Having missing pool tiles becomes very noticeable and can completely ruin the look of your pool. Fortunately, putting the tiles back on after they fall off isn’t very hard to do. Let’s take a look at the steps to repair a pool tile.
- The first step is to drain the water enough to expose the tiles you need to repair. After you do this, let the area completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- Next, take off any of the old grout still left on the area where the tiles came off. If it’s difficult to pry off, you can use a hammer and a chisel to scrape it away. Then do the same with any mortar left on the back of the fallen tiles.
- Measure the depth of the bedding where the tiles need to be replaced. It should be 1/8 of an inch from the neighboring base. If the area has lost some bedding when the tiles came off and the depth is greater than 1/8 of an inch, you’ll first need to even out the area by adding plaster.
- Mix the plaster per the instructions of the brand you choose, making sure you end up with a mixture that’s smooth and consistent. Before spreading the plaster, wet the area with some pool water. This keeps the plaster from drying too quickly, which can cause it to crack.
- Use a putty knife to spread the mixture, smoothing it out so the depth is even at all places. There should be enough depth on the wall to add a tile and a 1/8 inch layer of mortar. After you finish spreading, let the area dry for at least 24 hours.
- After the wall has finished drying, make a mixture of thinset mortar, to stick the tiles on. You can follow the product’s instructions when mixing, but you should end up with a mixture a bit thicker than the plaster.
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture on the wall and on the back of the tiles. Press the tiles onto the swimming pool wall, ensuring they’re at a level even with the existing tiles. If they don’t stick on right away, you can use duct tape to hold them in place while they dry.
- Finally, create a mixture of pool tile grout and work it between the joints of the tiles with your fingers. Wipe the excess grout off the tiles before it dries and allow it to dry. Once the grout has fully dried, you can refill the water back to its original level and your pool is now ready for use.
To learn more about fixing and upgrading your pool, or to speak with one of our designers, fill out our instant estimate form or give us a call at: (818) 244-4000.
