Replacing Pool tile

[Joe&gigi]

My wife and I just bought our home and the pool needs new tile and marcite. My father and I have installed ceramic floor tiles but have never tiled a pool. Are there any informative websites I can get some info on replacing the tile? Also, I have a candelever deck over the pool tile and was wondering if there is anything special I would need to do.

Thanks

[Expert Pool & Spa]

There is a number of circumstanses to consider in the renovation of your pool tile and surface. If you live in an area of freezing tempratures, you will always have problems with the tile. Period. Marcite, plaster or whatever you may have for the interior surface is discouraged here in Nebraska due to freezing tempratures and poor lifespan and we recommend painting the pool with epoxy pool paint as a longer lasting and less costly alternative.

Both pool resurfacing and tile work is a much more complex operation than painting a home or tiling a kitchen floor. Surface preparation is the key and the tile must first be removed then the sub surface must be ground down and the tile bed be roughed in smoothly. Depending on the size of the replacement tile (bigger is better) the proper thin set is selected and the tile is placed. After the tile has been set, the tile must be grouted, and sealed. THe expansion joints at the top of the tile must be properly sealed and allow for coping movement without damage to the tile...

It would be our recommendation to have the tile and the pool interior professionaly renovated. There is such a large amount of experienced work to be performed that you will wish you had had it done by the time you are finished. And you want it to last.

We buy our tile from National Pool Tile and any tile you pur on a pool must be "frost proof" regardless of your location. Their web site is at http://www.nptgonline.com/ and they may be able to provide further info.

Hope this helps!