How to Fix Pool Tiles

Enhance the beauty of your swimming pool with well-maintained tiles.

Swimming pools are often constructed to be pleasing to the eye. Using pool tiles in the construction of a pool allows the owner to add a great deal of customization. Tiles also catch free-floating dirt or oils on the pool surface, allowing the debris to then be easily cleaned off the tiles. Over time, it is inevitable that a tile will loosen or crack. Repairing broken pool tiles is a simple task that just about anyone can accomplish.

Things You'll Need

• Chisel
• Hammer
• Trowel
• File
• Marine caulking or waterproof adhesive
• Grout

Instructions

1. Lower the pool's water level so that the broken or loose tiles are not submerged. Let the area dry out for a few days. A dry surface is essential to repairing the tile correctly. Remove any broken tile or old grout using a chisel and a hammer. Place the chisel against the tile or grout and gently tap it with the hammer until all unwanted material is broken free.

2. Cover the area with a light film of marine or waterproof adhesive using a trowel. Press the new, unbroken tiles down onto the sticky area. If more than one pool tile needs repaired, leave space between the tiles. Grout will later be applied between them. Check the packaging of your adhesive and allow the tiles to sit for the recommended time.

3. Fill in the spaces between tiles with either marine caulking or grout. Smooth out the new adhesive to make sure the space is completely filled. Clean the surface of the tiles before allowing the caulking or grout to dry.

4. Wait the recommended number of days on the caulking or grout's packaging, then fill up the pool again.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold a sack or bag underneath the tile being applied to catch any grout or adhesive that may fall into the pool.

References

• Pool Center: Pool Tile Info