What Is Pool Tile Damage and Should You Hire a Contractor?

Regular, preventive maintenance is critical to ensure a swimming pool stays healthy and safe. However, this does not entirely eliminate the possibility of damages: due to unforeseen circumstances and general wear and tear, a pool’s assets and equipment may still break down.

In this article, we will dive into one crucial aspect of swimming pool maintenance and repair: pool tile damage. Read on to learn more about what it is and why it needs to be given immediate attention.

What Is Pool Tile Damage?

Pool tile damage refers to the cracking, breaking, or falling off of tiles in swimming pools, jacuzzis, and saunas.

There are several possible reasons for this occurrence, including:

1. Temperature Variations 

Like most other objects, pool tiles are subject to thermal expansion, which refers to how an object changes its dimension (density, length, area, or volume) when in contact with heat. Hence, they expand when hot and contract when cooled down.

This can be undesirable: when all tiles expand simultaneously, pressure is applied to the entire structure, potentially resulting in cracks and other forms of damage. In addition, tiles that constantly fluctuate between expansion and contraction may cause the adhesives holding the tiles in place to weaken. 

2. Pressure

On top of temperature variations, the durability of pool tiles is affected by the changes in water weight and pressure. As more users enter the pool, the pressure on the tiles increases significantly, thus compromising their structural integrity.

3. Pool Water Chemistry and Cleaning Agents

If the water’s pH level is too high or too low, it can cause your tiles’ adhesives and grout to deteriorate. Consequently, your pool tiles become more susceptible to breaking or falling out. Additionally, harsh chemicals like chlorine may cause pool tiles discolouration and corrosion.

4. Improper Tile Installation

If improperly installed, pool tiles may eventually crack or fall off pool surfaces. Factors such as the use of improper grout (grout used for regular floor tiles is unsuitable for pools) may contribute to poor-quality installation.

Why Should You Hire a Swimming Pool Contractor?

Chips and cracks aren’t just aesthetic problems—they also indicate the presence of an underlying structural issue that may affect the integrity of the pool bond beam. If left unaddressed, a tile’s brokenness can spread to other surrounding tiles, leading to extensive damage across the pool.

These cracked and broken tiles may chip off, creating unwanted debris in the water and causing safety hazards among swimmers.

As such, you must engage a swimming pool contractor once you notice any potential problems. They may help you with things like sealing all joints properly and replacing missing tiles, ultimately preventing significant pool tile damage.

Conclusion

If you notice your pool tiles cracking, loosening, or detaching, it is crucial that you hire a swimming pool contractor as soon as possible to correct the problems. By doing so, you can ensure that your pool remains in good condition and ready for use.

Are you looking for swimming pool maintenance in Singapore? Check us out at OCL Building Services. We are a general contractor in Singapore providing a wide range of building services, including pressure grouting concrete repair and roof leakage waterproofing.