Dive into these DIY pool repairs
Got issues with pool tile? Even though the tile used in a pool is generally stronger than the type you would use in a kitchen, it still only lasts between five and 15 years. After that, you may start to notice cracked, chipped, or loose tiles. Usually, it is not difficult to replace pool tiles, but you may need to make other repairs. This guide will show you how to replace pool tile and fix some of the underlying issues that could damage your tiling.
Replacing and repairing pool tile will help prevent further (and often more significant) damage. That said, unless your tile was damaged because you dropped a heavy object on it, tile replacement is typically just a Band-Aid solution to a larger underlying issue. You will need to repair the root problem and replace the tile, or else it is just a temporary fix. Here are some common problems that lead to damaged tile:
Delaminated coping: Coping is the edging that surrounds a pool’s perimeter. It can lift from the pool deck and allow water underneath, which can freeze and damage the pool.
Damaged expansion joint: Brick, stone, or concrete pools have an expansion joint known as mastic that acts as a seal between the coping and the pool deck. If this caulking wears down, it can cause serious issues.
Damage to grout or the seal between pool coping and tile: Tile pools have a seal between the coping and tile known as a bead. This should be made from a flexible, waterproof urethane sealant. Sometimes installers use grout, which can crack. This lets water behind the tiles, which can cause them to delaminate.
Cracked bond beam: Tile may crack because the structural beam behind the coping is damaged. In this case, you will need to bring in a pro to fix the beam.
For most homeowners, retiling a pool costs between $2,000 and $5,000. Of course, you do not always need to retile the whole thing. Most swimming pool repairs (like replacing a few tiles, repairing a leak, or caulking a damaged joint) cost somewhere between $250 and $1,150.
For a seamless pool tile replacement, you will need matching tiles. If you are replacing loose tiles and the tiles themselves are not damaged, then you can reuse them. Otherwise, contact the original pool contractor to source replacement tiles. They may have extras or know the exact manufacturer or model.
If not, take a photo to a local pool store and search for a similar tile. If you cannot find an exact match, make sure the tiles are the same size and shape and a similar color. For a perfect match, consider custom-made tiles.
These steps will show you how to replace pool tile, repair pool coping, and fix other issues that will damage your tile over time.
You may need to fix the coping or recaulk some joints before you can successfully repair your tiles. Before you begin, inspect the pool for a possible cause of damage. Follow this checklist:
Check the coping for delamination. Delaminated areas will have cracks or feel loose when you walk over them.
Check the expansion joint for wear and tear. This joint is between the coping and pool deck.
Check the pool deck for cracks. A cracked pool deck could mean the coping or expansion joint is due for a replacement.
Check the coping bead for wear and tear. This bead is located on the underside of the coping, between the coping and tile.
Examine the damaged tiles. Are they chipped, cracked, or loose? Where is the damage located?
Check behind damaged tiles. When you do finally remove damaged tiles, check behind them for horizontal cracks. This could signal an issue with the support beam, and you may need to bring in a pro.
The type of coping depends on your swimming pool design. If you have masonry experience, replacing pool coping is a feasible DIY project, as long as it is made from brick, natural stone, or concrete pavers. If coping is made from a concrete slab, you will probably need to bring in a pro. Put on safety goggles and gloves, then follow these steps to replace delaminated coping:
Remove damaged coping using a chisel and pry bar.
Carefully chip away the mortar with a hammer and chisel.
Clean the area of debris before you reinstall the coping.
Mix pool mortar per manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply mortar to the coping surface using a trowel.
Insert coping pavers, brick, or stones in place over the mortar.
Fill gaps with mortar or pool grout.
Clean excess mortar or grout.
Allow mortar to cure.
Apply a urethane sealant along the bottom edge of the coping, where it meets the tile.
Sometimes, you do not actually need to replace the entire coping. During your inspection, you may only find cracks on the grout or damage on the coping bead (the seal between the tile and the bottom of the coping). In this case, you can regrout the area with pool grout and recaulk the bead.
Drain the pool so the water is well below your work area.
Use a grout saw to remove the existing grout and coping bead.
Apply new grout between existing pavers, bricks, or natural stone.
For the coping bead, use a flexible urethane sealant instead of grout.
