Tiles in your pool might loosen or crack as they age. After a few years of pool ownership, you’re bound to run into this problem. Even if it isn’t due to anything other than old age, you should fix it as soon as possible to minimize further damage. Putting off pool tile repair of a few broken tiles may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can result in more serious structural problems that could put your home and its occupants in danger.
Types of Pool Tile Repair
When pool tile damage takes place, you can use one of these three ways to repair it. They include:
Cracks
You should repair broken or cracked pool tiles if they are to last. The tiles crack and chip over time because most pools feature mortar set stone or concrete coping. It is not uncommon for pool tiles to be shattered by pool cleaners scraping against them or by people walking on them too firmly. Using a chisel, make the cracks larger until you see the mortar. Fill in the crack with grout and feather it out to match the tile.
Stain
A pool water chemical imbalance reacts with the surface of your pool to cause tile stains. When it comes to breaking and chipping, there’s no simple remedy. You can use a lime-and calcium-based stain remover to remove pool tile stains. Remove the scale from the tile by saturating it with the stain remover and then wiping it clean.
Replacement
In terms of pool tile repair, replacement is the most expensive option. In spite of this, if your tiles are beyond repair, you may need to replace them. Old tile, wrong installation, or chipping and cracking are all reasons for a whole pool tile replacement.
First, make sure you lower the water level in your pool to the level of the cracked tile. After that, use a grout saw to remove the grout around the cracked tile. Remove the cracked tile by inserting a flat-edged chisel into the joint.
Attach new pool tiles to the concrete coping using pool thinset repair mortar. Afterwards, use sanded grout to grout joints between replacement tiles and clean away excess sanded grout with a sponge.
When You Need a Repair
A few tiles may fall out of your swimming pool over time. This is particularly widespread around the spillways of your backyard pool. Tiles can get loose because of the cool rushing water and the hot sun. Some pool tiles may fall out over time as a result of slight changes in the settling process. When this occurs, the old tiles can be removed and replaced with new ones.
There are a few things that could make it necessary to put in new pool tiles:
Wrongly installed tiles
If you don’t install the tiles correctly or use poor-quality material to fix them, the only option will be to replace them. Incorrect installation might also cause tiles to come loose. The things you select to lay the tile on are just as important as the tile itself. Sealants and adhesives of the highest quality can save money in the long run.
White spots on the tiles
Efflorescence refers to the deposit on the tile of mineral salts such as magnesium and calcium that have leached from the setting mud. White deposits on your pool tiles are also formed by calcium scaling, the result of high alkalinity and high pH in the pool. Test calcium hardness while you test other pool water chemicals. In some circumstances, these deposits can be scraped off or acid washed using acid or abrasive materials. You will need to replace the tiles if an acid wash does not remove the deposit.
Chipped or cracked tiles
In addition to looking unpleasant, a pool with broken tiles may also be prone to damage. Cold water pressing against your pool tile during expansion can crack or chip tiles that are not frost-free. To keep the pool looking its best, cracked tiles need replacement as soon as possible.
Unappealing or outdated tiles
If you haven’t done pool tile repair in a long time, it’s time to do so. The pool tiles appear unappealing, worn, and dull as time passes. You can give your pool a new look by replacing the old tiles with new ones.
Falling off tiles
They fall when the tiles aren’t properly fixed. When water seeps beneath the cement through the cracks, it might also fall off. If the sludge hasn’t come out with the tile, try re-fixing. You will require a new one if the mud comes off. The tiles in a swimming pool can also become loose due to sudden fluctuations in temperature.
Ready for pool tile repair? Call Purpose Pools
Because pool tile repair is so fast and easy, you may get back in the water and enjoy it as soon as the next day. In addition, you can retile the pool and give it a new look with materials such as stone, glass, and porcelain. Purpose Pools’ pool tile repair services can restore your backyard’s former sense of calm and enjoyment. Contact us today!
