Waterline Tile Replacement

[dave orso]

Waste,
What do you think about duraleigh's comment about feather edging? I have read that before somewhere else.

Duraleigh,
Wouldn't I run the risk of chipping off plaster under the cut line? That is why I was hesitant to try that option. When I saw cut around the pool under the tile I did not expect to have portions of plaster come off, so it seems that it would happen again? Thoughts?

Cheers,
Dave

[duraleigh]

Well, If it chips off at that point, it's probably indicative that it was never bonded....so you'd want it off anyway. If the chip is at least a 16th deep, you wont have to worry about the feathered edge (although I would not use sanded grout 1/16th thick...that's too thin...you're back to plaster)

The problem then would become an irregular transition line (from old to new)that would probably not be very esthetic. I cant think of a way to solve that.

[waste]

Duraliegh is certainly right about the feathering, because of the vertical wall, the mix needs to be stiffer to have it stay in place - a wetter mix feathers better. However, sponging the edges will lessen the 'bump' or ridge and will help blend new to old, colorwise. I assumed from your original post that this was just phase 1, stuff you could do yourself, and was temporary, until you could find a contractor to replaster the body of the pool. As such, some imperfection still allows use of the pool and it's not an asthetic nightmare, if my assumption was incorrect, I appologise
(I see that Duraliegh has responded while I was being distracted by houseguests [2 of them both 4 legged, 1 a 6 mo old puppy] mayhaps a synthesis of the 2 answers will provide the solution).
Again, if you've anymore questions or are in need of clarification, ask away!