plane with a flexible 100% sili- cone product that is suitable for your application. 4. Maintaining the tile installation Grout and mortar manufactur- ers recommend the time needed for grout to cure before it gets wet or submerged in water. While the newly tiled swimming pool will be inviting, advise your clients to check with the mortar manufacturer for required cure times, to be sure that the mortar used is fully cured. Advanced performance grouts can provide stain resistance with- out needing a grout sealer to help maintain the installation’s appear- ance. However, tile in even the cleanest pools will eventually accumulate calcium deposits and other residues. Recommend to your clients that they routinely clean using a pH neutral cleaner such as liquid dishwashing soap for everyday cleaning. For grease and soap residue, an alkaline cleaner can be used. For hard water deposits and other inorganic stains, an acid-based cleaner is appropriate. Remind customers to apply these with a soft cloth to avoid scratching, and follow product recommendations for pool drainage requirements. Care must be taken to avoid bead blasting or pumice stone that can scratch the tile surface. Dry soda blasting – a process where baking soda is propelled onto the pool tile – is often the safest method of cleaning all types of pool tile. This process should be undertaken by a professional. A thoughtfully-designed, care- fully-installed, and properly-main- tained pool area can make a bold long-term statement. A beautiful pool is a timeless attraction most visitors cannot resist. The TEC® brand is offered by H.B. Fuller Construction Products Inc. – a leading provider of technologi- cally advanced construction mate- rials and solutions to the commer- cial, industrial and residential con- struction industry. Headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, the company’s recognized and trusted brands – TEC®, CHAPCO®, Grout Boost®, ProSpec®, Foster®, and others – are available through an extensive network of distributors and deal- ers, as well as home improvement retailers. For more information, visit www.hbfuller-cp.com. TECH TALK –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Care and maintenance of the tile is impor- tant. Recommend routine cleaning using a pH neutral cleaner. 58 TileLetter | July 2017