ACI 318-11 requires that the shotcrete walls on pools be increased in strength and thickness.
For
clarification, "Shotcrete" is defined by the ACI as either the wet or
dry (incorrectly referred to as "gunite") process of pneumatically
placing concrete.
ACI - The American Concrete Institute
ACI
is the definitive expert on concrete. So much so, that they publish a
myriad of standards that relate to concrete and it's use. The ACI standards are actually adopted by and incorporated into the International Building Code (the building code adopted across the entire United States).
Because ACI
Standard 318-11, "Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete"
has been directly incorporated into the International Building Code by the
California Building Code. This effectively makes it the law of the
land.
ACI 318-11 Changes the Requirements
ACI 318-11
redefined the parameters of the required coverage of concrete required
over the reinforcing steel. Prior versions of ACI 318 were ambiguous as
to what was actually defined as sulfate or corrosive conditions. It
establishes the additional shotcrete protection required when exposed to
defined levels of sulfates, water containing chlorides (salts) and
permeability.
ACI 318-11, Table 4.2.1 indicates that shotcrete
swimming pools are required to meet the criteria for Permeability - P1
(condition defined as: "in contact with water where low permeability is
required") AND Corrosion Resistance - C2 (a condition defined as:
"concrete exposed to moisture and an external source of chlorides from
deicing chemicals, salt, brackish water, seawater, or spray from these
sources"). It does not define the PPM level of salt required to create
an "external exposure to chlorides."
Those resulting P1 and C2 classifications require specific mix design ratios (ACI 318-11, Table 4.3.1).
ACI
318-11, Table 4.3.1, P1 classification sets a maximum water to cement
ratio (w/cm2) of 0.50 and a MINIMUM 28 day compressive strength (f'c) of
4,000 PSI. While the C2 classification establishes a maximum water to
cement ratio (w/cm2) of 0.40 and a MINIMUM 28 day compressive strength
(f'c) of 5,000 PSI.
Therefore, any swimming pool that is going to
be treated with sodium compounds is REQUIRED to have a maximum water to
cement ratio (w/cm2) of 0.40 and a designed compressive strength (f'c)
of 5,000 PSI. Sodium compounds utilized in swimming pool sanitization
include sodium chloride compounds and solutions (chlorine), sodium
bromide (bromine) or sodium (salt-electrolysis chlorination).
Furthermore, the sodium (salt) levels in pools treated with sodium
chloride compounds (chlorine) actually becomes more concentrated over
time as the chlorides are consumed.
The C2 classification (Table
4.3.1) further specifies that the requirements of ACI 318-11, 7.7.6
"Corrosive Environments" be met. Section 7.7.6 states that the coverage
over reinforcing steel shall not be less than 2 inches for walls and
slabs exposed to such corrosive environments.
Structural Engineers & Building Departments often ignore the standards
Many
structural engineers and building departments do not abide by the
requirements of ACI 318-11. They either attempt to justify design
criteria less than the standards, are not versed on the most up to date
requirements or simply refuse to comply with the codes.
When
there is an issue of structural integrity on a pool, the most recently
adopted version of the IBC, CBC or ACI standards will apply in court,
whether or not they were followed by the engineer, building department or enforced by the building inspector.
Do
you want to be left hanging by a structural engineer who will have to
defend his decision to design a structure that was below the
requirements of ACI 318-11 and the building codes?
Do you want
to take the risk that he will be able to convince a jury of lay people
that a weaker and substandard structure was acceptable?
I thought not!
ACI's position is to design to a standard of:
A. A minimum compressive strength (f'c) of 5,000 PSI
B. A maximum water to cement ratio (w/cm2) of 0.40
C. A minimum concrete coverage of 3 inches between the earth and steel
D. A minimum of 2 inches of coverage over the steel (water side).
Therefore, the minimum wall thickness is 3 inches, 2 times the bar diameters (assuming a single curtain of steel bars that cross each other in a grid pattern), plus 2 inches of coverage. For #4 (1/2 inch) bars this would be 3" + 1" + 2" = 6" thick wall.
