Updating a DIY spa

[SoCal Spa]

Hello,

I am new here, but I have been reading for a while. I live near Palm Springs, California. I have a large bromine spa that contains approximately 3000 gallons. It is 13x13 feet. The spa is 100% tile and grout. The spa is about 2 feet above ground and 2 feet in ground. The word is that the previous owner hired day labors and didn’t do a proper job. As seen in some of the photos, I have leaks through the stucco. None of the leaks are near the skimmer. I have tried to cement around the drains and re-grout twice.

I have heard opinions from different people. Half say keep the tile; it will last forever. The other half say replace the tile with pebble tec. I was even considering new, more modern tile. Opinions?

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Can you provide a picture of how the surrounding area around the return lines/jets inside the spa look?
Are the weeping areas on the outside of the spa in line with any of the jets inside the spa?

 

[SoCal Spa]

Can you provide a picture of how the surrounding area around the return lines/jets inside the spa look?
Are the weeping areas on the outside of the spa in line with any of the jets inside the spa?

Some are in line. Some are not. I went for a swim yesterday with some goggles and a brush. I am fairly certain some of the leaks are around the jets. The skimmer looks ok though. This is the second year I have re-grouted and it looks like some of the grout ends washing away or coming up in small chunks. That includes grout around the drains and jets.

Could algae degrade the grout? Could old algae push the new grout off?

Suggestions?

I will try to take some underwater photos soon.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Possible but not likely this is occurring from algae growth.
Due to the fact that you are unable to confirm the process of application, the best solution would be to remove all the tile and replace. This is the only way to ensure that all the leaks are found and corrected.
Unfortunately this is a common issue with vessels that are not properly prepped for complete tile.
Only suggestion I have is which ever finish you choose have it installed buy a professional company, if you decide on a plaster finish I can provide a company that meets those standards.

 

[SoCal Spa]

Possible but not likely this is occurring from algae growth.
Due to the fact that you are unable to confirm the process of application, the best solution would be to remove all the tile and replace. This is the only way to ensure that all the leaks are found and corrected.
Unfortunately this is a common issue with vessels that are not properly prepped for complete tile.
Only suggestion I have is which ever finish you choose have it installed buy a professional company, if you decide on a plaster finish I can provide a company that meets those standards.

Thank you for the info. I figured that was my only option. My neighbor said the former owner used regular mortar under the stucco. I don’t know what that means, but he said he was a former pool guy. His opinion was the spa was made incorrectly.

What do you make of the mortar comment?

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Yes that is most likely true, there are specific mortars for moisture control.

 

[SoCal Spa]

I appreciate the help on TFP. I thought it was only fair that I showed an updated photo. I removed the interior and exterior and added natural stone and mini pebble.