Proper Tile Pool Installations - Easier Than Ever
Tile Pool Installations, Easier than Ever
Pool installations are expected to trend upward through 2032†, fueled by rising disposable incomes, interest in outdoor recreation and tech advances in pool construction. Pools continue to be a highly valued amenity that offers both social and health benefits. Tile pool construction is highly versatile with stunning design options, outstanding durability, and less maintenance than other materials. Whether for residential or commercial use, tile pools require meticulous attention to detail for proper installation. Fortunately, manufacturers of today’s advanced installation systems are making quality tile pool construction and maintenance easier than ever.
Preparing for Pool Tile Installation
The first step for proper tile pool installation is to waterproof and prevent cracks in the concrete shell. It’s important to review the manufacturer’s system warranties before choosing products. Apply a waterproofing and crack isolation membrane directly to the concrete pool shell to address both negative hydrostatic pressure (water pressure that comes from under or behind the pool’s substrate) and positive hydrostatic pressure (pressure placed on the substrate by the pool water). Choose a high-performance waterproofing and crack isolation product that when installed with a mesh, provides protection under the indoor or outdoor pool’s mud/mortar bed. Apply crack isolation at this stage, to help prevent ground water from leaking up through any cracks in the shell. Next, to provide the mud / mortar bed’s bond coat, apply a thin set mortar over the membrane to prepare the surface to receive the floor mud.
The application of a mud/mortar bed levels the concrete surface to ready it for tile installation. Incorporating a latex additive will help smooth and strengthen the floor mud layer, allowing it to achieve the substrate qualities required. Tile size will dictate the flatness requirements. For a tile that has all edges under 15” long, no more than 1/4” substrate variation is allowed in 10’ and no more than 1/8” substrate variation in 2’. For tile, having at least one edge over 15” long, the requirements are twice as strict: no more than 1/8” substrate variation in 10’ and 1/16” substrate variation in 2’.
Following the application of the floor mud, a secondary crack isolation and waterproofing membrane should be applied, such as TEC® HydraFlex™ Waterproofing Crack Isolation Membrane. HydraFlex membrane has twice the crack isolation properties of leading competitors and creates a watertight surface. The crack isolation will help keep cracks from telegraphing up to the tile. It is always recommended to flood test the pool tank for leaks after the waterproofing has completely dried.
Adhering the Pool Area Tile
The tile size and composition help determine the optimal adhesive or mortar to use to install the tile in the pool. While several different products may be required, look for advanced options. TEC® TotalFlex® XMS Tile Adhesive is a unique ultra-versatile, advanced technology product. In a category all its own, this ready-to-use tile adhesive is ideal for interior or exterior pools, water submersion, clear/transparent glass tiles and even challenging gauged porcelain panels on pool room or area walls. TotalFlex XMS saves installers significant time and effort through robust non-sag/non-slump properties, extra smooth troweling, one-sided application to just the tile or the substrate (not both), long open time of 60 minutes, and accelerated curing*. In addition, this innovative adhesive is highly resistant to wide freeze/thaw fluctuations and can be applied in temperatures from 40ºF to 95ºF (4ºC to 35ºC). With this game-changing product, tile pools can now be repaired, installed and refilled in as few as eight days after grouting, whereas a traditional mortar would require 28 days to reach full cure.
Finishing the Pool Tile
Once the tile is ready for grouting, choose a grout appropriate for wet or submerged environments. Power Grout® Ultimate Performance Grout easily meets the requirements for wet and submerged applications. Designed to fill joints from 1/16” to 1/2”, this grout has increased stain protection**, is crack and shrink resistant, will not contribute to efflorescence and is ready for traffic in just four hours. It requires no sealing and exceeds the requirements of ANSI A118.7. Extra strong and color consistent, the grout stands up to pool chemicals, weather and the high foot traffic at commercial pools.
For thin, thirsty or delicate tiles, TEC® Pure-Color™ Grout is ideal in pool areas. An innovation in unsanded grout, Pure-Color offers color uniformity with extreme resistance to pigment bleed, and it will not crack, stain or shrink in joints from 1/16” to 1/4”. Fast setting, Pure-Color is ready for foot traffic in four hours. It never requires sealing and exceeds the requirements of ANSI A118.7.
Finally, address any change of plane or movement joints with sealant – a 100% silicone product is recommended. Silicone will remain flexible and weather resistant. All movement joints are specified in the TCNA Handbook section EJ171. To ensure the pool’s longevity and beauty, make sure that proper maintenance is performed regularly.
A tile swimming pool is a long-term, rewarding investment for both residential and commercial property owners. Whether a 10-lane commercial pool or a custom spa surrounded by water features, pools deliver recreation, fun, fitness and stress reduction. With today’s advanced tile-setting products, installers can efficiently construct a tile pool that retains both beauty and function to deliver enjoyment, and value, for years-to-come.
†The 2024-2032 CAGR is 7.5% according to Straits Research “United States Swimming Pool Construction Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Pool Type (Municipal, Commercial) and Forecasts, 2024-2032”
*Grout in as few as 12 hours
**Power Grout has increased stain protection and is resistant to many common stains when cleaned immediately. Prolonged exposure to any stain will increase the likelihood of permanent staining or discoloration of a grout surface.