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at:
info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Swimming Pool Construction Design Napa Sonoma California
Are soils reports required by the Napa County Building Department for swimming pool construction permits?
Napa County Memorandum 2013.10.4
The Napa County Memorandum dated October 4, 2013, entitled "When a Geotechnical Report is Required," is ambiguious. In fact it does the citizens of Napa County a disservice.
Quoted below is an excerpt of the memo:
"WHERE REQUIRED
A soils investigation shall be required for all new and replacement structures as well as additions and changes of occupancy within the unicorporated portions of Napa County with the following exceptions:
Exceptions:
...4. Swimming pools which are designed with the assumption of expansive soil."
Expansive Soils - Come in all shapes and sizes
"Expansive soils" is not very descriptive. The expansive index for soils is vast and wide.
Had the above memorandum stated, "soils below 45 PCF," then that would have meant something. It would have placed a quantitative value on the soils that they would not require a report. But, how would you know that value, without a geotechnical report? (back to the chicken v egg quandry).
Simply designing a structure for "mildly expansive soils" (45 PCF) will not be sufficient if a site has "highly expansive soils (120 PCF)."
The question is, "How expansive is expansive?" The truth is, only a geotechnical report will tell you.
Sloping Properties
If the proposed swimming pool is near a slope, then a geotechnical report is required by the State Building Code.
The setbacks and slope stability requirements need to be defined.
So, just because a County Official says it ain't so, does not mean that it "aint so."
Besides, you cannot tell the players (expansive index) without a scorecard (geotechnical report).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Napa County Memorandum 2013.10.4
The Napa County Memorandum dated October 4, 2013, entitled "When a Geotechnical Report is Required," is ambiguious. In fact it does the citizens of Napa County a disservice.
Quoted below is an excerpt of the memo:
"WHERE REQUIRED
A soils investigation shall be required for all new and replacement structures as well as additions and changes of occupancy within the unicorporated portions of Napa County with the following exceptions:
Exceptions:
...4. Swimming pools which are designed with the assumption of expansive soil."
Expansive Soils - Come in all shapes and sizes
"Expansive soils" is not very descriptive. The expansive index for soils is vast and wide.
Had the above memorandum stated, "soils below 45 PCF," then that would have meant something. It would have placed a quantitative value on the soils that they would not require a report. But, how would you know that value, without a geotechnical report? (back to the chicken v egg quandry).
Simply designing a structure for "mildly expansive soils" (45 PCF) will not be sufficient if a site has "highly expansive soils (120 PCF)."
The question is, "How expansive is expansive?" The truth is, only a geotechnical report will tell you.
Sloping Properties
If the proposed swimming pool is near a slope, then a geotechnical report is required by the State Building Code.
The setbacks and slope stability requirements need to be defined.
So, just because a County Official says it ain't so, does not mean that it "aint so."
Besides, you cannot tell the players (expansive index) without a scorecard (geotechnical report).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Cracked glass tile mosaics - Expert
There are a few factors that affect the quality of glass mosaic tiles. Some manufacturers do not have control over their raw materials, while others exercise strict quality control measures.
Cullet
Recycled glass is sorted and ground. The resulting granular material is called cullet. The best quality cullet is utilized for glass lenses and beverage containers.
Lesser qualities of cullet may contain impurities, such as incompatible glass (different colors of glass, pyrex & auto windshields), foreign materials (plastic, paper, metal) or debris (dirt, rocks, contaminates).
Even the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) says,
"Glass containers for food and beverages are 100% recyclable, but not with other types of glass. Other kinds of glass, like windows, ovenware, Pyrex, crystal, etc. are manufactured through a different process. If these materials are introduced into the glass container manufacturing process, they can cause problems and defective containers."
