Why Are Your Pool Tiles Falling Off? Common Causes and Solutions

Why Are Your Pool Tiles Falling Off? Common Causes and Solutions

 

Having pool tiles falling off can be a frustrating and concerning issue for any pool owner. Not only does it affect the aesthetics of your pool, but it can also lead to further damage if left unaddressed. In this article, we will explore the common causes behind pool tiles falling off and provide practical solutions to help you resolve this problem.

 

 

First, the pH levels in your pool.

 

pH is a measure of water’s total acid-alkalinity balance, which means how acidic or basic the water is, the proportion of acids and alkalis in the water.

After a pool has been used for a long time, chances are some pool tiles at the buttom or on the pool walls could fall off, which takes a lot of time and labor to fix it. There are a few reasons for the falling, pH levels in the pool is one of them. However, this reason could be neglected by some people. To prevent the pool tiles from falling off, we should pay particular attention to the pH level and adjust it from time to time and always keep the water balanced. Monitoring and the pH level and adjust it in time is not only good for the whole pool structure, but also makes your chlorine work best.

The total alkalinity (TA)

The total alkalinity is a measure of how much of the alkaline substances there are in the water, it’s also a measure of the ability to fight the pH level changes. This ability is also called the pH level buffering ability, which is the total combination of hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate and carbon dioxide. When the total alkalinity is low, it could cause concavity on the surface of the concrete and the falling of the pool tiles.

Solution: to add more sodium carbonate in the water and adjust the total alkalinity. When the pH is low (In some regions where it rains a lot, the pH tends to be lower. Because exhaust fumes from automobiles and factories are emitted into the atmosphere, and they contain compounds of nitrogen and sulphur. And when it rains, those compounds will go into the pools with the rain, which will lower the pH a lot), there is a tendency that the pool water will be corroded, which will cause depressions on the surface of the concrete and stains on the pool walls. If the pool water stays acidic for a long time, the pool tiles will fall off eventually.

Solution: use caustic soda or sodium carbonate adjust the pH to be around 7.5 

If the total quantity of Ca2+ in the water is smaller than the standard, the pool water and calcium carbonate will be corroded, which will lead to the depressions on the surface of the concrete and stains on the pool walls.       

Solution: use calcium hypochlorite cleaning products.

 

Second,Improper Installation:

 

One of the primary reasons for pool tiles falling off is improper installation. Some people think that installing the pool mosaic tile is the same as those mosaic tiles used for your home decoration. But actually, it’s quite different. Because they’re in different environments. The tiles for home decoration are exposed in the air, while the pool tiles are submerged in the water. So, if you use the regular grout that is for home decor floor or wall tiles to install pool tiles, it can also cause the pool tiles to fall off. To install pool tile, choosing the accessory materials is as important as choosing the pool tiles. Materials that are more expensive but with good quality can save you a lot of maintain cost in the future. Special pool tile adhesive and sealant shoudl be used for pool tile installation, because they’re made to be used in water environment. Compared with normal grout, they have a lot of advantages: easy and convenient to use; they make a good firm bond, about 2 to 3 times firmer than the regular tile adhesive; good crack-resistance; can prevent efflorescence from happening.

 

Third, Freezing and Thawing Cycles:

In regions with colder climates, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause pool tiles to loosen and fall off. When water seeps into the small cracks or gaps between the tiles, it can freeze and expand, leading to tile detachment. To mitigate this issue, it is essential to ensure proper tile installation with adequate expansion joints and using frost-resistant tiles suitable for the local climate.

 

Of course, there are other reasons why pool tiles fall off. But the above three reasons are very common. So, when you’re building a new pool at the beginning, use good quality pool tile adhesive and sealant, it can save you a lot of money and trouble in the many years to come after the pool is built. And when your pool begins losing tiles, don’t just simply stick them back on. You should address any underlying structural issues before replacing the tiles. Remember to consult with professionals for guidance and ensure regular maintenance to keep your pool tiles secure for years to come. Or if you have any quetions about swimming pool tiles, you can contact us, because Ralart Tile is a pool professional.