Cracks Around Coping Stone

[pool512]

I have some significant cracks in the mortar around the flagstone coping over one of my skimmers. My pool pro told me I needed to find a mason who specializes in pools to reset the stone over the skimmer, but that doesn't make sense to me. Can't I chip out the mortar from the joints and apply new mortar to the joints? Am I missing something unique about pool stonework?

Assuming I can, I've seen mixed info on what to use... is there a difference between this mortar and what I use on my limestone siding? Do I need to mix something in to increase adhesion (not sure why the old mortar seems to have separated from the coping over the skimmer like it has)?

Thank you in advance for any guidance!

 

[kimkats]

I am in to learn on this one. I don't see why you can't do what you want to but I am sure someone will be along to share with us the correct way to do it and what to use.

 

[Bperry]

What do the coping stone look like when they are installed? Looks like you might need to revisit your expansion joint design.

 

[ajw22]

That stone is over the mouth of the skimmer. Trying to chip out the mortar without removing the stone may damage the plastic skimmer. Then you will have a much bigger project. The Pool Pro is giving you the safe advice.

Post pics looking into the mouth of the skimmer.

What is below the stone over the mouth opening?

Type S mortar is used for pool coping.

 

[pool512]

That stone is over the mouth of the skimmer. Trying to chip out the mortar without removing the stone may damage the plastic skimmer. Then you will have a much bigger project. The Pool Pro is giving you the safe advice.

Post pics looking into the mouth of the skimmer.

What is below the stone over the mouth opening?

Type S mortar is used for pool coping.

Here are pictures from below the stone, which covers the skimmer intake. Also worth mentioning that the stone is a little loose. Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

The right fix is to pop off the stone, clean up the joints, and properly set it in mortar.

You can see the loose edges where I drew the red lines.

 

[pool512]

The right fix is to pop off the stone, clean up the joints, and properly set it in mortar.

You can see the loose edges where I drew the red lines.

View attachment 485649

Thank you!