The slightest bit of impurities can affect the performance of the finished glass tile mosaics. Yet, this lesser quality cullet material is acceptable to many manufacturers. The smallest bit of incompatible glass will wreak havoc on the finished glass tile mosaics.
Glass Recycling - Pass on Inferior Cullet
Manufacturers of glass tiles claim that their raw materials are of the utmost quality. Yet the Glass Packaging Institute states: "Some recycled glass containers are not able to be used in the manufacture of new glass bottles and jars or to make fiberglass. This may be because there is too much contamination or the recycled glass pieces are too small to meet manufacturing specifications.... This recovered glass is then used for non-container glass products. These "secondary" uses for recycled container glass can include tile, filtration, sand blasting, concrete pavements and parking lots."
The glass recycling organizations are saying that contaminated cullet and glass are acceptable to pass onto the glass tile mosaic manufacturers.
Proper Processing
Even when utilizing the highest quality cullet, glass tile manufacturers must ensure that the cullet it thoroughly mixed. Cullet from clear glass will have similar chemical compositions. But the granuales are not exactly the same, as they originated from countless unknown different manufacturers.
To ensure that the finished glass tile mosaics are a homogeneous blend (no pockets of any dissimilar glass), they must follow one of two prescribed processes.
The first acceptable method is to melt the cullet into molten glass. While molten the glass is mixed thoroughly. Statistically this method should work, however, as statistics also prove there are margins of error.
The second method is to melt the cullet and then allow it to cool. The cullet it reground into granules, mixed and remelted. This process has a margin of error so small, that a homogeneous mix is guaranteed.
Guaranteed Performance
While using recycled materials provides warm fuzzies, the liability of installing recycled glass mosaic tiles into an environment where they may be subject to thermal shock is just too great.
Once glass tile mosaics are installed, the manufacturers will blame the installation process for the cracking. The "blame game" starts with finger pointing and the deflection of responsibility.
The cost to remove and replace cracked glass tile mosaics is 5-7 times the cost to install them initially.
Are you willing to put your faith and tens of thousands of dollars of money into a recycled glass product that may or may not perform as it is supposed to?
First Quality Glass
How are first quality glass tile mosaics manufactured? Actually, there are a couple of methods.
The first method is to actually manufacture the glass from the raw materials. This ensures absolute quality control over the chemical composition of the glass mosaic tiles.
The second method is to purchase first quality float glass (panes of glass) from a single manufacturer. The float glass can be used to manufacture fused glass. Or it can be broken into cullet and used to make glass tile mosaics. Because the cullet is from a single source of new glass, the glass tile mosaics are also considered "first quality."
Guaranteed to be free of any contaminates, first quality glass mosaic tiles will ensure a lifetime of trouble free performance.
Why gamble, when there is so much at stake?
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Swimming Pool Low Voltage Lighting
Section
680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special
isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater
luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in
proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted
and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10
feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. -
See more at:
http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf
Section
680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special
isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater
luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in
proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted
and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10
feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. -
See more at:
http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf
Low Voltage Lighting is prohibited from being within 10 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically from the water. Of course, this does not apply to approved underwater low voltage lighting.Prohibited by Building Code
The National Electric Code (NEC) is the building code for the entire United States.
The (2011) NEC 411.4(B) prohibits the installation of low voltage systems within 10 feet of any pool, spa or hot tub, unless specifically permitted by NEC Section 680.
So what IS "permitted" ?
NEC 680.22(C) defines the requirements for low voltage lighting, at any operating voltage, around indoor or outdoor swimming pools.
The only discussion about low voltage lighting around swimming pools is addressed in NEC 680.23(A)(2). It only discusses the underwater light fixtures.
Because these section do not specifically permit the installation of low voltage lighting fixtures adjacent to a swimming pool (as required by NEC 411), it is still prohibited.
