With clean water, filter issues, and chlorine levels being top priorities of pool maintenance, most people forget that tiles also need attention. These get dirty, which is easily solvable. Moreover, pool tiles can break. You have two options to solve this: drain the pool for repairs or go for a swimming pool underwater tile repair service. The second choice can be time-saving and cost-effective—so let’s dive into how this works!
Easy Pool Tile Solutions: Step-by-Step Process of Underwater Tile Repair
Wear and tear, chemical imbalance, environmental effects, and impact accidents are some of the common reasons why pool tiles crack or break. If you want to open your pool for summer fun, a complete tile inspection is a necessary maintenance task, as a closed pool can accumulate chemicals and debris that affect tiles.
The more serious problem than tiles breaking is that most pool owners tend to ignore this as a non-urgent matter. However, it is not ideal to let broken pool tiles be, as:
- Where there is one broken tile, there is a chance of more breaks due to the water pressure.
- If the problem becomes bigger, you’re looking at expensive repairs and more downtime.
- Cracked and broken tiles put a damper on pool aesthetics. Who doesn’t like a beautiful pool?
All things considered, prioritize tile repair services as soon as you spot a fault. The question is why and how to fix swimming pool tiles?
Benefits of Choosing the Process of Underwater Tile Repair
The simplest solution for pool tile repairs seems to be draining the pool and then getting repairs. However, one of the best innovations in the swimming pool world is a waterproof adhesive for tiles. When used correctly, this glue works underwater to fix old tiles or add replacement tiles in the faulty area.
So, why choose to replace broken pool tiles without draining water in the first place? The simplest answer is that you don’t have to drain gallons and gallons of water for some title repair work. You may also face considerable downtime due to draining, repairs, and refilling—plus you need to fulfill expenses such as adding costly chemicals again.
On the other hand, the process of underwater tile repair is cost-effective, quick, safe, and yes, even very effective.
How to Replace Pool Tiles: The Expert Procedure
Cracked and broken pool tiles mean exposed sharp edges, so make sure you take immediate action. You can repair and replace pool tiles yourself with the right tools, but expert services provide surefire results. Take a look at the step-by-step process of underwater tile repair:
· Necessary Tools and Materials
Underwater tile repair experts carry materials that are a tad different from those used in regular household and pool tile work (drain and repair). The primary material is the adhesive itself—often called an underwater or nautical adhesive. It is silicone-based glue, and thus unaffected by water. It’s important to know that high-quality adhesive is imperative for the longevity of underwater tile repairs.
In addition to the pool tile underwater-friendly adhesive, repair professionals also carry:
- Cleaning tools: for cleaning the work area before and after fixing the pool tile.
- Swimming pool grout: to finish tile work. This is epoxy grout, thus waterproof and durable.
Note: Make sure you choose pool tile repair experts who don’t skimp out on the quality of the material. Otherwise, it’s likely that the replacement pool tile will detach after some time.
· Inspecting All Faulty Areas
It is necessary to check the complete area around the broken pool tile to confirm whether or not there’s more damage.
Additionally, if the crack/break occurred due to external factors or chemical imbalance (you can confirm this with a professional inspection), check the entire pool for any hard-to-spot cracks. If you’re inspecting the pool yourself, mark the problem areas with a waterproof marker.
· Scrubbing and Wiping Work Surface
Once the faults in the swimming pool tile work come to light, the next step is cleaning those areas. Professional tile repair experts typically follow these methods:
- Using a scraper to collect and eradicate loose tile pieces and previous glue residue.
- Scrubbing the work surface to remove grime, algae, and any other type of debris.
- Wiping the area clean with a cloth to ensure a smooth work surface and leveled application.
Experts suggest having a technician from a swimming pool construction company conduct these steps. Being careful is essential to avoid damaging the tiles surrounding the repair area.
· Adhesive Preparation and Application
Underwater tile repair adhesive is fairly easy to use, but proper preparation is necessary to ensure the replacement is durable. Silicone adhesives for pool tiles come in a tube form, but pool experts usually use a caulk gun to ensure precise application.
Just as repairing any other tiles, the next step is pressing the tiles firmly onto the pool surface. Holding the tile in place ensures all water between the surface and the back of the tile has been pressed out.
· Tile Inspection and Grouting
After the adhesive is fully set, next is time to apply waterproof grout around the tile edges. Pool professionals apply high-quality, fast-acting epoxy grout, and level it with a sponge. It is necessary that that are no cracks and gaps in the grout—or else the water may seep in behind the newly-replaced tile. That is why if you are unsure how to replace pool tiles properly, get expert help.
Once the grout application is complete, the pros smooth out the surface and wipe off any extra grout. You can run the pool filter to ensure complete cleanup of any residue, but only after the adhesive is set.
· Curing Time and Re-inspection
The nautical adhesive for fixing pool tiles underwater does require some curing time—usually around 24 hours. While underwater pool tile repair is faster than the drain-and-fix method, it’s best to leave your pool unused for a day or two.
Not using the pool for a while ensures that the water pressure does not affect tile replacement. Once the curing time is complete, your pool repair company will send someone for a follow-up to check the repair area.
Restore Your Pool To Its Original Appeal With SwimBox!
The process of underwater tile repair is quite interesting once you achieve peace of mind knowing that proficient professionals are handling the job. At SwimBox, we have high-quality tools and experience in pool maintenance—including underwater tile repairs and replacements. Call us today at +971505096580 or send us a message to book the services of a seasoned underwater pool tile repair expert!
