Is this rust?

[Dave1096]

Under construction and noticing rust-like discoloration on my waterline tiles. It's primarily on the house side of the pool and the deep end whereas the other side/end of the pool looks alright. Spraying it with a hose didn't do much.

Could this be rust? If so, what would cause surface rust on tiles? Just sent my builder an email for his thoughts. Are there any means, tests, methods I can use to confirm what this is?



Other end of the pool not exhibiting the same discoloration.

 

[Texas Splash]

You could try rubbing a Vitamin C tablet on the discolored area. If that works, it's iron. Do you have a sprinkler system or anything on those areas that may be running down and into the pool? Or perhaps it's a type of sediment from the ground or construction materials.

 

[Dave1096]

You could try rubbing a Vitamin C tablet on the discolored area. If that works, it's iron. Do you have a sprinkler system or anything on those areas that may be running down and into the pool? Or perhaps it's a type of sediment from the ground or construction materials.

Thanks, I'll give vitamin C a shot. No sprinkler system. My yard is all chewed up around the pool area, so maybe it's from the ground nearby.

 

[woodyp]

Got any red clay around?

 

[Dave1096]

Got any red clay around?

If be lying if I said I knew for sure. I do have reddish dirt all around the excavation site. Also some weeping from the lights and a return that I assumed would be a non-issue after plaster seals the shell. Here's a few pictures of the surrounding earth.

 

[JamesW]

Did they use wire mesh or rebar in the concrete deck?

 

[Sollace]

Okay. Not an expert here at all.. . But tiles do come in various slightly off shapes and I wonder if one or two tiles might've been off? The firing process done incorrectly? Could you shoot a picture off to your tile company and ask if this is a production problem.

If it is just one or two tiles, ask them to reinstall them. It could be the tile. We installed tile in one bedroom and it had to be done three times. The room was square, the tile was always off, way off. We found out the tile isn't a consistent size.

The close up of the problem -- Looks like the tile doesn't have the crisp edges of the one next to it. And those gouges show the underlayer. Maybe what you're seeing is the under coat of the coloring / process / glazing of the tile. Is the backing that rusty color? I think the tile company could put your fears to rest.

 

[Dave1096]

Did they use wire mesh or rebar in the concrete deck?

No, I think they just laid stone down and poured.