Install Tile on Perimeter of Steps

[hurricaneq]

1st Post!

PB will install coping next week. We've tentatively selected NPT QuartzScape [St. Martin Shade (color)] for interior finish. However, our pool has a sunshelf that is 12'x 8' and we'd like to install tile on the floor of the sunshelf around the perimeter and possibly on the edge of the adjoining steps. PB does not recommend installing tile in these areas due to difficulty aligning the QuartzScape finish and the tile to sit flush. Essentially we may be scratching or stubbing our toes on tile. Also stated the tiles may pop loose. Our PB has been great so we have no reason to doubt their professional recommendation but wanted to hear from others as well.

On a related note, PB advised it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a darker color interior finish (such as St Martin Shade) to look uniform in application. I've read many posts on this site on this topic and wanted to understand if that is the general consensus? Should a pool owner expect a newly constructed pool to have and/or develop blotchy patterns over time. That is really the best way I can describe some of the pools the PB showed us -- the interior finish in each pool looked darker/lighter/streaked/spotted in areas.

Finally, the PB advised that we cannot swim in the pool for 1 week after it has been filled and brushed. I have no issue with this and was wondering if not swimming for a longer period (say 2-3 weeks) might help the interior finish 'hold' a uniform appearance.

Thanks for any info or guidance. Pic of current build attached.

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!

Everyone puts tiles on steps and they are flush. Not sure why the builder is saying that. They are installed with thinset prior to plaster and then the plaster is smoothed to their level.

Darker finishes due have the tendency to be more mottled.

Waiting longer to swim will not impact the uniformity of the surface. I think we got in the first day. You just should not be jumping on the bottom which could make footprints.

 

[MinerJason]

If your PB is experiencing tiles set in the plaster coming loose, or not being flush with the plaster surface, then his tile guy and his plaster crew don't know what they're doing. That's sadly more common than it should be though.

Your PB is correct that darker finishes have a tendency to be mottled and uneven. This is primarily finishes that get their dark color from dyes, in particular blue dyes. One way to get a darker finish with less mottling issues is to choose something that relies on darker aggregate more than dark dyes to get the color. I'm not sure what the recipe for St Martin Shade is though.

Holding off on swimming longer than a few days isn't going to do anything to benefit the plaster finish.