This case involved an all glass tile pool in sunny Florida. The tile originally selected by the homeowner was originally an all glass mosaic 1×1 tile. The installer used the wrong thin set and the translucent tiles began to show a “graying” behind the tiles. The entire installation was removed.
The second tile installation was a beautiful Light Streams translucent 4×4 glass tile. The tiles were paper mounted and came with a detailed set of installation instructions in each box. Neither the pool contractor nor the tile installer bothered to read the manufacturers specifications.
After a short period of time the tile began to show large dark green clouding from algae growth behind the tiles.
In this photo you can see the algae growth under the tiles in thew spa floor. The installer used tiles that were too large for the bench seat edges and tiles are falling off. This indicated poor thin set coverage and a lack of back-buttering the tile. Notches left behind by the tile installer created the perfect growing environment for algae growth below the tiles. Written industry standards (not codes) for glass tile installations require a minimum of 95% thin set coverage on the backside of the tiles (100% is preferred). With proper thin set coverage, there is no room for algae to grow.
Visible trowel marks indicate the tiles were not properly “back-buttered” with thin set. These gaps allow for algae to grow beneath the tile.
Project Overview
This Floridian pool experienced significant construction defects, resulting in extensive damage and the need for complete removal and replacement. This case study examines the specific issues identified during the investigation and provides crucial reminders for pool contractors to ensure proper glass tile installation.
Key Findings and Issues
1. Incorrect Waterproofing: The original tile installation used the wrong waterproofing material, leading to tile discoloration and potential algae buildup.
2. Improper Tile Installation: The Lightstreams tile was not installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ANSI, and TCNA standards. When working with a product you have not used before, reach out to the vendor or manufacturer for tips. The Lightstream vendor sent several follow up emails to the contractor offering assistance and recommendations for glass tile installations. Had the contractor answered the emails, the entire lawsuit may have been avoided.
3. Faulty Joint Installation: Flexible joints were missing in key areas, and grout joints were inconsistent.
4. Thin-set Application Errors: Thin-set material was applied incorrectly using a notched trowel without back-buttering, resulting in poor coverage.
5. Tile Sizing Issues: Inappropriately sized tiles were used on curved areas, leading to poor fitting.
6. Bond Beam Defects: The bond beam on the pool’s north side was improperly raised, creating a cold joint that leaked.
7. Structural Failures: The bond beam in the spa area and vanishing edge weir wall were not properly constructed, leading to separation and cracks.
8. Insufficient Waterproofing: The vanishing edge weir wall and collection basin lacked proper waterproofing.
9. Pony Wall Problems: The pony wall was coated with a flexible waterproofing membrane material, acting as a bond breaker and causing structural failure of the shotcrete applied over the top.
10. Poor Quality Shotcrete: Shotcrete did not meet industry standards, with issues like poor consolidation and inadequate encapsulation of reinforcing steel. Cores scored poorly on the ASA core grading guidelines.
11. Underwater Speaker Box Installation: Improper installation of speaker boxes led to water leakage. All through hulls, pipes, and light niches need to be cut back and packed with water stop before tile or plaster.
12. Pipe Penetrations: Pipes through the vault concrete were not sealed correctly, causing leaks.
This case took several years to settle, and expert and legal expenses exceeded a million dollars. By adhering to these best practices, pool contractors can avoid the costly mistakes seen in this pool and ensure the longevity and safety of their pool installations.
Translucent glass tiles delaminating off the rear vanishing edge weir wall. Improper thin set coverage allowed water to migrate behind the tiles. Eventually the excessive mineral growth caused tiles to lift from wall.
