How to Repair Swimming Pool Tile

You can make minor repairs in swimming pool tile yourself.

A chipped swimming pool tile is unsightly and can encourage leaks, leading to further damage. Also, the exposed porous surface of a chipped tile can provide a friendly, damp environment for mold growth. Fortunately, you can repair minor chips and dings in swimming pool tile, and save the cost, time and inconvenience of tile removal and re-installation. With the right materials and preparation, you can create a water-tight repair that will be difficult to spot.

Things You'll Need

• Two small disposable paintbrushes
• Hair dryer and extension cord
• Soap and water
• Oil-based primer/sealer
• High-gloss oil paint
• Two-part waterproof marine epoxy
• Toothpick
• Cardboard scrap

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Instructions

1. Drain the pool below the level of the chipped tile. The repair area will need to be kept completely dry until the repair is completed.

2. Match the color of the tile as closely as possible with high-gloss oil paint. If you have an extra tile, take it to a specialized paint or hobby shop that can produce an exact match.

3. Clean the chipped tile with soap and water, and rinse well. Dry the repair area with a hair-dryer for at least 15 minutes after the tile appears dry, to ensure that all moisture has been removed from the site.

4. Paint the chipped area with a thin coat of oil-based primer/sealer. Allow the primer to dry for at least two hours.

5. Paint a thin coat of high-gloss oil paint over the chipped area. Allow the paint to dry for at least 24 hours. If the tile shows through the paint, apply a second coat, and allow it to dry for an additional 24 hours.

6. Mix equal amounts of of a two-part marine epoxy on a cardboard scrap. Use a toothpick to thoroughly mix the epoxy parts and to dab the epoxy into place over the painted chip. Add epoxy until the level of the repair matches the surrounding tile. Allow the epoxy to set for at least 24 hours before refilling pool.

References

• Chipped Tile Repair