What to replace swimming pool /spa dam tile with?

Question

I live in NJ and I have a gunnite Carlton pool installed in 2002. In 2004 the tile on the dam top surface between pool/spa peeled off and Carlton repaired in kind. Now tile on dam has completely fallen off. Carlton wants $1900 to replace tile in kind, but I'm not keen on tile because of past problem. Questions:

+ Can I replace the tile on the top surface of dam with slate? Any other suitable material?

+ is this a common problem on tiled dams - why does it occur?

Thanks

Answer 1

Ah, do you have a salt pool?

The tile should be easy to replace but may still be costly.  Contact your state contractors license board and ask how long the pool is warranted for.  I think they may tell you something other than Carlton is telling you.

Most often tiles fall off because of poor adhesion to the gunite and this is a warranty issue with your pool builder.

If you replace with slate considerations have to be given to supporting the increased weight.  If you do not give consideration to this your entire dam wall may fail.

You're welcome!!