Build in progress, step tile mortar failing

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newpoolj

Well-known member
Oct 15, 2020
129
Sacramento, Ca
Last week my pool builder re-cemented a few glass step tiles that were knocked loose during the build. Plaster is scheduled for 36 hours from now. Unfortunately today I noticed that the mortar they used for that repair (not sure what it was) is failing. After they got a little wet the mortar turned to putty and some tiles loosened again. This leads me to two questions:

- What kind of mortar is recommended for adhering small glass step tiles? Is basic rapid set mortar (from Home depot) fine since I only have a handful of small tiles to adhere?
- Is it possible to make this repair and still plaster and fill the pool in 36 hours or will we have to delay the plastering?

Obviously I don't want to plaster the pool just to have the tiles pop off again later. Advice is appreciated.
 
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The only stuff that allows you to fill after 72 hours is Mapei Granirapid and its not cheap.. the other stuff is 21 days to dry...

Installation of glass tile for swimming pools

Challenges: Water migration; pool chemicals; efflorescence Solution: Versatile, high-performance tile-setting products that allow water submersion and do not contribute to efflorescence
www.mapei.com


Granirapid System

Premium, Rapid-Setting, Flexible Tile Mortar Granirapid is the industry’s first and most flexible, high-performance, fast-curing mortar system geared for fast-track projects. It develops high, early mechanical strength and can be specified for the most demanding tile applications. Thanks to…
www.mapei.com

You can also use this one but has to be left to dry for 21 days


I would try to get the tile guys that originally set them back and fix them and wait the recommended days for what they use... Also pull and replace everything the pool builder did..
 
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cowboycasey said:
The only stuff that allows you to fill after 72 hours is Mapei Granirapid and its not cheap.. the other stuff is 21 days to dry...

Installation of glass tile for swimming pools

Challenges: Water migration; pool chemicals; efflorescence Solution: Versatile, high-performance tile-setting products that allow water submersion and do not contribute to efflorescence
www.mapei.com


Granirapid System

Premium, Rapid-Setting, Flexible Tile Mortar Granirapid is the industry’s first and most flexible, high-performance, fast-curing mortar system geared for fast-track projects. It develops high, early mechanical strength and can be specified for the most demanding tile applications. Thanks to…
www.mapei.com

You can also use this one but has to be left to dry for 21 days


I would try to get the tile guys that originally set them back and fix them and wait the recommended days for what they use... Also pull and replace everything the pool builder did..
Click to expand...
Thanks. Is there any reason mortar or thinset should be turning to putty when it gets wet a week after installation?
 
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If it turned to goop, then they used "Mastic", which is the premixed tile adhesive that should not be used in wet conditions. No proper tile mortor that is meant to be used in wet conditions, like around showers, sinks, pools etc, will ever come premixed in a tub. It will require to be mixed from a dry bag, like actual cement / concrete.
 
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