Westminster, CA Pool and Spa Inspection

When a Westminster homeowner claims that wind tore tile off their pool and spa, Landscaping Inspection Services is called out to investigate the claim.

Westminster, CA Pool and Spa Tile Damage

After a windstorm in Westminster, CA, a homeowner filed a claim with their insurance company, stating that seven linear feet of tile were ripped off of the pool and spa as a result of the windstorm. Landscaping Inspection Services is called upon to investigate the claim and determine if the insured’s claim held up to scrutiny.

Our inspector visited the Westminster property in question and spoke with the insured, who stated that the recent wind had torn the tile off of the pool, and that the tile had already been disposed of, and was therefore unavailable for inspection. The insured also stated that they did not know the age of the landscaping and spa.

Observations Made During Inspection

Our inspector visited the Westminster pool and spa, and performed a thorough inspection of the pool and spa, including the tile. He noted the following observations:

• Pool: 112 perimeter feet; Spa: 25 perimeter feet.
• The pool was constructed before 1980, with a single main drain and the original copper plumbing.
• The concrete cement deck was poured without pool coping. This is known as a cantilever concrete slab that rests on material that allows the slab of concrete to expand and contract (moving horizontally) without damaging the waterline pool tile.
• Grout was used in between the tile and deck, instead of silicone.
• The grout between the tile and deck was missing or damaged around the entire perimeter of the pool and spa.

Analysis of Pool Inspection

Our inspector noted that grout was used instead of silicone when constructing this cantilever pool deck. When the concrete slab moved, the grout also moved and created a void, where water entered behind the tile. In these cases, over time, the thinset holding the tile in place weakened and the tile started to fall off. For this reason, grout is not recommended as it is not capable of moving with expansion without cracking or falling out of place. Instead, silicone must be used where the top of the tile meets the cement slab. When the silicone is moved out of position, it must be replaced, preventing water from loosening the tile.

Cause of Loss in Westminster, CA Pool

It was the opinion of our inspector that the 7 linear feet of tile detached from the wall due to a lack of grout or silicone between the tile and deck. Additionally, because of the water damage that has been done around the entire perimeter of the pool and spa, tile will continue to fall off.