Polymeric Sand for Expansion Joint?

[manthemike12]

I bought a house with a pool outside of Boston this spring and noticed issues with the expansion joint. I'm referring to the expansion joint between the coping and paver pool deck. It seemed to be deteriorating in some places and the expansion joint is of varying widths.

Upon closer inspection I found that polymeric sand was used over foam backer rod. Is polymeric sand acceptable to use in this joint? I have bought Deck o Seal and will be replacing it.

 

[ajw22]

Is polymeric sand acceptable to use in this joint?

No. Polymetric sand will harden and can put pressure on your bond beam.

I have bought Deck o Seal and will be replacing it.

 

[bmoreswim]

What you can do to improve the look of the new deck-o-seal joint, is to sprinkle sand on the wet joint. It's a nice finishing trick.

 

[manthemike12]

No. Polymetric sand will harden and can put pressure on your bond beam.

Waiting for a two day stretch of no rain, over 40 degrees, and where I don't have a honey do list. That's probably never happening