This is a simple and effective test that Commercial & Specialised Diving commonly use to investigate areas of tiles that are at risk of de-bonding from the pool wall or floor, and helps to indicate the scope and extent of a failing area.
Tiles may become de-bonded for a number of reasons such as thermal shock and structural movement. Early indications of this happening may be cracked or apexed tiles. The breakdown of the tile bonding leaves hollow spaces beneath them that increase the risk of tiles blowing out, but also allows them to be identified. A single tile may sound hollow without affecting the integrity of the tiling system, a group of adjacent tiles that produce a hollow sound can give an early indication of potential tiling problems.
It is not an exact science, but it is a useful and cost-effective diagnostic tool. If you suspect you may have a de-bonding issue in your pool with cracked or apexed tiles, call us today and find out more.
Diver tapping tiles to establish bonding quality