Until the NEC is updated or changed, low voltage lighting fixtures are prohibited from being installed within 10 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically from the water.
Section
680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special
isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater
luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in
proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted
and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10
feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. -
See more at:
http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf
Section
680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special
isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater
luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in
proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted
and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10
feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. -
See more at:
http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf
Section
680.23(C) could be changed for the 2014 NEC to permit a special
isolation transformer with a ground shield, similar to the underwater
luminaire transformer, for aboveground low-voltage lighting systems in
proximity to the edge of a swimming pool. Until the change is submitted
and processed, low-voltage lighting must not be located closer than 10
feet horizontally from the edge of the pool or 12 feet above the pool. -
See more at:
http://www.ecmag.com/section/codes-standards/waters-fine#sthash.cDzLMcen.dpuf
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at:
info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.Monday, January 13, 2014
Expert Witness Tile Mosaic Swimming Pool Hydraulics
Suction inlet hydraulics...
often under estimated and always misunderstood.
Confusion
Many pool builders have confusion when designing suction inlets (aka: main drains, suction inlets, equalizer lines). Why? Because there are THREE criteria that must be met in their design.
Cover Flow Rate
First, the safety cover that protects the suction pipe from human contact has a flow rating. This flow rating is different depending where the cover is mounted - on the floor or side wall. The flow rating of the cover is expressed in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). The GPM rating is the maximum that is allowed to flow through the cover (total GPM flow rate of all of the pipes under the cover).
Sump Dimensions
A sump is a hollow pocket below the cover. Builders can use a pre-fabricated plastic bowl that is attached to the suction pipe. The plastic sump is then cast into the concrete wall.
Builders can also use a "site fabricated" sump. This is merely a divot carved into the wet concrete during construction. A site fabricated sump must be minimum of 1.5 times as deep as the suction inlet pipe is wide (e.g.: 2 inch diameter pipe requires a 3 inch deep sump, a 6 inch pipe requires a 9 inch deep sump...).
Line Velocity
This is where the confusion lies. In addition to the above two criteria, there is a "speed limit" for the water. The system cannot be designed so that the line velocity in the branch suction lines (pipe under the drain cover) exceeds 3 Feet per Second (FPS).
Though the main suction line (trunk line) is allowed to flow at 8 FPS, merely splitting the trunk line into 2 will not reduce the line velocity of the suction inlets. They would then only flow at 4 FPS.
To achieve a lower flow rate in the branch lines one needs to increase the pipe diameter, so that the velocity within the pipe decreases. Yes, this also means that the sump needs to be deepened due to the larger pipe.
It's the LAW
These standards were not just made up... they're a part of the International Residential Code (Appendix G) and published industry standards (ANSI/APSP 7-2006).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.
often under estimated and always misunderstood.
Confusion
Many pool builders have confusion when designing suction inlets (aka: main drains, suction inlets, equalizer lines). Why? Because there are THREE criteria that must be met in their design.
Cover Flow Rate
First, the safety cover that protects the suction pipe from human contact has a flow rating. This flow rating is different depending where the cover is mounted - on the floor or side wall. The flow rating of the cover is expressed in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). The GPM rating is the maximum that is allowed to flow through the cover (total GPM flow rate of all of the pipes under the cover).
Sump Dimensions
A sump is a hollow pocket below the cover. Builders can use a pre-fabricated plastic bowl that is attached to the suction pipe. The plastic sump is then cast into the concrete wall.
Builders can also use a "site fabricated" sump. This is merely a divot carved into the wet concrete during construction. A site fabricated sump must be minimum of 1.5 times as deep as the suction inlet pipe is wide (e.g.: 2 inch diameter pipe requires a 3 inch deep sump, a 6 inch pipe requires a 9 inch deep sump...).
Line Velocity
This is where the confusion lies. In addition to the above two criteria, there is a "speed limit" for the water. The system cannot be designed so that the line velocity in the branch suction lines (pipe under the drain cover) exceeds 3 Feet per Second (FPS).
