Fiberglass Pool Waterline Tile - Yes or No?

[woodyaht]

Hi,

New to the site, and was here reading last night and thought I'd give my 2 cents

Silicone should not be used underwater what so ever. Silicone contains talc which allows it to absorb water, and it gets brittle over time and looses it's grip. Ever notice when you put a clear bead of silicone in your shower that it's nice and clear, then a few years later its yellowed, and not sealing very well.

I work on lg. privatly owned boats for a living and silicone has never been a good thing on boats.

The best products to use for gluing/sealing anything that has to do with water is Polyurathane Marine Sealants/Adhesives.

3M makes a couple good ones 4200 (fast drying) 5200 (dries very slow but is extremely strong)
Sikaflex 291 is a good all around sealant adhesive.

I come from the Koi ponding forums where I have been preaching the use of these sealants for a long time. I made my own 4000gal pond out of fiberglass and have come here to see if anybody has taken on building a pool as I am in the planning stages of starting my own pool (beach entry, my own pebble finish) out of glass. But I haven't found anything yet.

[jimcufsemall]

Let us know what you did Chris with regards to your tile, Im in the same boat. My builder wants $1900 to install tile around the fiberglass pool, and we are thinking since we are going with a dark blue gelcoat we can get away without the tile. Also when you get your pool installed dont forget pics!

Jim

[waterbear]

Hi,

New to the site, and was here reading last night and thought I'd give my 2 cents

Silicone should not be used underwater what so ever. Silicone contains talc which allows it to absorb water, and it gets brittle over time and looses it's grip. Ever notice when you put a clear bead of silicone in your shower that it's nice and clear, then a few years later its yellowed, and not sealing very well.
I have been a marine aquarium hobbyist for about 30 year now and have constructed glass tanks using only silicone. I have one that is about 20 years old and still holding strong so I beg to differ with you on this!

To get to the main question. I have a white fiberglass pool with waterline tile installed and am very happy with the way it looks. I have to clean the tile about twice a year with a tile scrubber and tile soap to keep it clean. Very low maintenance for me.

[duraleigh]

Here's another two cents worth.....Epoxy thinset and epoxy grout is what the pros use to install tile on fibreglas.

It is not an easy product to work with and generally not to be undertaken without some practice. That said, if you have some experience or are willing to take on a tough task, it certainly could be a DIY project.....done slowly and carefully....epoxy can be a disaster if you are not familiar.