Hi, I have a tiled swimming pool which was contstructed about 4 years ago. There have been not been any problems with it until it started losing water 3 months ago. The pool is in Spain where builders are desperate for work. The builder (who I have not used before) called in to rectify the problem has said that the adhesive and grout used were not waterproof and suggests I re-tile it.
What would happen in the normal course of events if standard (non-waterproof) adhesive and grout was used.
How could he know what products were used and could he be right or is he just trying to find a nice job for himself?
The normal souce of leaks is around inlets, outlets etc. The pool was constructed out of re-inforced concrete and then tiled.
Thanks

Hi Huntsmoor,

The tiles in a swimming pool are not there to hold water mate, they are merely a decorative finish

Your pool tank should have been rendered in a waterproof render such as Sika - this is what retains the pool water if you like. A pool tank should always be tested before tiling commences to make sure it holds water and there are no leaks or other assiciated problems. By this I mean the tank is filled with water and allowed to stand for a periods of time. The tank is then drained allowed to dry and THEN tiled.

Saying that I have tiled concrete only pools before....

There is another Forum member on here called 'Gooner' who specializes in pool tanks and pool tiling, he will be along shortly I'm sure to offer further advice.

Are your tiles coming off?

Huntsmoor, grout is waterproof anyway unless its epoxy that was used. Water resistant is the term used

Thanks for some quick answers! I don't think the concrete was rendered and I have no way of finding out. The tiles are not falling off at all. The grout looks as good as new. There are no cracks to be seen. In fact, the pool looks perfect!

don't think it's your problem mate, don't worry

Somebody has'nt pulled the plug out

I don't think the concrete was rendered and I have no way of finding out. The tiles are not falling off at all. The grout looks as good as new. There are no cracks to be seen. In fact, the pool looks perfect!

It sounds to me like, as you've already said, there's a leak at one of the inlets or in the filtration system somewhere.

If the water was getting behind you tiles and the incorrect adhesive/grout had been used, they would be starting to drop by now....

Gooner might be able to advise on a few tests you can do to find ot where it's going wrong

is the pool leaking or the plumbing worth a thought also evaporation of pool water can surprise you

Originally Posted by jay

is the pool leaking or the plumbing worth a thought also evaporation of pool water can surprise you

Your right there Jay my pool has lost over half its water in the last 2 weeks


Sorry that should have been 'pond' - Ha Ha!

Your right there Jay my pool has lost over half its water in the last 2 weeks


Sorry that should have been 'pond' - Ha Ha!

Originally Posted by timeless john

Your right there Jay my pool has lost over half its water in the last 2 weeks


Sorry that should have been 'pond' - Ha Ha!