How to Replace Brick Pavers Around a Pool
Most pool installations include a decorative pavement area surrounding the water. This area serves not only as a visual element to the pool but as a safety element as well. Brick pavers are often used to create this pavement because of their durability even in a consistently wet area and the nonslip nature of the material. For continued safety, you must immediately replace pavers that have been damaged or that are somehow pried up. The replacement process is easier than the original installation process. Using matching pavers and the proper procedure gives you a replacement fix that appears no different from the surrounding surface. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Prybars
- Wet saw
- Masonry blade
- Carpenter's level
- Thinset mortar
- Pavers
- Notched trowel
- Sand
- Sanded grout
- Grout float
- Push broom
Instructions
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1
Remove the paver needing replacement. Remove the grout in the joints surrounding the paver using a carbide grout blade to cut through and dig out the grout. If the paver joints are sand filled, then dig out the sand using a wire brush, clearing the joint until you reach the sand bed the paver is placed on. Place a small prybar into opposing joints on two sides of the paver. Apply pressure to the prybars to dislodge the paver from those next to it. Remove the old paver and set it aside.
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2
Use a cold chisel and hammer to remove the thinset mortar beneath the old paver if thinset was used. Clear out the mortar completely, and then use a wire brush to brush away any leftover debris. If sand was used as a base for your pavers, go to step 7.
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3
Cut any pavers necessary to fit using a wet saw equipped with a masonry blade. You can rent wet saws from a home improvement store or equipment rental shop.
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4
Mix a batch of thinset mortar to serve as a bed for the replacement paver according to the mortar manufacturer's instructions.
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5
Spread a layer of the thinset mortar into the hole using a notched trowel. Use the notched edge of the trowel to raise ridges in the mortar, and then place the paver into the space, pressing firmly.
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6
Check that the paver is level with those surrounding it by using a carpenter's level. Use a rubber-headed mallet to tap it level if necessary. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 hours.
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7
Lever out any sand in the hole if sand is used as a base for your pool pavers. When level, place the paver centered into the opening. Check that the paver is level with surrounding pavers using the carpenter's level, and then tap it into place or add and remove sand from the sand bed if necessary.
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8
Grout the joint between the pavers. Mix a sanded grout and apply to the paver surface using a grout float. Spread the grout into the joint, filling the joint completely. Wait 15 minutes for the grout to dry, and then go over the grout and paver with a damp sponge to remove any excess materials.
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9
Wait an additional 2 hours and then go over the paver only with a dry lint-free cloth to remove any haze left over by the grout application. Allow the grout to dry for 2 weeks.
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10
Grout with sand instead, if sand is used for joint lines in the surrounding pavers. Fill the joints with sand by spreading a layer of sand atop the paver and using a broom to sweep it into the joint.
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11
Spray the paver with a layer of sealant appropriate to the paver material. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear work gloves, goggles and a face mask when working with the mortar and wet saw to avoid injury.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Morning above pool image by ayazad from Fotolia.com
