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Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:14 pm
by bamboo
hi all, this is my first post on this excellent website. i have been referring to the main site for a few years now. i practice garden design and build services.
i have not laid arctic granite before and have concerns regarding suitability for a job i have just started [finished digging out and will be whacking with type one/scalpings then 100mm rio concrete over next few weeks] This involves 220 m2 approx of paving in an area with a high water table. Due to existing levels on site falls will be minimal.
Is ths product as stainable and porous as i have been reading?
Will chemicals in the pool water create a problem?
Do i have to use white cement in the laying mix?[as per instructions]
any comments or opinions welcome. thanks.
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 2:44 pm
by Tony McC
I don't have the lab data for the Stonemarket granite, but knowing its source, I can be reasonably sure that it performs much the same as similar products from that source, so you will need to be careful about staining (red wine and oak leaves in particular). Its porosity causes problems with 'picture framing' and damp patches appearing for no obvious reason, so it's really important you follow the Stonemarket installation guidance, so that you have someone to complain to if it goes awry.
So: yes, use the over-priced white cement as this reduces the incidence of picture-framing, and consider using a slurry-paint on the underside of the flags before laying. From memory, I think the advice is to use PVA, but I have doubts about this (PVA is water soluble) and would rather use summat like SBR.
Make sure the laying course is well-mixed and only just damp. Using a sloppy wet "bricklaying" mix seems to exacerbate picture-framing and patching problems.
Can't comment on the pool chemicals issue, as I've no information yet, but I would urge my client to consider applying a quality sealant to the paving once it's got through the first 12-16 weeks.
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:32 pm
by bamboo
Hi Tony, thanks for the reply.
I've phoned Stonemarket [sm] to attempt to clarify the situation/issues regarding sm arctic granite. I was informed that no testing of any sm paving has taken place with treated/chlorinated water found in swimming pools and they offer no guarantee in this situation. I have advised my client of this and we are now looking at alternative types of paving.
We are planning to use the new domestic ACO Brickslot linear drainage on this job. The sample I have obtained looks good and I will let you know how it performs. Maybe a photo.
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:30 pm
by thegardensurgery
AHH I know this one....Its not too bad to lay very very expensive lol
It`s not porous , smooth as a babies bum...but i got down some diamond blades cutting 
Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 11:45 pm
by lutonlagerlout
is that one of yours GS?
very tidy mate
LLL
Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 11:04 am
by Edgecraft
Hi Bamboo
Whatever you use I would recommend a textured surface as any smooth finish around a pool is a death trap waiting to happen !
Built an in-ground 24' x 16' pool at my dads over twenty years ago and even with concrete riven type paving it can get very slippery when wet espescially when the kids are running around in bare feet.
I am currently refurbishing the pool and have built corner steps into it as my mum was finding it hard to get in and out using the ladder also got rid of the liner and instead going mosaic tile and just for good measure I have installed four 10' x 5' solar panels to keep the heating cost down.
We are looking at renewing with textured paving as soon as the money tree starts to grow again 
(last year we only used the pool about twice, "Crap English weather")
Darren