University of Colorado-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO

Project Outline

As part of a comprehensive facility modernization, the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS) commissioned a comprehensive overhaul of its indoor aquatic center. The project focused on brightening the space and correcting significant bonding failures in the pool’s previous finishes. The scope evolved from a standard resurfacing to include the total demolition and replacement of the pool’s concrete coping to ensure a “freshened up” aesthetic for the entire room.

Renovation Goals: Correct multiple layers of failing plaster and "pop-offs" while modernizing the pool's safety and competitive features.
Services Selected: Hydro-blasting was chosen over standard bond coats to ensure a permanent mechanical bond, which was necessary due to the failure of two existing plaster layers.
Background: Budget resurfacing in 2022 without hydro-blasting led to premature finish delamination and active plaster "pop-offs". Mid-America honored the warranty by waiving new interior material costs, charging only for the required hydro-blasting substrate remediation.

After Demo Similar Angle As An After Pic

Before Pic Similar Angle As Fresh Coping

Coping Corner Detail

Project Specifications:

Coping Formed Up Ready To Be Poured

Coping Install

Formed Coping

Same Angle Of Coping Corner Detail Pre Coping Pour

Challenges Solved

Adhesion and Bonding Issues: The pool had two bad layers of plaster that were no longer bonding properly. We removed both layers completely to reach a sound substrate.
Complex Multi-Contractor Coordination: The schedule required extreme flexibility to work around other trades in the pool room. While originally slated for winter break, the installation was pushed into January to accommodate the broader project timeline.
Large-Scale Concrete Pour: The 350-linear-foot continuous bullnose coping pour was one of the largest in our history, requiring significant labor for concrete transport and specialized finishing.
Infrastructure and Safety: Before the coping could be poured, our team had to perform detailed electrical bonding and set new structural anchors to meet modern codes.
Commercial Functionality: To ensure the highest quality finish, we replaced all racing lanes entirely rather than attempting to prep around old tile, a standard practice for our commercial projects.

Special Considerations

Indoor Dust and Debris Control: To protect the indoor environment during hydro-blasting, we covered the pool deck with Ram Board and utilized full containment tenting to manage all dust.
Wastewater Management: In compliance with strict Colorado regulations, we coordinated with a local partner to provide a high-capacity dewatering tank. This system allowed for the environmentally friendly recycling of clean materials at a quarry.
Seasonal Timing: The project took advantage of the off-season, as indoor work in December and January allows for ideal installation conditions without the risks of exterior freeze-thaw cycles.
Aesthetic and Material Solutions: The use of Oyster Quartz Diamond Brite® was a key element in the client’s goal to brighten the facility and modernize the space.

From Our Team

“This was a great job for us and the finished product was some of our best coping to date.”

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO

Project Outline

Project Specifications:

Challenges Solved

Special Considerations

From Our Team

Navigation

Products & Services

Core Team Locations

Blogs