Pennsylvania Bluestone Waterline (Tile or Bluestone?)

[yasmine]

We are in the process of completing our pool. I have a question regarding our waterline. All of our hardscape is Pennsylvania Bluestone, our landscape designer would like to use Pennsylvania Bluestone instead of a waterline tile. The waterline tile he has been happy with in the past on pools with bluestone coping, is no longer produced.

Though I like the idea of using bluestone instead of a waterline tile, I am concerned about it developing a white line (from calcium deposits) that cannot be cleaned or removed.

Do you have any thoughts about which material we should use at the waterline... tile or bluestone?

If you suggest we use a waterline tile, do you know of any products that match well and will "disappear" against the bluestone coping, etc?

Thanks so much.

Yasmine
Sherman Oaks, CA

[NuTech Floor Pro]

Yasmine, you should well be concerned about the maintenance that will be required to maintain the bluestone at the waterline. Stick to the glazed waterline tiles to be safe - you can scrub and acid wash all you want in the future to maintain their beauty. Also, I am no geologist, but have had some very recent experience with this stone and in my opinion it should not be submerged.

[cheesedog]

im with stupid

[Huligar]

ok, I can do this.
I am with dumb and dumber.
lol

[cheesedog]

haha. i dont think you'll get a clearer answer

[NuTech Floor Pro]

LOL.

Let me rephrase. Yasmine, use the bluestone on your waterline if you want a headache with the deposits that you are referring to. I've got a customer not far from you that has already done what you are considering. I'm sure she'd be happy to speak with you should you like.

P.S. Many stones are formed underwater and are not suitable for such an application.

[yasmine]

First off, thank you to NuTech Floor Pro. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. This thread was my introduction to this website and your advice was very helpful.

We have just completed a 9000 square foot home with tons of stone and marble work throughout the interior and exterior of the home. I will keep your information on hand for any future restoration needs.

Thanks again, NuTech.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

[Topshop]

Don't go with what a "designer" says. They are usually only trying to make things look good until their paycheck clears. They give little thought to long term care and customer happiness. Sad to say but true. You are a smart home owner to ask the opinions of the guys who deal with the products constantly. Everything has its uses and place this is just not the place for this material.

[NuTech Floor Pro]

Yasmine,

I'm pretty sure these guys have directed those comments to me and not you. I too, thought it a little rough, but know them well enough to know that you are not the intended recipient. It had to do with the fact that I would recommend a non stone product on a stone forum or that I don't think it should be submerged, when that is exactly how it is formed and "lives" it's life. It's probably fine to submerge, but pool water at a waterline is still a no-no in my book. You can't avoid the build up ' deposits and why not think ahead and install something that will be strong and "easier" to maintain. If you would like me to see your home, I do NOT travel to the LA area often and work there even less, but interestingly enough will be there all day this Friday. Good luck with your project.

[Huligar]

Yasmine, I do apologise if you took offense to our comments NuTech Floor Pro. I kind of forgot that we were in the consumer area and not the trade area.