Not every crack is a defect, as cracking in pool coping and tile grout is completely normal.
Tight cracks
Grout is strictly a cosmetic filler between tiles and coping stones. Grout does not serve any structural purpose, other than to fill the voids between materials.
Hairline cracks in the grout between swimming pool copings is totally acceptable. As the grout cures and loses moisture, it shrinks slightly, possibly even pulling away slightly. Combined with the natural expansion and contraction of the coping material, these cracks will develop - GUARANTEED.
A hairline crack along one side of a joint or through it's length is to be expected. As long as the grout does not begin to crumble, dislodge or decay, hairline cracks are totally acceptable.
Many new pool owners are alarmed when they observe small hairline cracks in the grout of the copings or tiles. The assertion that grout does not crack inside their residence, does not apply to outdoor materials. Outdoor materials are subject to daily 30-50ºF temperature swings, while indoor materials are in a shaded and climate controlled environment.
Decay
Of course, grout that is crumbling or dissolving is defective and should be removed and replaced.
Exposure to extreme temperature differentials may cause grout to spall - that is, a surface flaking. This is usually an indication of some compressive forces at play. It may be due to thermal expansion or from differential movement. After an initial replacement, the defect reoccurs, then that joint should be replaced with a flexible construction sealant.
Not every crack is a defect.
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.
Tight cracks
Grout is strictly a cosmetic filler between tiles and coping stones. Grout does not serve any structural purpose, other than to fill the voids between materials.
Hairline cracks in the grout between swimming pool copings is totally acceptable. As the grout cures and loses moisture, it shrinks slightly, possibly even pulling away slightly. Combined with the natural expansion and contraction of the coping material, these cracks will develop - GUARANTEED.
A hairline crack along one side of a joint or through it's length is to be expected. As long as the grout does not begin to crumble, dislodge or decay, hairline cracks are totally acceptable.
Many new pool owners are alarmed when they observe small hairline cracks in the grout of the copings or tiles. The assertion that grout does not crack inside their residence, does not apply to outdoor materials. Outdoor materials are subject to daily 30-50ºF temperature swings, while indoor materials are in a shaded and climate controlled environment.
Decay
Of course, grout that is crumbling or dissolving is defective and should be removed and replaced.
Exposure to extreme temperature differentials may cause grout to spall - that is, a surface flaking. This is usually an indication of some compressive forces at play. It may be due to thermal expansion or from differential movement. After an initial replacement, the defect reoccurs, then that joint should be replaced with a flexible construction sealant.
Not every crack is a defect.
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