How to Repair Pool Tile Grout

Keep moisture out from under tiles with tile and grout maintenance.

Tiles along the rim frame a pool, add a decorative touch, protect the pool wall from water damage and make a comfortable surface from which to slide in and out of the water. Over time, several factors can lead to cracking grout joints between tiles, including moisture, sun and, most commonly, natural ground movement beneath the pool. Make repairs to tile grout with neutral-cure silicone rubber caulk. Neutral-cure silicone is flexible and, unlike grout, will not crack due to shifting.

Things You'll Need

• Grout saw or rotary tool with grout removal bit
• Shop vacuum
• Sponges
• Bleach
• Neutral-cure silicone rubber caulk
• Caulk gun
• Grout squeegee

Instructions

1. Remove damaged and crumbling grout. Remove grout by hand, by abrading it away with a grout saw, or using a handheld rotary tool with a spinning grout removal bit. Vacuum the chunks with a shop vacuum.

2. Wipe away the residual dust thoroughly with a damp sponge then wipe down the area again with a solution of 1 part bleach and 1 part water.

3. Insert the neutral-cure silicone rubber caulk tube into a caulk gun and remove the plastic cap from the tip.

4. Stick the pointed caulk tube tip into the tile joint, pull the trigger on the caulk gun to release the caulk, and move the caulk gun at a steady pace along the joint line to extrude a caulk bead.

5. Run a grout squeegee down the length of the bead to squish the caulk into the joint and smooth it down at the surface. Quickly wipe away excess smears from the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge. The caulk will cure in 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a day to work on grout repair when rain is not expected in the near future.

References

• Pool Supplies Online: Pool Grout -- How To's and Recommendations
• Ask the Builder: Grout Repair