TILING IN SWIMMING POOL, SPA, SAUNA

Swimming pool, spa and sauna are the ultimate wet areas for tiling. It is very important to specify the appropriate products to achieve a durable installation. Once filled, it is not easy to make significant repairs without taking them out of service for long periods.

Problem

Tiling material must not be affected by water

In a pool water is almost certain to penetrate the grouted joints. Cementitious grouts are naturally porous and allow water seeping. Even when epoxy grout is used, it can not be guaranteed that all of the joints are perfectly filled. The consequence is that:

1. The bond strength of the adhesive must not be affected by continuous immersion in water.

2. The pool must have an efficient layer of under-tile waterproofing.

Initial movement due to weight of water and heat

In a pool water is almost certain to penetrate the grouted joints. Cementitious grouts are naturally porous and allow water seeping. Even when epoxy grout is used, it can not be guaranteed that all of the joints are perfectly filled.

The affect of pool chemistry on the grout

Chemical added to the pool water tend to degrade cement-based grouts. This is mini mixed if they are maintained at the ideal levels but the choice of grout and its chemical resistance are important factors for the durability of the installation.

Often found problem when tiling in swimming pool

When the adhesive and grout in used are not specifically designed for swimming pool, the grout will be affected by chemicals added to the pool water. This allows water infiltration into adhesive layer and will cause tiles being dislodged.