DIY Pool Tile Replacement

I recently bought a house with a pool and some of the pool tiles have started coming loose.

The pool is about 14 years old and was replastered (with pebble tec) two years ago, but they chose not to replace the waterline tile at that time.

I was quoted $3100 to replace about 130 lf of waterline tile. I have retiled a shower enclosure and floor before and I have most of the tiling tools including a wet saw, so I am wondering if this is a job I can tackle myself.

Couple things I am wondering about:

1) The pebble tec runs right up to the bottoms of the tiles. If I start taking the tiles off, am I likely to chip off the pebble tec? Should I saw cut with an angle grinder at the tile/pebble tec line first?

2) What should I use for grout, anything special? I am planning on using a 6x6 tile and I would probably use a 1/8" grout line with unsanded grout.

3) Any suggestions on how to keep the pool surface clean? Should I put down plastic or anything first? or should I plan on having it acid washed afterwards?

4) Any other advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

-Jeff

Hi, Jeff,

1. Yeah, I like that idea of saw-cutting. That'll give you a nice edge to grout to.

2. No special grout (I and others think Custom brand @ Home Depot is the best on the market....best thinset, too IMHO. I use sanded grout for 1/8 grout lines....your call.

3. Assuming you don't drain the whole pool, I would use a 1' x 8' peice of foam board to float along as I worked. Done carefully, it can be used as a "workbench"

4. AS you know, prep is 95% of a succesful tile job. Sounds like you've got a handle on it. Keep us posted.