Pool Remodel: Tile Installed Incorrectly?

[gworrel]

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.

[FPICOL]

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.

[imfignewton]

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