tiling around a cement pond?

[HammerMill88]

Howdy Folks...Hope all is well with everybody! Me?....I'm still trying to figure out what I have been doing for the last 6 months

Anyway, got a gal (same customer for whom I did shower) who wants tile around her cement pond (that would be swimming pool for u non-hillbillies!).

She wants travertine with no grout joint...other options are flagstone or sandstone.

I'm guessing an unmodified thinset, but I really would like some advice with which to advise her.

Is there already a thread to which i can be directed?

Thanks!

[Jhereg]

I'd fight for grout joints.

[e3]

and a modified thin set.

[tilelayer]

a good thinset like 254.

[HammerMill88]

Yeah, I was wondering about grout joints...I'm thinking water can get in there and expand when it freezes...other reasons?

I've used 254 before, that is some sticky stuff.

[HammerMill88]

oh yeah,

there are some cracks...nothing major; and,

what about (existing) expansion joints...surely i don't want to tile over them?

[Rtile]

Are you talking about tiling the waterline of the pool or tiling the deck?

If the waterline, tell her to call a professional pool tile setter.

Indoor guys should never tile pools.

[Higher Standard Tile]

Thats probably true, but I've seen some pool contractors do some crappy tile work too.

Don't use travertine as water line tile. Pool decks in travertine are ok in nonfreezing climates.

Treat the cracks with a membrane. And don't tile over the expansion joints. Put a movement joint directly over them.

[SP100 beta tester]

Rtile - "Indoor guys should never tile pools."

RUBBISH!

Indoor tile mechanics are detail orientated and use higher tech setting materials than some of the hacks that sling on pool tile.

Not saying all installers are the same but interior work is under greater scrutiny than the coping and tile of a swimming pool.

[Higher Standard Tile]

There is a member out of Sarasota that specializes in glass pools. Jerrymir1 is is user name. He does some sweet work.

I don't think we should make dogmatic statements either way. There are unqualified people and qualified in both specialties.


That being said I generally try to avoid doing pool tile. I think the pool contractor should be responsible for the whole package.

[merkretetyler]

HammerMill88,

I would suggest you push for a 1/16" grout joint at a minimum. Think of grout as protecting the edge of the tile (which can be critical with soft stone like travertine) and just being more sanitary.

My guess is if she does not want grout joints, she wants it butt tight. Is the stone square enough for that? Is the substrate flat enough? I would not suggest it.

[Rtile]

Ha Ha!

I knew that would ruffle some feathers.

While part of that was good old ribbing and jiving, there's a reason why I said that. I started tiling pools in Phoenix back in 84 and have intimate knowledge of all things pool tile, and an indoor guy may be able to do a fine job if he is one of us conscientious setters, but even then there are things that indoor guys just don't know about. And they're set up for pools. pool scaffolding and such. You may get through it, but not like I'd do it. Same as a pool setter with no indoor experience would be. Tricks of the trade and all that you know. Plus, the pool guy should be a serious mud master, since he does nothing else but mud work underneath his tile.

Anyway, not really trying to start a feud, just saying.

Also, sounds like the OP is talking about the deck, so my point is moot anyway. Surely no one would consider travertine on the water line. specially with no grout.

TBH, travertine on a deck with no grout might be a little too.