New pool tile is a mess, advice please.

7 years ago

New pool tile and grout installed 2 days ago.
Problem 1: the grout appears wet/dirty in many areas, blotchy. I noticed right away but I figured it had to cure. I believe now there must have been an issue during the application of the grout. Grout is Delorian gray from Home Depot, you bet I regret it, the sample the tile installer made was dried with a blowtorch and it looked lighter.

Problem 2: the wall between the spa and the pool is tiled on the top, like a spillway but it’s only 1 inch above the waterline. The glass tile that runs along the edges overhangs a bit, it’s sharp when you touch it and I have no doubt that it will chip easily. My kids will be hanging on to that wall and rolling over it to go from the spa to the pool and viceversa. Total safety risk in my opinion.
Anyone has experienced these issues? Possible solutions? Pool builder will take a look 5 days from now.

Featured Answer

sktn77a

7 years ago

^^^^^^^ What on earth is that post all about???

To the OP: I think you're being a bit picky - the minor variation in the grout looks pretty normal to me. As far as the overhanging tile is concerned, this can be ground down smooth. Your pool builder should know how to do this.

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Comments (6)

HU-34451196
Original Author
7 years ago
Picture of the spa wall where the glass overhangs from the grout and becomes a safety concern.
Your input is appreciated!
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HU-34451196
Original Author
7 years ago
@Sktn77a thank you for your comment. It would be great if the glass tile can be “sanded” to a rounder edge. As it is, it’s not safe.
Regarding the grout, I hear you about being picky, this a first world problem and life is short. The thing is that we are paying a good chunk of money for this small pool (SoCal prices), I’ve made compromises already with the pool builder for errors, and the grout looks like mold is growing on it. I understand that this discoloration can happen when they wipe the excess grout with a sponge that it’s too wet. It wipes some of the pigment as well. This battle I have to pick. The grout in my kitchen and bathroom look even colored, the sample looked even colored, it really is not supposed to look dirty and unkept.
K R
7 years ago
As for the sharp tiles, yes definitely mention that. As for the discoloration you’re seeing. I highly doubt you will see see any of that when the water is in the pool. Pretty tile, by the way!
HU-34451196
Original Author
7 years ago
Karen Rose, thank you for your comment. You are right, there is a good chance that I won’t notice the grout once the water is in but if we do, fixing it will be much more difficult.
The tile is prettier in person, the grout makes it look a bit sad. The pool is small so I wanted a tile that, color wise, would look like the water as much as possible, I’m hoping it will blend in a bit, especially at the spa wall.
Rebecca Handelsman
5 years ago
What kind of tile is that (brand/color)? I like it.