Pool Remodel: Tile Installed Incorrectly?

I contracted a local pool remodel company to replaster my pool and install waterline tile. I did some research before I talked to contractors. From the research that I did I was able to determine that 1) mortar bed should be floated around perimeter of pool where waterline tile will be placed 2) waterproof thinset should be applied to mortar and then tile applied 3) thinset should be allowed to cure 24 hours before applying waterproof grout.

Should I expect a licensed contractor to adhere to the above standards?

My contractor used a blend of Mortar, Duracal Cement, and Multi-set 917 and applied large amounts up to 1 1/2 inches to the back of the tile and applied the tile to dry gunite. Refer to pictures. (Just noticed I can't upload photos. Will try later)

I told my contractor before I signed contract that they were to float mortar bed, allow mortar to cure, then apply waterproof thinset to tile.

As you can see from pictures this did not happen.

My contractor stated that "this is how we apply pool tile". As I have made a 50% deposit and I am unsure about having this contractor continue working on my pool I would like to ask for some advice from forum members.

What should my next step be?

Any ideas to help this poster?

Anybody have any suggestions?

I've been out of the tiling side of pools too long to even try to give advice on how to do it :(

What sort of warranty will they give? If it's 5 years, I'd just let them do it as they usually do - that way, if some problem comes up next season, you've got the warranty to get it corrected.

Where's Kelly when you need him?:)

You are correct the bond beam should be brown coated (built out with a suitable cement product) then use modified thin set for the tile then the grout.

The problem with large amounts of tile setting mix is that it usually leaves voids behind the tile which will cause problems in the future especially in freeze thaw environments. I would ask for as much money as you can back and then hire another contractor.

Hope this helps

I have had about 50 tiles fall out of my pool this year after 30 years of few problems. Two different tile setters I had out to give me estimates said they do not use thinset and use a portland cement, binder, and (not sure about the last part) silica sand? mix. They both said they believe thinset is inferior to their custom mix. Certainly Laticrete and other thinset manufacturers would probably disagree.

I would not be surprised if the proper thinset designed for exterior swimming pool use is probably essentially the same as what they are mixing from scratch. I know that the directions on the last bag of thinset I used said not to exceed a specific thickness, as it is a "thin" set.

Unfortunately, "best practice" may not be the same as "common practice" in the industry.

Regarding the grout, will regular home depot shower tile grout good enough for the tile surround? if not where do I get water proof grout, any links to any sites? I do not think homedepot has waterproof tile grout.

thank you for the help.

Home Depot - VersaBond Fortified Thin-Set Mortar (white or gray)

Do not use the VersaBond to fill in large voids in the tile demolition and remove any thin set bed left on the pool shell (improves tile bonding)

Hope this helps