Replies

1. 
   stoner | Apr 15, 2004 01:51am | #1

   Use thinset, the kind which requires an admix, rather than the polymer modified stuff. Make sure the surface of the stone that is to be bonded is clean and dry. A notch trowel can be used to apply thinset to the gunnite surface. A margin trowel is best for back buttering the stones. Clean any thinset smudges on visable surfaces immediately with a damp sponge. good luck.

1. 
   moosehead | Apr 15, 2004 02:43pm | #3

   This is new work. You recommend thinset rather than regular mortor (type M)? I had read somewhere that a 1" mortor setting bed was required - of course I wasn't convinced - that's why I'm asking you guys.......

   What kind of thinset are you referring to - I am not familiar with "admix". I take it this isn't the latex modified stuff.

   Notched trowel and back buttering - ok, what size notched trowel?

   Thanks!

1. 
   stoner | Apr 17, 2004 07:05am | #6

   Thinset should be used to backbutter the stone coping. This will create a strong bond between the stone, and the masonry substrate. If a thicker setting bed is required, dry-pack mortar can be used. I'm a stonemason, not a pool specialist. In your situation, I would prep a section of beam with thinset, create a setting bed with dry-pack mortar, dry fit a piece of coping, remove coping, adjust setting bed to correspond with coping thickness, backbutter coping, and set in place. A rubber mallet can be used to make minor adjustments; be gentle. If your coping is of very uniform thickness, some of these steps may be combined. good luck.

2. 
   Poolman | Apr 15, 2004 02:20am | #2

   Any beam damage?

   Is this new work, re-work, lift and re-set work

   Is beam level?

   Keeping tile or re tiling?

   Bed thickness determined by finish deck height (if any) and need to level pool beam.

   Bed/beam bond failure is # 1 cause of tile failure

   Leave room at back of stones for caulk joint

   untill the circumstances change, my answer will remain the same...
1. 
   moosehead | Apr 15, 2004 02:45pm | #4

   This is new work. I'm hearing thinset is the way to go - do you agree?

1. 
   Poolman | Apr 17, 2004 12:36am | #5

   Prob best to use a mortar mix, thinset may not hold up at the thickness you may be setting at.

   Admix = Acryl 60 type material.  DO NOT get it on the "finish" side of the stones.  We mix it in and the wet brush the beam and stone bottoms as we set.  Admix shortens the pot life of your mortar, so mix accordingly and don't re-temper.untill the circumstances change, my answer will remain the same...