for laying natural stone in pools. They do not replace the technical design, the installer's judgement or the data sheets of adhesive and sealer manufacturers.

Laying, step by step

1. Substrate: clean, flat, stable, with the pool waterproofing completed. No dust, grease or salts.
2. Adhesive: improved, deformable cementitious adhesive suitable for immersion (C2TE S1 classification under EN 12004-1).
3. Back-buttering: adhesive on both substrate and tile, to avoid voids under the stone.
4. Bedding: with a rubber mallet, checking flatness area by area.
5. Joints and curing: grout suitable for immersion, and full curing times before filling the pool.
6. Sealing: a water-repellent sealer designed for natural stone, to protect the colour and ease cleaning.

On-site tips

• Pool shell: natural finish. Copings and surrounds: textured finish, after checking the required slip-resistance class.
• Mix pieces from different boxes while laying to spread the tonal variation.
• Lay a test area first to validate colour, joint and sealer.

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning with water and a neutral detergent. Avoid strong acids.
• Renew the sealer every 12 to 24 months, depending on exposure and the product data sheet.
• Keep pH and water parameters balanced to avoid scale.

Common mistakes

• Using adhesives not suitable for immersion, or laying without back-buttering.
• Filling the pool before curing and sealing are complete.
• Cleaning with aggressive products that damage the stone surface.

Published 21 September 2025