Tile overlay on concrete pool deck

[leeC2183]

Hi everyone,

The concrete pool deck at our house had a lot of big cracks that were getting worse. So we had to different companies come out to see about repairing the concrete. We were told that our best option would be to put a tile overlay on top of the concrete. I had some major concerns with doing this, the main concern was that the water would still pool in areas under the tile so we would just be putting a band aid on the problem. I was assured this would not be an issue so we decided to move forward with the project. I have a lot of issues with the quality of the workmanship when the project was complete. They had to come back out multiple times to refill the grout because over 75% of the tiles were loose. They originally used Wetlock for the grout. The second time they did the grout the used the wetlock and then polymeric sand. Fast forward to today, we still have over 50% of the tiles loose and there is sand coming up between the tiles. It is getting on to the solar cover and into the pool in fairly substantial amounts. Also, I have noticed mosquitos swarming around a specific part of the deck that was a low point when it was just the concrete deck. My husband tells me I’m being overly critical so I’m looking for some advice and insight. Is this normal for a tile overlay?

 

[Bperry]

Hi everyone,

The concrete pool deck at our house had a lot of big cracks that were getting worse. So we had to different companies come out to see about repairing the concrete. We were told that our best option would be to put a tile overlay on top of the concrete. I had some major concerns with doing this, the main concern was that the water would still pool in areas under the tile so we would just be putting a band aid on the problem. I was assured this would not be an issue so we decided to move forward with the project. I have a lot of issues with the quality of the workmanship when the project was complete. They had to come back out multiple times to refill the grout because over 75% of the tiles were loose. They originally used Wetlock for the grout. The second time they did the grout the used the wetlock and then polymeric sand. Fast forward to today, we still have over 50% of the tiles loose and there is sand coming up between the tiles. It is getting on to the solar cover and into the pool in fairly substantial amounts. Also, I have noticed mosquitos swarming around a specific part of the deck that was a low point when it was just the concrete deck. My husband tells me I’m being overly critical so I’m looking for some advice and insight. Is this normal for a tile overlay? View attachment 575036

The cement decking is cracked because its moving (or has moved in the past) and tiles bonded to moving concrete will crack and move just like the concrete does. It would be good to figure out why the base crscked in case theres a leak or drainage issue causing it.

 

[leeC2183]

The cement decking is cracked because its moving (or has moved in the past) and tiles bonded to moving concrete will crack and move just like the concrete does. It would be good to figure out why the base crscked in case theres a leak or drainage issue causing it.

They found hollow areas under the concrete in a few areas so they filled it in with concrete and put down a layer of crush and run between the concrete and the tiles.

 

[Bperry]

They found hollow areas under the concrete in a few areas so they filled it in with concrete and put down a layer of crush and run between the concrete and the tiles.

So the tiles are not bonded to the concrete underneath? Maybe im not understanding the crusher run stuff under the tile.

 

[leeC2183]

So the tiles are not bonded to the concrete underneath? Maybe im not understanding the crusher run stuff under the tile.

No they didn’t bond the tiles at all they just put the grout in and sealed the outer perimeter. They did put mortar down under the blue stone coping but that’s all.

 

[leeC2183]

No they didn’t bond the tiles at all they just put the grout in and sealed the outer perimeter. They did put mortar down under the blue stone coping but that’s all.

They put sealant between the blue stone as well but the blue stone is the only thing they actually locked down.

 

[Bperry]

They put sealant between the blue stone as well but the blue stone is the only thing they actually locked down.

Oh, so basically the tiles are pavers just sitting on the base. They cant add grout between the tiles in that case cause itll crack, thats why the sand.

Not the best tile job, (would have been nice if all the tile intersections met at a single corner).



The thin slices at the coping joint is also not my choice in how to do it.

 

[leeC2183]

Thank you for your input I appreciate it.