Browning Out the Pool - Liberty Drive in The Peninsula at Windsong Ranch, Prosper, Texas!

After the gunite or shotcrete has been hydrated, the masons will start browning out the pool. This process adds a thin layer of mortar and smooths out the imperfections of the rough shotcrete shell. This process actually requires a lot more math and skill than one may expect.

For an infinity edge spa like this one, the tile overlaps must be carefully planned long before any tile is installed. On top of the browned out surface, Platinum thinset from Laticrete is utilized under the glass tile to ensure great adhesion throughout the seasons. This is important because traditional thinset is a cement based product that expands and contracts with the pool while glass tile expands and contracts at a different rate. This problem is encountered when glass tiles pop off during extreme weather. The Platinum thinset is a polymer mix (plastic) that allows the pool shell & glass tile to expand and contract at different rates. It costs twice as much, so ensure that your pool company is using Laticrete for your glass tile.

Then the mason must calculate the width of the tiles and plan the overlaps for every edge and corner to ensure they all align properly. The stringlines in this photo represent the "Control Lines" that will provide the proper dimensions for the end product. Don't let a mason's outward appearance fool you, pools require the best tile guys. These tradesmen are highly skilled professionals.