Coping Slope & Gap Between House and Pavers

[Ryan J]

Hello. Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide. We are having an old existing pool remodeled.

Our coping was installed to all slope into the pool. I believe it should slope away from the pool but our builder argues it should be level. A few were replaced and all are grouted now, with the waterline tile and deck pavers installed. I have conceded to the level ones, but marked all that still slope towards the pool, even slightly, and it’s well more than half of them. Will it cause more damage to the tiles and pavers to have these all replaced at this stage? There are 25 that slope in more extremely than the others. How much demolition should I insist on? Am I just asking for other problems to be caused by trying to have these corrected?

Also, under the patio (away from the pool) there is an average of 3/8” gap between the pavers and house. The builder suggests grouting it because of problems installing polymeric sand in such a humid climate. We do not get temperatures below freezing here. Is that our best option?

 

[kimkats]

Get a long level and take some pics so we can really see what you are working with.

 

[Ryan J]

The contractor and installers are telling me everything is fine, blaming unevenness of the pavers, etc. The photo with the level is where a rail will go down for screening. Contractor says it doesn’t matter, they will caulk under it, which is not true, confirmed by the screen company. There would be no drainage.
I was told the slope of coping and deck doesn’t matter, and also that it was wrong before and they just followed the old cement deck. I can’t prove it otherwise now that it’s covered.
Contractor says don’t seal the travertine. Installer says seal it after the screen goes up. Screen installer says seal it before which makes most sense to me.
I’m very much regretting this project and will be most grateful for any advice you can give!

 

[kimkats]

For the first pic I would put something like silicone knowing it might need to be replaced every once in awhile. Sand will just wash out with a big rain.

Those marked tiles need to be even. That lip is a trick hazard to the max. What is under the tiles?

I agree there should not be any thing under the screening frame due to the need to for the water to go somewhere.

 

[Ryan J]

Underneath the travertine tiles is the old cement deck, then leveling sand. The ones around the pool and patio edges are cemented in (not sure of the material).

We’ve now been told we’ll need to re-sand the tiles every six months, then clean some of the sand out of the filter. Or we could have it sealed and that would hold the sand in place for 5 to 10 years. Tile sealer says to seal it after the screening is installed (so I worry about drainage again) and the screen installer says seal it before the screening. I would also appreciate your advice on this.

Thanks very much!

 

[kimkats]

What do they mean by sealing? Ask for details of what will be used and how it will be applied. We are missing something here.