Pool steps

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jaindesi

jaindesi

Gold Supporter
May 15, 2019
127
Bridgewater, NJ
Pool Size
15000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello Everyone,
Looking for your help with my pool steps. As you can see it in the red circle area. Tiles have become loose on two steps. I am lowering the water level so both steps are above the water line and I can work on dry condition.
What can I get to repair this?

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I am not sure what I am looking at. You are talking about tiles coming loose and I see stones.

Can you give some better pictures and wider pictures of the overall steps and pool?
 
How old is the pool?

Looks like someone tried to be fancy putting stone face on steps instead of plaster. I think that type of construction will never last a long time on steps.

What do you intend to do?
 
They do that in California all the time, as you can see in my pool I have stone. This is the second pool I have done with it. My last pool is 12+ years no issues. I would assume you have a bad mortar mix. I would pull all stone off, chisel the mortar bed off, use a good water proofing under the stone on the gunite/shotcrete. It should have been applied during the original installation, but maybe compromised. Then you will need to mix mortar with something like a tile thin set to make a stronger bond. I would ask your local stone supplier. Not sure what my installer used, but mixed regular type S mortar with something. Not sure what you will do with the plaster though. If you look close at my pic, in CA, we cut the stone back a bit and wrap the plaster over the edge for a good water tight seal. The grout between the stone I use plastic cement and silica sand. About a 50/50 mix. BTY- Stone on a shelf is a great way to have chairs without gouging the plaster.
 
I am not sure how old this is. We bought the house in 2018. House was renovated in 2001. So probably before or around that time. I was thinking to put those tiles back on with some sort waterproof adhesive.
 
California pools do not have the issues of freeze thaw cycles that a NJ pool has. Construction practices that work in one area don’t fit other areas.

You can’t keep mortar joints from getting small cracks. Especially with foot traffic on it. I suspect the top steps are having the problem due to water getting behind and freeze cycles popping the stones off. That construction is not appropriate for freezing areas.

I think stones popping off the top stairs will be a chronic problem in this pool.
 
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Google EZ Patch, there are a couple products that will help you out. Something like the setting cement and the grout. Use to use their products on my tiles before I resurfaced the pool.
 
Type S mortar sold at big box stores and any place you can buy concrete. Look for a bonding modifier for added bonding strength. But it looks like you have freezing issues where you are so any water penetration mixed with freezing will cause it to fail. You may need to remove the stone and plaster the steps to stop this from reoccurring. Like ajw22 stated: what works in CA may not work in NJ. If you see stone in pools in your area, then you may be ok. If you are looking for a thin adhesive to avoid removing mortar to apply new mortar, I have no recommendation.
 
I don't think type S mortar is for submersible use.

Laticrete 254 may be more appropriate.

@bdavis466 what would be best for stone attaching onto steps?
 
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I just ordered the ezpatch pool thinset and grout. came out to $70 with shipping. Going to try this once I get it. Next time it comes out i will try big box store thinset you use in bath and kitchen.
 
jaindesi said:
This is the one but can't find anywhere that you can use this under water
Click to expand...

Mortar is not intended to be submerged. As time passes the mortar weakens and loses its integrity.

This is made for submerged applications...

254 PLATINUMâ¢

If you're looking for the ultimate one-step thin-set mortar, you need 254 Platinum from LATICRETE. Learn more & achieve ultimate adhesion today!
laticrete.com laticrete.com
 
I just spoke to a pool builder who did a friends pool. In my area he said they use type S mortar and back butter the stone with a thin set made for stone. They do this for coping and submerged areas. Same process. I know my installer mixed some sort of modifier in the mortar for a stronger bond but cannot get a hold of him. Go figure. I think I like the Laticrete option. I think I would give it a try. But of coarse this option is if your willing to chisel away the old mortar bed. It is probably 1/2" - 1" thick. If you are trying to simply glue the stone back on the old mortar bed not sure if a pool tile thin set would be strong enough. Anyway I hope this helps you in someway. If you look up type S mortar it says it is intended for below grade applications. My guess it is resistant to water damage. I hope it doesn't degrade! Maybe a call to Quickcrete can give you a definitive answer.
 

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