Can I tint my tile grout

[dndntsd]

Hey everyone. I'm getting ready to tile my pool, I have these really cool grey tiles but I can't find a matching grey grout/ mastic / adhesive to go with them. Have you guys ever heard of using concrete colorant to tint the grout? I'm thinking of getting white grout and adding some black concrete colorant to make grey. I did some samples and it looks really nice but I'm worried about it changing the properties of the grout. I only need about 1% by weight to get the color I need. Any experience with this kind of thing out there?

Thanks in advance for the help and advice.

 

[kimkats]

Colored Grouts | National Pool Tile Group

Custom Building Products Polyblend #335 Winter Gray 25 lb. Sanded Grout-PBG33525 - The Home Depot

See what you think about these.

Just watch getting it too dark as there have been some leaching when it is DARK (showing white streaks)

Kim

 

[pooldv]

+1 on what Kim says. You can use any sanded grout, lowes and hd both sell a zillion colors. I don't know if using a concrete tint will work. Being underwater I would be concerned that it might run or leach out.

 

[dndntsd]

Regular grout in a pool? I thought you needed special grout/mastic that is waterproof. If I use regular grout, would I need to adhere the tiles with mastic first and do this in 2 steps?

I spoke to the grout manufacturer (this is a grout/ mastic material made by Bexel in Mexico). they said that a powdered colorant would work and be stable.

Here are a couple samples I did (the dark one isn't dry yet). I have the exact color I need. I'm just a bit worried about it as this is a big and expensive project.....

 

[ummgood]

I have never seen mastic that is used for grout. You are right there are thin-sets that are designed for specific applications. Once the tile is set then you go back the next day and grout. I am not sure if grout is specific to pool applications or not but here is the gray my PB used. (this was already posted in a previous response).

Colored Grouts | National Pool Tile Group

 

[duraleigh]

I have 2500 sq feet of tile put down with latex-reinforced thin set and standard grout. It was done approximately 10 years ago and all is well.

 

[pooldv]

Standard grout is waterproof and can defintitely be used in a pool. But, if the mfg is OK with the colorant and you like the color then go for it.

 

[dndntsd]

Thanks all for the info. On another note, the tile job will take 3-4 weeks. What should I do with the pump and filter? Is it OK to just shut them down or should I drain them too?

Thanks.

 

[kimkats]

Where are you located? What is the water temp? Do you have a sub pump you could put in the water to move it around?

Kim

 

[pooldv]

Yep, fine to leave them if it won't freeze. Add bleach to your pool to maintain FC and brush it or use a pump to circulate it. I would bring it up to shock level for your CYA so you can skip a few days.

Adding your pool info and location will help us help you better. More here on updating sig, Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post

 

[dndntsd]

OK... The pool is located in Playa Del Carmen Mexico. That's near Cancun. No worries about freezing the pump!!! Right now the pool is completely drained for the tile job but I wondered what to do with the pump and filter during that time. Didn't know if the filter would grow mold in it or something.

 

[kimkats]

Drain it too just to be on the safe side.

Kim

 

[ummgood]

OK... The pool is located in Playa Del Carmen Mexico. That's near Cancun. No worries about freezing the pump!!! Right now the pool is completely drained for the tile job but I wondered what to do with the pump and filter during that time. Didn't know if the filter would grow mold in it or something.

I'll be happy to come down and inspect the work for a small fee and some free lodging.

 

[dndntsd]

Ha ha ha... sounds like a good deal. The tile is about 1/4 done now. Looks good. Time will tell. Thanks for all the advice everyone.