How to repair pool tiles that have lifted

[pooltilerepair]

We recently moved into a new home and our pool is concrete, above ground and comes off the deck. I was walking around the edge that drops off today and noticed the tile underfoot wobbled. I then literally lifted the tile out and was mortified to learn that around 8 tiles were completely loose and I could just lift them off grout and all. The tiles have come off surprisingly clean and with no damage. Do I need a tiler to come and re-grout them or is this something I can do myself? 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @pooltilerepair. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about pool coping.

The tiles have come loose due to adhesive failure, but the good news is that they’re undamaged, making them easier to reinstall. To fix them, you’ll need to glue the tiles back in place using a suitable tile adhesive and then re-grout them to secure and seal the area properly.

One thing to keep in mind is that the new adhesive will have some thickness, and to ensure the tiles sit flush with the surrounding ones, you might need to remove the old adhesive from the backs of the tiles and the concrete surface. This can be done by carefully chipping away the old adhesive from the back of the tiles with a rotary hammer drill. To remove adhesive on the pool edge, you'd need to do that by hand with a bolster and mini sledgehammer due to the proximity to the water. Do not attempt to use a power tool this close to the water, and it is an electrocution risk.

If you feel confident, this can definitely be a D.I.Y. project. However, if you’re unsure about handling tools or ensuring the tiles are level, I’d recommend enlisting the services of a professional tiler to ensure a precise and long-lasting repair.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell