What to use for replacing grout above tile?

[ilovepoolspa]

Hi,
The grout between tile and coping in my gunite spa is falling apart. I want to repair it but don't know what to use so it can last and withstand the harsh NJ weather.
The space between top of the tiles to coping measures between 1.5" to 2".
Some of the cracks are 1" wide (see the photos).

Any suggestions what to buy and how to repair it. Thanks

 

[ajw22]

I don't know what the top surface of the deck and your expansion joint looks like but that cracking is indicative of water incursions and then freezing in the winter causing the cracking. It will crack again if the water issues are not fixed.

Type S mortar is used around coping stones. Clean up all the cracked areas and have a clean surface for the mortar to bond to.

 

[ilovepoolspa]

Thanks for your reply. The coping and the deck are Tennessee Crab stones and constructed 20 years ago.
I don't seea lot of crack on the coping/deck. Here are more photos. Should I remove the decking and reinstall?

Also, I read online that I need "flexibile" grout or mortar (polymer enhanced).
Where should I get the material.

 

[ajw22]

Is this around a raised spa?

I see gravel around the outside of the stone and don't see an expansion joint between the coping and wherever the deck starts. The gravel can let water runoff under the stone and find its way to the pool. The expansion joint needs to let the pool structure move independently from the deck and surrounding ground.

Expansion Joints and Coping - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Where did you read online that I need "flexibile" grout or mortar (polymer enhanced)? Got a link?

 

[ilovepoolspa]

No , this is a normal inground spa attached to pool. There are islands on two side of spa; and there is flexible seal between the deck and coping (see the attached photo with red arrows)

Regarding flexible mortar, here is the link:

Replace Grouting?

The grouting directly under the coping tiles is coming loose in places. I was told I could apply a silicone sealant over the grouting. Will this work?

www.poolspaforum.com

 

[ajw22]

Swimming Pool & Tile Repair Supplies - Underwater Pool Repair Company

At E-Z Patch, a swimming pool & tile repair supplies company in Phoenix Area, we have always strived to provide repair and construction materials that last longer, look better and are easier for you, our customers, to work with

e-zpatch.com

has lots of fine repair products.

What those posters are calling flexible I don't think is flexible.

The appropriate material for under your stone is Type S Mortar not grout.

 

[ilovepoolspa]

Thanks. I am not sure what to buy from the e-z patch site.

For the space between top of tile to coping, should I just use type S mortar or Polymer-modified mortar like this:

https://www.menards.com/main/flooring-rugs/tile-stone/tile-installation-maintenance/tile-mortar-mastics/tec-reg-full-flex-reg-premium-latex-modified-thin-set-mortar-391-25-lb/3300373011/p-1444432121604.htm

 

[ajw22]

Thanks. I am not sure what to buy from the e-z patch site.

For the space between top of tile to coping, should I just use type S mortar or Polymer-modified mortar like this:

https://www.menards.com/main/flooring-rugs/tile-stone/tile-installation-maintenance/tile-mortar-mastics/tec-reg-full-flex-reg-premium-latex-modified-thin-set-mortar-391-25-lb/3300373011/p-1444432121604.htm

That link is described as thinset. You use thinset to glue tiles on. That is not the application we are discussing.