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Common Causes of Pool Tile Falling Off and How to Fix Them
With proper care, most pool tiles can last for a minimum of five to ten years, and certain pool tile materials can last even longer. But what if you step foot into your backyard oasis for a swim only to find your gorgeous pool tile falling off?
We understand the frustration that comes with pool tile issues. Rather than ignoring these problems and hoping over time they won't bother you so much, we encourage you to take action. The sooner you do, the better chance you stand at preventing even more damage (and costlier pool tile repairs).
Among the frustrating issues, pool tiles falling off is at the top of the list. Here's why it happens and what to do about it.
What Causes Pool Tiles to Fall Off?
There are several common reasons for pool tiles falling off. Here are the top four:
1. Poor Adhesion
The primary cause of pool tiles falling off comes down to poor adhesion. If the adhesion is applied incorrectly or isn't high-quality, your pool tiles are a lot less likely to stay put for the long term.
2. Water Chemistry
Water chemistry also plays a role in pool tiles falling off. If the water is too acidic or alkaline, it can weaken the adhesive and grout, causing the tiles to start detaching.
3. Temperature Changes
If you live in a climate with significant temperature fluctuations, this could be why your pool tiles aren't lasting. When the pool structure expands and contracts along with these heat fluctuations, it can result in cracked pool tile. The more frequently your pool experiences this effect, the sooner you will likely see pool tile falling off.
If temperature fluctuations are a concern, protecting pools with expansion joints is a wise move.
4. Physical Damage
Pool tiles are meant to withstand a lot more damage than kitchen backsplash tiles or tiles for your bathroom. Still, they aren't invincible, and physical damage can cause them to break or fall off. This damage is often from pool maintenance equipment or heavy use.
A Good Adhesive Matters
When installing pool tiles, using a good adhesive is absolutely crucial. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together, quite literally. You need something strong enough to keep the tiles securely in place despite being constantly exposed to water, pool chemicals, and changes in temperature.
A high-quality adhesive is designed to withstand the harsh conditions in a pool, like the alkaline and acidic levels, so it won’t erode or break down over time. It ensures that your tiles won't start popping off or shifting around, which could lead to bigger problems down the line.
And let's not forget, that a good adhesive makes the whole installation process easier, allowing for precise placement and a professional-looking finish.
How to Fix or Reattach Pool Tiles
Now that you know the common causes of failing pool tiles, let's talk about what you can do to fix them if they break.
Best Way to Reattach Pool Tiles
If your pool tiles are still in good condition but just need to be reattached, here are five steps to follow for pool tile installation. If you have experience with work like this, you might install them yourself. If you're unsure, it might be best to turn to pool tile installation experts to get the job done. Otherwise, you risk putting the tiles back on just for them to detach again!
- Drain the Pool: Lower the water level so you can easily see where the tiles need to be reattached.
- Clean the Surface: Remove any old pool tile adhesive and clean the area thoroughly.
- Apply Pool Tile Adhesive: Use a high-quality pool tile adhesive for the strongest bond.
- Replace the Tile: Press the tile firmly into place and allow the adhesive to set.
- Grout the Tile: Once the adhesive is set, apply grout to the joints and seal it properly.
Fixing Cracked Pool Tiles
Other times, your pool tile might have only partially fallen off, with certain pieces cracking. If your cracked pool tile hasn't fallen off and the crack is very minor, you might be able to paint over it to camouflage the fracture.
For slightly more advanced tile cracking, there are DIY pool tile patch kits to help you fix it. They usually have waterproof cement or epoxy to fill in cracks. This tends to be more of a band-aid solution rather than a long-term one.
Keep in mind that seamlessly reattaching a cracked tile in a pool can also be tricky. This is especially true if you have an unconventional pool tile or one that's hard to color-match.
Even if you find the pieces of tile that have fallen off, it's best to have a professional remove what's still there and start fresh if you want a long-lasting result. While it can cost more upfront to replace rather than repair your pool tiles, this investment tends to pay off over time.
Can You Reapply Pool Tiles Without Draining the Pool?
Yes, it is technically possible to reapply pool tiles without draining the pool, but this might depend on where the tiles have fallen off. Otherwise, you will require special adhesives that can cure underwater and be applied underwater, too.
This is a more advanced technique, which means it's best left for experts to get the job done right.
1. How to Prevent Pool Tiles From Falling Off
Now that you know what to do if your pool tile is falling off, here are some ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
2. Choose Good Quality Pool Tiles
Picking high-quality pool tiles from reputable suppliers can significantly reduce the risk of tiles coming loose. When you choose pool tiles from Oasis Tile, you can trust they are designed to withstand harsh pool environments – and look great doing it.
3. Call in Pool Tile Experts
With professional pool tile installation, you can be confident your pool tiles are applied with the correct adhesive and techniques. This way, you're less likely to find yourself in the same situation before long.
4. Proper Care and Maintenance
Taking proper care of your pool tiles and some fundamental pool maintenance can stop pool tiles from falling off, cracking, or appearing discolored. Use the right pool chemicals, keep an eye on pH levels and temperature fluctuations, and use equipment designed for pools to prevent damage.
Shop Our Selection of High-Quality Pool Tiles
Looking for high-quality pool tiles and professional advice? Explore Oasis Tile's pool tile collection or order tile samples to find exactly what you're looking for!
Transform your pool with our premium tiles and enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting oasis in your backyard!
