What kind of concrete and thinset should I use

[DenMike99]

I removed my water line tiles because I knew there was a leak somewhere behind them.
So it turned out to be pretty bad around the skimmer.



I will knock out all the loose thinset and concrete, acid wash and pressure wash in the holes and all the way around where the tiles are going.

Looking in the Home Depot concrete isle, there is like 50 different kinds.

Any suggestions about what to use? Links to the HD products would be cool

Also, what should I use as thinset? It need quite a layer thickness some places, probably up to 3/4".

Thanks
Mike

 

[gwegan]

I like Rapidset products sold by HD in California. You can control cure time and they can be applied in thin layers up to several inches. But generally most high strength concrete products will work.

Laticrete 254 is an expensive thinset that is designed for pool tile and other underwater applications. You could ask the counter guy at the tile house where you are buying the tile.

 

[DenMike99]

I like Rapidset products sold by HD in California. You can control cure time and they can be applied in thin layers up to several inches. But generally most high strength concrete products will work.

Laticrete 254 is an expensive thinset that is designed for pool tile and other underwater applications. You could ask the counter guy at the tile house where you are buying the tile.

Thank you..
I read up on Rapidsets products and that should work.

Laticrete 254 isn't available anywhere in my area though. Are there any good alternatives?

 

[duraleigh]

Actually, any decent thinset with some acrylic added is just fine for pool tile. Home depot sells 3 grades and I have used their middle grade extensively. It'll work just fine. The added acrylic gives the thinset just a little "flex" which is a good thing.

 

[Foosman]

I just used Rapidset mortar mix yesterday to add a 3/4" overflow pipe below the coping during a new pool build. I have a little concrete experience with some DIY work around the house. I was impressed with this. It doesn't have the chunky aggregate of standard concrete or shotcrete, but is more the consistency of gunite. Easy to use, just follow directions on the box. They sell a 25lb box at Home Depot. Picture taken just after applying.

 

[Just-a-PB]

I would further notch out around the skimmer and install a hydraulic cement in that area. It fills and then slightly expands to make a great seal.
Expensive, but you don't need much.
Home depot sells many, just add water types.