How do I complete finishing and surrounds for my Plungie pool?

1. Backfill Around the Shell (If In-Ground or Semi-Recessed)

If your Plungie is being installed in-ground or semi-recessed, the over-excavated area must be backfilled with a clean, granular material that promotes drainage away from the footings.

2. Internal Tiling (Optional)

If your Plungie does not include the standard ecoFinish coating and is supplied as a blank shell or with a waterline tile provision, it will require on-site waterproofing and internal tiling.

• Engage a licensed tiler experienced in concrete pool tiling

• Waterproofing product: Laticrete Hydro Ban (2 coats)

• Large tile adhesive: Laticrete 335

• Grout: Mapei Keracolor FF

• Small mosaics glue: Keracolor FF with Mapei liquid additive

• Small mosaics grout: Keracolor FF mixed with water

Note: Waterproofing and tiling must be done carefully to maintain the pool’s durability and avoid warranty voidance.

3. Waterline Tile Provision

If you requested a waterline tile provision, the ecoFinish will stop ~7 3/4" from the pool’s top edge (just above the first step). This allows for the future application of a waterline tile band.

This must be specified before production begins.

4. Coping Tile Requirements

We recommend sourcing coping from National Pool Tile (NPT), which offers coping tailored to Plungie dimensions. Quantities below include 10% wastage:

Plungie Arena (11'5" Round)

• Contact NPT directly for custom kit

Plungie Studio (12' x 7')

• 20 Pavers

• 10 Coping pieces

• 20 sqft of 1x1 tile

Plungie Original (15' x 8')

• 20 Pavers

• 20 Coping pieces

• 25 sqft of 1x1 or 1x2 tile

Plungie Max (20' x 10')

• 60 sqft of Pavers

• 30 Coping pieces

• 35 sqft of 1x1 tile

All coping is custom made to order. Expect lead times.

Coping Installation Notes:

• External overhang: 1/4" to accommodate render or cladding

• Internal overhang: 3/4"–1" to allow for shell manufacturing variances

• Profile options: Bullnose, Modern Edge

5. Skimmer Box Considerations

Before pouring concrete surrounds:

• Install Ableflex or boxing around the skimmer box

• This prevents cracks due to expansion/contraction

Refer to the Poolrite Innoskim User Manual for full details.

6. Landscaping and Safety

• Coordinate with fencing, decking, and landscape trades to avoid pool damage

• Damage during this stage may void the warranty

• Confirm and follow your local pool safety barrier requirements

Always check with your city or county for specific code.

7. Tile Lid Upgrade Option

You may choose to replace your standard skimmer lid with a tile-matching lid using the HIDE Skim Lid system:

• Allows deck/paver material to sit flush over the skimmer

• Provides a seamless look

8. Internal Tile Area Calculations (For Full Tiling)

If tiling the interior, here are surface area allowances including 10% waste:

Model	Internal Area (sqft)	With 10% Waste (sqft)
Arena	234.6	258.1
Studio	219.6	241.6
Original	287.2	315.9
Max	418.8	460.7

Plungie does not offer internal tiling. We deliver raw concrete shells if ecoFinish is not selected.

FAQs

Q: Can I do the tiling myself?
A: We recommend using a licensed tiler experienced with concrete pools.

Q: Can I tile over ecoFinish?
A: No. If you plan to tile, the pool must be ordered without ecoFinish.

Q: When do I install coping?
A: After backfill and before final landscaping, once levels are verified.

Q: Do I need waterproofing for internal tiles?
A: Yes. Waterproof the bare shell prior to installing tile.

Q: What if I damage the pool while tiling or landscaping?
A: Any damage during this stage may void your Plungie warranty.

Summary: Step 7 is your opportunity to transform the shell into a finished feature. Choose quality coping, follow waterproofing best practices, and coordinate trades carefully to avoid costly mistakes. When in doubt—consult your engineer or installer.