The expansion joint is a flexible joint between your pool deck and coping. This joint prevents cracking when your pool and pool deck expand in warm weather and contract in cold weather. You will likely need to recaulk the joint every five years to prevent damage to your coping, which in turn will damage your tile. Follow these steps:
Clear the area of all debris.
Insert an angle grinder about one to 1.5 inches into the joint.
Move the angle grinder across both sides of the joint to cut away the old caulk.
Pull the rest of the caulk up by hand.
Vacuum the area to make sure you clear away all caulk remnants.
Fill the expansion joint with pool mastic and allow it to dry.
Only perform this repair in temperatures between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit so the mastic can properly set. Keep in mind that not all pools have an expansion joint.
Once you make the necessary repairs, it is time to replace your pool tile. You will need to remove the damaged tile first. Follow these steps:
Drain your pool. You need enough room to work, so make sure the water level is well below the tiles you are replacing.
Use a grout saw to remove existing grout. Push the blade gently into the grout and saw along the edges until you remove all the grout around the damaged tiles.
Chip away damaged tile using a hammer and chisel. Proceed carefully, placing the chisel on the joint of the damaged tile and lightly tapping your hammer to wedge it underneath. This should pull up the tile.
Pull the tile away. Remove the tiles and discard them. Take note of what is behind the tile. If there are cracks, an uneven surface, a hole, or if you see the support beam sticking out, call a professional.
Once you have removed the damaged pool tiles, it is time for installation. Use thin-set mortar mixed to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a trowel to spread an even eighth-inch layer of mortar on the back of the replacement tile.
Line up the tile so it matches the rest of your tile’s design.
Press the tile into the pool wall.
Use duct tape to keep tiles in place for 24 to 48 hours while the mortar cures.
Apply pool grout to the joints around the replacement tile.
Rub away the excess grout.
Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours before refilling your pool.
Proper maintenance will help keep your new tile in tip-top shape, so you can avoid frequent replacements. Use these tips:
Remove calcium deposits using a cleaning solution specifically designed for pool tile.
Avoid harsh chemicals when possible (you may need to use some for algae buildup).
Use soft-bristle brushes for cleaning, not stiff-bristle brushes that could scratch tile.
Remove leaves regularly. Buildup could damage the pool filter and cause algae growth.
Winterize your pool at the end of the season.
Regrout and recaulk as soon as you notice significant signs of wear.
Have your pool inspected annually to find issues that could cause long-term damage.
You can save on the cost of labor if you replace pool tile yourself, but this is not a good solution for most homeowners. It is usually better to repair chipped or cracked tiles temporarily with pool putty until you can hire a professional. There is a lot of room for error when it comes to pool repairs. Even a small crack can cause major damage in the winter if water gets below the surface and freezes. A pool tile installer near you will do the job correctly and prevent costly damage down the line.
The price of a pro depends on the type of repair and the type of pool. If you are replacing pool tiles as part of a large pool remodel, expect to spend $6,000 to $15,000. This is about the same as the cost to resurface a pool. Outside of a remodel, replacing a few tiles and making necessary repairs typically costs less than $1,200 for a pro job.
As far as masonry work goes, it is not difficult to replace pool tile or coping, but it also is not a beginner’s DIY project. You need specific knowledge, like the right grout and mortar to use, how to mix the products, how to apply them, and what signs point to bigger issues. This project is only suitable for someone who is comfortable working with mortar, grouting, and caulk. Even then, unless it is a small fix, you are better off bringing in a pro.
Some people prefer to drain their pool before retiling, since it makes access easier. In truth, you only need to drain your pool so the section of tile you are replacing is dry and above water. That said, some pros do have techniques where they can make repairs underwater. It depends on the extent of the repairs, but if you do not want to close your pool, it is best to consult a professional.
There are several different products that allow underwater repair. Pool putty can help repair chips, cracks, and loose tiles without draining your pool, but it should only be used for a temporary fix. Certain two-part epoxy adhesives will cure underwater, too. That said, while it is technically possible to fix pool tiles underwater, it is usually not ideal, depending on the depth of your pool. You will still have to reach the tile, which means you might have to dive and make the repair while submerged.
