How Do You Fix Broken Pool Tile or Stone? | Step-by-Step Guide

Broken pool tile and cracked coping are more than just an eyesore — they can create safety hazards and lead to bigger repair bills down the road. Whether it’s a loose tile by the waterline, chipped stone coping, or crumbling grout, timely repairs are key to maintaining your pool’s beauty and function. In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix broken pool tile or stone using simple, safe, and effective steps.

At Professional Brick & Stone Works, we specialize in pool stone repair services across North Texas, including McKinney, Murphy, Wylie, and Collin County. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners fix cracked coping, restore grout lines, and replace damaged pool tiles with lasting results.

“Broken tile isn’t just cosmetic — water can get behind the surface and cause damage to the pool shell or deck. The sooner you repair it, the less you’ll spend later,” says Marcos, founder and owner of Professional Brick & Stone Works.

Signs You Need Pool Tile or Coping Repair

  • Loose or missing waterline tiles
  • Cracked or chipped stone coping
  • Grout falling out or looking powdery
  • Uneven or sunken coping stones
  • Sharp or jagged edges near the pool rim

What Causes Pool Tile or Coping to Break?

  • Weather changes: Freeze-thaw cycles in Texas can crack grout and stone.
  • Aging materials: Over time, tile adhesives and mortar can weaken.
  • Improper installation: Tiles may pop off if they weren’t set correctly.
  • Pool movement: Expanding soil or water pressure can shift the pool structure.

How to Fix Broken Pool Tile or Stone

Whether you plan to hire a pool repair company near you or take the DIY route, here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Inspect the Damage

Look for any loose, cracked, or missing tiles. Tap them gently with a rubber mallet — hollow sounds often mean the tile is no longer bonded.

2. Remove Damaged Tile or Stone

  • Use a chisel and hammer to carefully chip away broken pieces.
  • Avoid hitting the surrounding good tiles or pool coping.
  • Clean the surface with a stiff brush and rinse with water.

3. Prepare the Area

  • Let the surface dry completely.
  • Remove any leftover adhesive or grout.
  • For deeper cracks, apply a bonding agent or waterproof pool patch before replacing tiles.

4. Apply New Adhesive

  • Use a pool-rated thin-set mortar for tiles or masonry adhesive for stone coping.
  • Spread evenly with a notched trowel.
  • Set the new tile or stone firmly in place.

5. Let It Cure

  • Allow the adhesive to cure based on product instructions (usually 24 hours).
  • Keep the area dry and protected during this time.

6. Regrout the Tile or Stone

  • Use pool tile grout that’s rated for underwater use.
  • Apply with a rubber float and press into joints.
  • Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge and let cure.

7. Seal the Coping (Optional but Recommended)

  • Apply a stone sealer for added durability and water resistance.
  • This protects the material from future cracking or color fading.

When to Hire a Pool Coping Repair Contractor

Some repairs — especially ones involving multiple cracked tiles, structural issues, or deep grout failure — are best left to professionals. A pool coping replacement specialist can assess underlying problems and ensure long-term fixes.

“If your coping is pulling away from the deck or tiles keep popping off, it’s likely more than a surface issue. That’s when it’s time to call in a pro,” Marcos adds.

Common Pool Tile and Coping Repair Services We Offer in North Texas

  • Replacing chipped or cracked coping stones
  • Resetting loose waterline tiles
  • Full tile regrouting and sealing
  • Structural crack sealing around coping edges
  • Matching and sourcing discontinued tile designs

How Much Does Pool Tile or Coping Repair Cost?

Pool stone repair pricing depends on the size of the damaged area, material type, and whether it’s a surface fix or structural issue. Expect:

  • Minor tile repairs: $200–$500
  • Coping replacement: $600–$2,000+
  • Full waterline re-tiling: $2,500–$5,000

If you’re dealing with emergency pool stone repair, costs may increase based on urgency, accessibility, and damage extent.

Keep Pool Tile and Coping in Great Shape

To extend the life of your tile and stone finishes:

  • Avoid harsh chemical imbalances in your pool water
  • Seal coping every 2–3 years
  • Inspect and regrout as needed
  • Don’t delay repairs — small cracks grow fast

Ready to Fix Your Pool Tile or Stone?

If you’re searching for pool tile replacement near me or need expert help with pool coping repair, we’re here for you. Professional Brick & Stone Works brings local expertise and quality craftsmanship to every project, from small touch-ups to full coping replacements.

Contact us today for a free estimate on your pool stone repair in McKinney, Murphy, Wylie, or anywhere in Collin County. Let’s get your pool looking flawless again.

More Information:

https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/single-family/training/docs/14-TMCS.pdf