Can I save grout damaged by low pH?

[waterbear]

Do you know of anything to preserve the grout for a little longer?

Yes, Keeping the water balanced and testing it (NOT with strips) on a regular (weekly) basis. This would be a case where monitoring the calcium saturation index would be important.

[Fixit]

OK i will keep the water balanced. Do you think that adding a topical sealer might help the grout for now? When someone touches or rubs against the grout it rubs off in the form of wet sand. Not all the way to the bond beam but if I rubbed in one spot long enough I bet i could reach the bond beam. Do you think it is too far gone and I should blast it all off now or can I save it for the fall when we are ready to close the pool?

[PoolDoc]

To answer your original question, whether you can save the grout damaged by low pH . . . probably not. Once the cement & calcium binding the sand has been dissolved, you can't 'un-dissolve' it. You might be able to cover it over with something that will hold it together for a year or so, but I'm only guessing.

One further note: I think it's unlikely that your grout was destroyed by a single winter of low pH water, unless it was VERY low. It's more likely that this deterioration has happened over time.

So . . . I would STRONGLY recommend that you purchase a K2006 (Amazon links in my signature) and learn to test your water accurately, and manage the pH and alkalinity properly BEFORE you do any repairs. That way, you won't have to worry about the same thing happening again.

Sorry for your troubles.

[Fixit]

Thank you for that answer PoolDoc. I was afraid that would be the case. I used a heavy duty stone sealer - hoping it might treat the grout like sandstone and penetrate deep to protect it for now. Crossing my fingers. I will look into the K2006. Thanks again!
- Becky

[PoolDoc]

Good luck!

[vinper]

at least it will be easier , to replace if the thinset comes right off.. usually tile is adhered with thinset . grout is only between the tiles not holding them on

[Fixit]

My hope is that the thinset will hold true so the tiles stay put and all I have to do is scrape the grout out. The tiles are penny rounds :/