replacing pool tiles

[Carolina]

We have a 6 yr old inground pool (gunnite) with a raised spa and waterfall. There is a large section of tile (about 50 square feet) under the waterfall - and unfortunately, about a dozen 2x2 tiles have fallen off.

Instead of simply reattaching the missing tiles, we are considering having a tile contractor remove all the tile from the 50 squ ft area and replace it with new tile. We simply hope to stay ahead of the game and avoid having more tiles loosen and fall.

Does anyone have advice regarding this repair? Would it be smarter to simply replace the few tiles that are missing? Are we compromising our pool's integrity by trying to remove that large section of tile? Thanks for any input.

[ksturge]

Sorry, this isn't a reply but I have a similar problem. Since almost all of our tile fell off of the sides but the top tiles remain intact, we were thinking of using a hi-build epoxy such as :

http://www.poolpatioandbeyond.com/index.php/cPath/7_92_94?osCsid=89e6550dfa4

Has anyone heard of this stuff? Does it have a reputation?

[Simmons99]

Do you have the tiles that fell off? If you don't , you probably cannot find matching tiles - you may need to replace them all. I don't think that tile has anything to do with the structural integrity of you pool, at least not any more than tile on a bathroom floor does.

[cygnusecks]

How about if you just want to replace the grout. Our grout is white, the builder said that's the only color they do since all other colors eventually bleach out to white (according to them). Is it difficult to just replace the grout?

[Simmons99]

I've replaced grout in my shower before - it's a really messy job. You have to remove the old grout - clean the dust out really well, make sure it dries completely and then put in new grout - make sure you do it so there isn't a grout film on the tiles (or you have to acid wash) - it wasn't fun.

If you just want to change the grout color, go to Home Depot and get a colored sealer/stain and paint it onto the grout (carefully). It will penetrate into the grout staining/coloring the top portion of the grout. I did this on a bathroom floor. I never put bleach on it - so I don't know if the clorine in the pool water will affect it. I would be more concerned about sun bleaching - but if it did you could color it again (they even have white, if you decide the colors won't work).

[duraleigh]

Carolina,

The tiles are unrelated to the structure of your pool.

They fell off for one of two reasons (remotely...both). Either they were not set (bonded) properly during installation or the base (your pool wall) has moved...breaking the bond between wall and tile.

It is somewhat likely more will continue to fall, especially if they were not set properly. I think you would do well to get a tile mason to look at the work and get his opinion. He will probably recommend replacing them all for several reasons.

As an aside, the epoxy grout mentioned is a great product. But it is a "boogerbear" to work with (Southern slang :D ).

If you do it wrong, it is unforgiving and a nightmare to clean up. If you do it right, it is a teriific product....especially if you suspect some slight instability in your base. It is used almost always to attach ceramic to fibregal pools because it can "flex" a little with the fibreglas

[FrankTroy]

I have the exact same problem.

In my case I have removed all the loose tiles (about 2 five gal. buckets full) and have cleaned them with acid. They look brand new and are ready to be applied.

Now I just need to find a good thin-set compound so I can attach them and then grout. But I am not sure what are recommended products to use for pools and what I need to do to prepare the concrete for the thin-set.

Hopefully someone replying to your post will help.

Thanks
Frank

[duraleigh]

Hi, Frank,

If the removed tiles are all in one big rectangle....good. If not, I would remove enough tile so I had one single large area with four sides...all free of tiles.

Then prep the surface with a 4.5" angle grinder and a masonry grinding blade.....the old thinset will grind down quite easily....the concrete is quite hard. you should have no problem not grinding too deeply into the concrete. Now, you're all "set" for tile. :)

On my pool, I used a thinset made by Custom. It's the midpriced thinset at Home depot (about $12) and might be called "polyblend" but I can't remember for sure. It is a fine product.

I used Custom's (Home Depot) grout as well....I know it was called "polyblend" Very nice quality product.

You're gonna' make a mess....both grinding and installing. Go to whatever lengths you need to protect the rest of your pool from the dust, thinset and grout. Good Luck. :)

[Carolina]

Thank you to everyone who replied - this has been helpful!