Installation of Swimming Pool Tiles | Kerala
Installation of swimming pool tiles is a critical job which requires utmost care during all stages of installation. The following are the proper methods and right materials to use for the installation of swimming pool tiles.
Site Preparation
At site proper lighting, ventilation and shelter shall be provided in case of outdoor swimming pools. Installation if pool tiles to be done on an evenly plastered surface without undulation, as most of the pool tiles are paper mounted or mesh-mounted.
Particular attention shall be given to the level of surface which can greatly affect the final aesthetics and can lead to tile dislodging in future.
Since there are many options for swimming pool tiles ranging from Venetian glass mosaics, Transparent glass mosaics or porcelain mosaics each type presents its challenges.
In general, all the above-mentioned pool tiles can be fixed to the floor using thin-set flexible white adhesives with appropriate size trowels.
After laying leave it for curing in normal conditions about 24 hours.
Once it is cured if it is paper mounted - remove the paper layer and clean of any glue residue from the surface using soap lotion and water.
If the tile is mesh-mounted it need not be cleaned separately.
The next step is to apply the joints fillers. We have two options for filling the joints of the tiles.
1. Using epoxy grouts.
Epoxy grouts are available in two types. i.e, Three-part epoxy and two-part epoxy
The three-part consist of Resin. Gardner and Powder. Whereas two-part is a paste with the hardener.
Mix the epoxy as much as you need and start applying as soon as possible over the tile surface using rubberised flat floats. The joint to be filled in full say from 2.5 to 4.5 mm depending on tile thickness.
After initial curing of about 15 - 20 minutes, remove the excess epoxy from the surface of the tile using scrubs and foams. Once this process is complete, epoxy grouts are left for curing, under normal circumstances and conditions approximately 8 - 10 days. Once the curing period is over the pool should be filled with water.
2. Using unsanded water repellent grouts added with polymer liquid.
In general, the mix ratio is 200 ml of polymer liquid to one kg of the grout. Polymer liquid is to be mixed with water and the powder should be mixed into a paste with this mixture. After which the prepared grout should be applied to the swimming pool tile joints.
After initial curing of 20- 30 minutes, the tile surface should be cleaned using cotton cloth/ waste to remove the excess grouts.
After the removal of excess grouts from the surface of the tile, it needs to be cleaned using mild soap lotion / or using a diluted solution of HCL to remove any stain or dust. Water can be filled after curing of 4 - 6 days.
If it is an outdoor swimming pool proper covering to be provided during the installation and curing of tiles to protect from rain and direct sunlight.
Option one will give a normal life if 4 - 6 years or on finding the joints of the tiles getting corroded/opened immediately fill the joints without any delay or it will lead to tiles chipping off from the surfaces
Option two will give an average life of 2 - 3 years. The life of tiles joints greatly depends on the water quality in the pool. This is why regular water quality check is very important. The pH value and chlorine to be kept always in the normal range. If variations are not monitored and maintained, it will corrode the joints of the tiles at a very fast pace.
We undertake all kinds of swimming pool works from leak proofing to new tiles installation and maintenance all across south India. Contact us for more info we are always here to help.
