Exterior Jacuzzi

[Dwight2perfect]

I preface my question with this: I live on Island of Kauai in Hawaiian Islands. Best materials are not always available.
I am removing existing tile and thinset on an exterior jacuzzi which overflows into a pool. The tile extends down side of pool several inches to the Hydrazzo pool finish. What should be my choice (or several choices since on Kauai) for thinset for a porcelain tile 24" x 24", as well as the my choice of grout. I understand that epoxy grouts, although good and non absorbant are not very UV stable as far as color goes. This tile and grount will be dark gray. Thanks in advance for your great advice as always.

[cx]

Welcome back, Dwight.

Originally Posted by Dwight

...for a porcelain tile 24 x 24...

That inches or millimeters?

[Dwight2perfect]

sorry, 24" x 24"

[cx]

Trying to envision a pool/hot-tub arrangement that would permit the use of such large format tiles. Perhaps you could post a photo or two of what you're working with?

Perhaps our resident pool expert will drop in with his favorite mortar choice.

[jerrymlr1]

Hello Dwight. I'm assuming the large tile will be submerged? Mapei Grani Rapid is a fast setting modified mortar that would work well, if you can get it. If not, any modified thinset would work, but since the tile is so large I would leave it ungrouted and let it sit for as long as possible to let the mortar cure. As for grout my go to these days is Laticrete Permacolor.

[Dwight2perfect]

If I attached correctly, you will see the jacuzzi next to the pool. The existing tile will be removed down to the hydrazo pool coating and replaced. Some tile under water, some above.

[Dwight2perfect]

I do have laticrete products available on our island and was considering the 254 Platinum, then the Spectrlock Pro Grout.

[jerrymlr1]

Is the tile on the inside also? The substrate needs to be waterproofed to stop water migration thru the shell.
The 254 will work for thinset, but big I'm not a fan of it because of the way it goes off in the bucket way too quick. It needs to sit for at least 14 days and I would leave it ungrouted till the last day so the thinset can cure.
I would use the Permacolor grout. I have seen Spectralock and other epoxy grouts erode in swimming pools. Not only that, epoxies just don't seem to hold their color outside, in my experience.

[Dwight2perfect]

Ok thanks. Now i have all jacuzzi tile removed and find that prev installer built up quite a bit. One area need to add about 1/2" thickness to a wall of hacuzzi. What should I use to build it up?

[jerrymlr1]

Pictures? What does the surface look like? I use sand and portland cement and bond it with a portland slurry. I use Anti-Hydro in the mortar and slurry.