Grouting for Swimming Pool Tiles
Swimming pool tiles add a splash of color -- typically as a band around the top perimeter – but in some situations encase the entire spa area and pool-spa water features. High-end homes feature mosaic-laden pools encompassing the entire pool shell surface. Pool tile grouting involves basic tile application grouting guidelines. Additives and special grout mixes ensure that your pool tile will look nice for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
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Epoxy
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Over time, harsh chemicals – such as chlorine and pool-cleaning additives -- mottle and stain pool tile grout. For this reason, consider using a special epoxy-based grout for your swimming pool tiles. Epoxy grout has stain-resistant qualities specially formulated for pools and fountains. Use a non-slump additive in vertical applications to avoid the sagging commonly associated with epoxy grout. Do not apply epoxy grout in pool tile grout joints exceeding 3/8 inch thick. Consult manufacturer's specifications for optimal epoxy grout application temperatures.
Polymer Admix
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Add acrylic glue -- also called polymer admix -- to basic cement-based grout to make the grout more resilient and stain-resistant. Or purchase premade polymer-modified partially stain-resistant high-performance grout. High-performance grouts can also be applied to large pool tile grout joints and offer protection against efflorescence (white lime-based staining) associated with pool tile grout. Salt-based filtration systems may stain blue, green and red grout colors. Consult the manufacturer’s technical support department for pool tile application limitations with all cement-based grout.
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Application
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Apply the grout with a grout float held at a 45-degree angle. Use a special hard rubber grout float for applying epoxy grout. Press the grout firmly into the grout joints. Remove excess grout from the pool tile by pulling the grout float across the tile surface at a 90-degree angle. Allow the grout to stiffen before the initial wash. Smooth the grout joints with a sponge and clean water. Allow the surface to dry after the initial cleaning process. Perform a final wash with a sponge and fresh, clean water. Buff away any remaining grout haze with a clean cloth.
Sealing
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Seal cement-based -- including polymer-modified -- grout with a so-called penetrating sealer. Sealer is not required for epoxy grout. Apply a fresh coat of sealant every year. Before sealing, clean lime deposits and efflorescence from the pool tile grout with sulfamic acid or muriatic acid.
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