Recently another tile manufacturer asked us to review a claim of defective tiles.
The pool owner's representative was making an assertion that the ceramic tiles on the top of a spa dam wall were defective, as the glaze was changing colors due to UV and chemical exposure.
After reviewing the images of the tiles, immediately following their initial installation and present day, it became readily apparent what the cause of the discoloration was.
Efflorescence (or mineral build up) is not considered a defect. It is a due to the lack of routine removal of mineral build up. Much like the waters spots that form on dishes or glassware in a dishwasher, this mineral build up does not mean that the dishes or glassware are defective. Some efflorescence may be coming from the grout or thinset. But in any case, the tiles are not defective.
Special cleaning services are available that will remove calcium and mineral build up. Most pool service companies offer these services at an additional charge. Routine weekly brushing of the tile will not prevent mineral or calcium build up, so the pool service is not to blame either.
As the water evaporates, it leaves a film of minerals behind. Over time these minerals begin to make the tile appear hazy white.
Some white efflorescence is even visible in the grout joints, before the pool was even completed.
The solution? Pay someone to remove the mineral build up. It's a maintenance issue!
Paolo Benedetti, SWD, Principal
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
www.AquaticTechnology.com
International Swimming Pool Consulting and Design, Aquatic Consulting, Watershape Consultants, Expert Witness, Hydraulic Design, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management
Office: 408-776-8220
Email: info@aquatictechnology.com
Major Markets Serviced: San Francisco, Palo Alto, Atherton, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Clemente, Pacific Palisades, Escondido, Scottsdale, Seattle, Phoenix, Tempe, Portland, Aspen, Vail, Park City, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, New Orleans, Madison, Detroit, East Hamptons, South Hamptons, Cape May, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cherry Hill, Toms River, Salt lake City, Boise, Denver, Santa Barbaara, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Oceanside, Big Sur, Napa, Sonoma, Sausalito, Danville, Belvedere, Montecito, Palm Springs, Midland, Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Osaka, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Tokyo, Cairo, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Lisbon, Bonn.
The pool owner's representative was making an assertion that the ceramic tiles on the top of a spa dam wall were defective, as the glaze was changing colors due to UV and chemical exposure.
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| Tiles at tile of installation (click on image to enlarge) |
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| Tiles after repeated wet/dry cycles (click on image to enlarge) |
After reviewing the images of the tiles, immediately following their initial installation and present day, it became readily apparent what the cause of the discoloration was.
Efflorescence (or mineral build up) is not considered a defect. It is a due to the lack of routine removal of mineral build up. Much like the waters spots that form on dishes or glassware in a dishwasher, this mineral build up does not mean that the dishes or glassware are defective. Some efflorescence may be coming from the grout or thinset. But in any case, the tiles are not defective.
Special cleaning services are available that will remove calcium and mineral build up. Most pool service companies offer these services at an additional charge. Routine weekly brushing of the tile will not prevent mineral or calcium build up, so the pool service is not to blame either.
As the water evaporates, it leaves a film of minerals behind. Over time these minerals begin to make the tile appear hazy white.
Some white efflorescence is even visible in the grout joints, before the pool was even completed.
The solution? Pay someone to remove the mineral build up. It's a maintenance issue!
Paolo Benedetti, SWD, Principal
Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa
www.AquaticTechnology.com
International Swimming Pool Consulting and Design, Aquatic Consulting, Watershape Consultants, Expert Witness, Hydraulic Design, Landscape Architecture, Construction Management
Office: 408-776-8220
Email: info@aquatictechnology.com
Major Markets Serviced: San Francisco, Palo Alto, Atherton, Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Malibu, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Clemente, Pacific Palisades, Escondido, Scottsdale, Seattle, Phoenix, Tempe, Portland, Aspen, Vail, Park City, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, New Orleans, Madison, Detroit, East Hamptons, South Hamptons, Cape May, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Cherry Hill, Toms River, Salt lake City, Boise, Denver, Santa Barbaara, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Pebble Beach, Oceanside, Big Sur, Napa, Sonoma, Sausalito, Danville, Belvedere, Montecito, Palm Springs, Midland, Manhattan, Greenwich Village, Osaka, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Tokyo, Cairo, Istanbul, Athens, Rome, Lisbon, Bonn.
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If you want to ask a question of Paolo Benedetti, you may email him at: info@aquatictechnology.com