How to Replace Pool Tiles With Thin Set

The constantly wet environment of a pool has a detrimental effect on the tiles used to line the pool’s surface. Moisture can penetrate beneath the tiles, weakening the bond of the mortar that holds the tiles in place. This can cause the tiles to loosen or fall out entirely. Replacing the tiles can be done effectively though. You can reset the tiles in a new layer of mortar and replace the grout between the old tiles and the replacements. After a few weeks drying time, you can refill the pool and swim with confidence in the quality of the fully repaired tile surface.

Things You'll Need

• Pry bar
• 6-in. floor scraper
• Thin set mortar
• Bucket
• Power drill
• Mixer bar
• Notched trowel
• Replacement tile
• Rubber headed mallet
• Duct tape
• Waterproof tile grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Lint-free cloth

Instructions

1. Empty the pool completely and allow the surface of the tiles to be replaced to dry.

2. Remove the tiles being replaced using a pry bar, or clean the vacant area being tiled. Use a six inch floor scraper to clear the space where the old tiles rested of any mortar residue. Scrape the residue away to the subsurface, removing any remnants of grout as well. Clear away any mortar dust and debris created during the removal process.

3. Mix a batch of thin set mortar in a bucket using a power drill with a mixer bar attachment. Wait 10 minutes for the thin set to activate before applying.

4. Apply a layer of mortar to the surface of the pool where the tile is to be placed using the flat edge of a notched trowel.

5. Tilt the trowel at a 45-degree angle and go over the layer of thin set using the notched edge to raise ridges in the tile. Raise the ridges to a height of one-eighth of an inch so that the ridges will create a consistent surface for the tile to grip evenly.

6. Place the tile onto the thin set to apply. Press the tile firmly, using a slight twisting motion to spread the thin set evenly along the back of the tile. Then tap the tile so that its level with the surrounding pool tiles using a rubber headed mallet.

7. Tape the tiles in place temporarily using duct tape, so that they do not slide while the mortar sets. Allow the tiles to set for 48 hours before grouting.

8. Fill the joints between the tiles with grout. Push the grout into the tile joints using a grout float to press the grout fully into the spaces between the tiles. Use a damp sponge to remove excess grout and to even out the level of the grout lines. Allow the grout to dry for 15 minutes and then go over the tiles with a lint-free cloth to remove any grout residue from the tiles. Allow the thin set and grout to dry for two to three weeks before filling the pool.

References

• Tile & Stone Tips: Trowels and Thinset
• Floors Transformed: Choosing a Tile Grout Mortar
• Swimming Pool Parts.net: Swimming Pool Repair Tips

Resources

• The Tile Doctor: How-To Tile Pools and Fountains
• Pool Center: Tile Repair