02/05/2026
Post Freeze Tip 🥶 ❄️
If you’re seeing loose pool tiles or small gaps around your coping after the freeze, you’re not alone.
With the recent cold snaps, I’ve already seen a couple pools around our area with loose waterline tiles or shifting coping, so I wanted to share some helpful info for homeowners.
💡 What causes it?
Most of the time it’s freeze–thaw expansion:
• Water gets behind tile through tiny cracks in grout or joints
• When it freezes, it expands and pushes tile outward
• Over time, the bond weakens and tiles pop loose
This can happen even on well-maintained pools, especially older ones.
Early signs to watch for:
✔ Tiles that sound hollow
✔ Cracked or missing grout
✔ Slightly shifting coping stone
✔ Small gaps between tile and coping
⸻
🛠️ Can it be fixed?
Yes — if it’s just a few tiles, a proper reset with pool-rated materials can last a long time.
If many tiles are loosening, it can be a sign the underlying mortar is aging, and sometimes it makes more sense to address it during resurfacing instead of chasing repairs.
Feel free to comment or message me 👍
— Miguel
Local pool service & repair
