Hello all. This is my first post and we are in the process of a new pool build (16' x 34') in VA. We trying to decide about coping grout color and need opinions. We have a Tuscany walnut travertine coping and pavers that will be installed. Our water tile is an olive blue moonbeam. We have a choice between white and gray grout from our pool builders. They said they do not do any other colors. We are trying to decide if we should go with the white or the gray. What do you think? Additionally, we are debating on sealing the Travertine coping and deck pavers with Miracle 511 impregnator penetrating sealer to decrease the corrosion of the stone. How necessary do you think it is to seal the travertine coping and deck on a salt-water generated pool? Thanks in advance for your help! See photos below of the bullnose coping and the tile.
Opinions needed about coping grout color & sealant
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Deep brown! Ask them if they can obtain it (probably from same place they get the other stuff).
Otherwise I'd go with the gray.
Maddie
Otherwise I'd go with the gray.
Maddie
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Huh, I would have said white, to make all the little tile segments look like individual tiles. Why gray, Maddie? Is white grout a problem in a pool, like it is everywhere else (dirt and stain magnet)?
I said gray cause there is already gray in the tile. I just like it darker. I dunno? 
Maddie
Maddie
Thanks for the comments. I went to the store and I'm thinking about the second from top grout in the picture below. What are your thoughts? Will that look good with the tile as well along with the Travertine coping?
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Before you get married to a color, are you selecting from grouts that are intended for pools? I don't actually know if there is such a thing, but I suspect not all grouts would serve your purpose. Which might be why your contractor only offers two, because he knows they work. PBs tend to stick with what they know, and often for good reason. And when he said he doesn't do any other colors, did he mean he doesn't stock any? Or did he mean he won't work with anything else? A conversation with him about it is in order (unless of course you already had it): will he allow you to select another color? And if so, what type of grout can you choose from?
Good point. I contacted the PB in regards to that question and waiting back to hear from him for clarification. I'll keep you informed. Any thoughts on weather to get it sealed or not? Anyone had any experience with that? We do not want a wet look, but the natural look along with protection from potential issues from the Salt Water pool. Thanks.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Sorry, I don’t know about the sealing. But here’s another brain teaser for ya...
Will you have an auto filler system? If so, is the water level adjustable? You should answer yes to both, and here’s just one of the many reasons why, though not nearly the most important.
On a calm day, when the water is still, you won’t see the lower half of your tile. You’ll be looking at the upper half, and its reflection in the water. With your particular pattern, it’ll look right, unless the water level doesn’t split the tile exactly in half. With me so far? If the water is low, you’ll see an extra strip of tile across the middle. When high, you’ll see a stubby version of your tile. This won’t matter in the least to just about anybody but weirdos like me. And now you, because I was mean enough to point this out!! So you adjust the auto filler to stop filling at just the right level, and your pattern will always look like what you selected. Same goes if your plan is to fill with a hose.
The optimum water level is half way up the skimmer opening, which should also be half way up your tile. When you see the correct pattern on a calm day, you’ll know at a glance that your water level is correct!
Will you have an auto filler system? If so, is the water level adjustable? You should answer yes to both, and here’s just one of the many reasons why, though not nearly the most important.
On a calm day, when the water is still, you won’t see the lower half of your tile. You’ll be looking at the upper half, and its reflection in the water. With your particular pattern, it’ll look right, unless the water level doesn’t split the tile exactly in half. With me so far? If the water is low, you’ll see an extra strip of tile across the middle. When high, you’ll see a stubby version of your tile. This won’t matter in the least to just about anybody but weirdos like me. And now you, because I was mean enough to point this out!! So you adjust the auto filler to stop filling at just the right level, and your pattern will always look like what you selected. Same goes if your plan is to fill with a hose.
The optimum water level is half way up the skimmer opening, which should also be half way up your tile. When you see the correct pattern on a calm day, you’ll know at a glance that your water level is correct!
I like the way you are thinking. Another good thought, but we did not get one. We figured that having an autocover on during most days and just opening it up mid to late day will help the pool retain some water without evaporating too fast. We hope.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Your tile with grey grout (matches the grey in your tile):
Your tile with brown grout (matches the brown in your tile):
Your tile with white grout:
Your tile when the water gets a little low:
Your tile when the water gets a little high:
Hope it was OK, to fool around a little bit...
Your tile with brown grout (matches the brown in your tile):
Your tile with white grout:
Your tile when the water gets a little low:
Your tile when the water gets a little high:
Hope it was OK, to fool around a little bit...
Thanks! That's great to actually visualize what the tile may look like depending on the colors and the water level. You are showing off your skills here. Much appreciated!
sktn77a
Gold Supporter
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Sssshhhhh! That's what I said way back (#3). I'm trying to get them to think that it was their idea!!
LOL!!! I was leaning towards white on the tile before..... or....hmmmmmmm��
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Well, the white looks best to me. What's not clear is how well it would hold up over time. My grout is all kinds of colors and as I didn't pick it out originally I have no idea which is the original color and which are colors that developed over time, from chemicals, or whatever. It kinda looks like its one color under the water line, and another above it, but again, it's not clear which is the original color.
Anywho, what we need (you need) is for others with white grout to chime in to say it stays white, or it gets ugly fast, or it's easy to clean or it's a nightmare. It's easy to keep it bright white in Photoshop, that's all I can offer!!
Anywho, what we need (you need) is for others with white grout to chime in to say it stays white, or it gets ugly fast, or it's easy to clean or it's a nightmare. It's easy to keep it bright white in Photoshop, that's all I can offer!!
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I just typed "white grout" into the TPF forum search box. I didn't go a-readin', but a few hits came back that seemed to discuss white grout issues.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,713
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Says who? Four sides. Four grout colors. Set your lounge chair opposite the side of the pool you're in the mood for that day!
[Some of my posts are more helpful than others.]
[Some of my posts are more helpful than others.]