Replacing stone coping - Jeff's pool

This is our latest renovation ... we started out with instructions to replace cracked/broken stones and reapply loose ones. When I went to the rock yard to find 12" x 24" calico, they only had random rectangles. I decided to use the 18" x 24" and cut them down to size. Once we had the stone at the site, we were ready to start.

We began by taking up the loose and broken stones using a thin/wide chisel & small sledge. Once the owner saw the new rock & how the existing had yellowed, he decided to replace almost 90% of the coping stones around the pool & spa (good decision). After removing the stones, we removed the mortar bed from the pool beam ... reason I do this is because I use my own mix which I will share later in this post. This is the time to look at what caused the rock to come loose. In this case, I found that the mason's who originally applied this did not wet the stone or beam of the pool as they laid it, and it was probably laid in the hot part of the summer. Also calico stone is very smooth and takes extra procedures to ensure a strong bong to the mortar.

   
Notice how we cut the mortar bed about 2" behind the edge to prevent knocking the tile loose as we chiseled out the mortar bed on top of the pool beam. Tools we used for this procedure were wide/thin chisels, small sledge, small chipping hammer running off a small air compressor, and 4" grinder w/ a diamond blade.

After cleaning off the debris and dust from the beam of the pool and spa, we are ready to cut the coping and place it. It's best to make all the cuts & just set the stone in place before applying.

Next step was to set the stone. I used a white mortar mix to set the stone and fill in the mortar joints on top and below. The mix consisted of 1 part white masonary, 1 part white portland, & 3 parts washed mason's sand. This mix is impervious to the elements (type M - will not break down) and high bonding strength (type S). We also used a bonding adhesive for bonding new concrete to old made by custom crete ... we applied this (after wetting the beam and stone) to the bottom side of the stone & the top of the pool/spa beam. After the mortar dried, we filled in the mortar joints between the stone pieces & between the stone & tile.

 The pool owner decided he liked the stone when it was wet better than when it was dry, so we sealed the stone w/ a sealer that brought out the grain.

Look for more postings including tips on servicing your pool in the near future ... 
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6 things to check your pool for to prepare for freezing temperatures

This article refers to swimming pools that are not drained for the winter and continue to run all year long. Basically, the first 2 points that need to be checked only once initially and then the last four checked weekly.
Make sure the freeze guard is working properly. There is a copper coil usually found coming out of the box on the bottom (some freeze guards have the coil inside the front cover, on these units be careful not to touch any live wires). Using plastic thongs, place an ice cube inside the coil or place next to it and wait at least five minutes. The freeze guard should turn the pool pump on. Moving water will not freeze.

1. Check all valves on the return side of the system and make sure they are fully open (these are located after the heater or if there is no heater, after the filter) ... also, if you have a chlorinator be sure to open the flow valve completely. One exception to this is if a valve controls a fountain or sprayer (you do not want water spraying all over the outside of the spa/pool or deck). Another exception is if you have a pool/spa combination do not open the spa drain valve (obviously, it will drain the spa).
2. Make sure the water level in the pool is in the middle of the tile (enough water to flow over the skimmer throat).
3. Keep skimmer baskets clean. Enough water passing through for good flow.
4. Keep pump basket clean. Look through the clear lid in the pool pump, it doesn't take much to interfere with the water flowing through the pump on some models.
5. Keep an eye on your filter pressure. Depending on the normal operating pressure for your system, high pressure will cause the water flow to slow down increasing  the chance of freezing.

***One last thing to mention is an extra precaution for nights where the temperature can get below 20 degrees or in the event of snow or ice is to place a plastic tarp over the equipment. Place the tarp high enough to give plenty of room to also place a drop light underneath it. It is very important to place the light away from any plastic pipes and tarp or any combustible material. I prefer the lights with clamps on them but don't recommend clamping it to a pvc pipe. The light will provide added warmth inside the tarp to help insulate your system.