Though the main suction line (trunk line) is allowed to flow at 8 FPS, merely splitting the trunk line into 2 will not reduce the line velocity of the suction inlets. They would then only flow at 4 FPS.
To achieve a lower flow rate in the branch lines one needs to increase the pipe diameter, so that the velocity within the pipe decreases. Yes, this also means that the sump needs to be deepened due to the larger pipe.
It's the LAW
These standards were not just made up... they're a part of the International Residential Code (Appendix G) and published industry standards (ANSI/APSP 7-2006).
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Swimming Pool Designer Structural Engineer
Hiring a Swimming Pool Designer VS a Structural Engineer to design your new swimming pool project?
Creativity
Let's face it, most structural engineers have the creativity of a bag of sand. While useful for a specific purpose, their usefulness in developing a creative or innovative design is limited. Engineers are focused on what holds it all together.
Designers usually have a background in the elements of design, such as materials, textures, color, scope and scale. Their plan will have placed thought behind the seasonal sun and shade patterns, prevailing winds, lines of sight, foot traffic patterns and peering eyes of the neighbors. An educated designer will bring their decades of experience and education about fountains, pools and architectural history into play. While the engineer will rely on their computer and sliderule.
Designer
A designer that does not have a background in building pools, may come up with unique ideas, but will have no idea if they are even feasible or able to be built. You may become excited about an element of the design, only to be told that it cannot be done.
A creative and experienced designer with decades construction experience will be able to develop a project that meets a clients needs, as well as being functional, practical and executable. When faced with engineering challenges, they will be able to suggest to the structural engineer options for maintaining economical feasibility.
Best of Both Worlds
How do you get the best of both worlds? Hire an experienced swimming pool designer/builder to consult on the creation of your design. The completed architectural drawings are then sent to the structural engineer.
The structural engineer is utilized to detail the concrete and steel to hold it all together.
Creativity, functionality and durability meet.
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.
Creativity
Let's face it, most structural engineers have the creativity of a bag of sand. While useful for a specific purpose, their usefulness in developing a creative or innovative design is limited. Engineers are focused on what holds it all together.
Designers usually have a background in the elements of design, such as materials, textures, color, scope and scale. Their plan will have placed thought behind the seasonal sun and shade patterns, prevailing winds, lines of sight, foot traffic patterns and peering eyes of the neighbors. An educated designer will bring their decades of experience and education about fountains, pools and architectural history into play. While the engineer will rely on their computer and sliderule.
Designer
A designer that does not have a background in building pools, may come up with unique ideas, but will have no idea if they are even feasible or able to be built. You may become excited about an element of the design, only to be told that it cannot be done.
A creative and experienced designer with decades construction experience will be able to develop a project that meets a clients needs, as well as being functional, practical and executable. When faced with engineering challenges, they will be able to suggest to the structural engineer options for maintaining economical feasibility.
Best of Both Worlds
How do you get the best of both worlds? Hire an experienced swimming pool designer/builder to consult on the creation of your design. The completed architectural drawings are then sent to the structural engineer.
The structural engineer is utilized to detail the concrete and steel to hold it all together.
Creativity, functionality and durability meet.
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220. Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com. All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013. All rights reserved.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Spalling Glass Tile Mosaics Expert Witness
Cracking glass tile mosaics investigated by expert witness Paolo Benedetti
Shards of Glass
Imagine walking into the shower or steam bath, onto hundreds of shards of glass... Not the way anyone I know wants to start their day! Now imagine being greeted by shards of glass on the floor every single morning!
I was asked to investigate a product liability issue of fracturing glass tile in a steam shower. The contractor was being accused of installing the tiles incorrectly - tiles the homeowner provided. It turns out the tiles were installed correctly. The problem was the glass mosaic tiles themselves!
Why?
Glass mosaic tiles at rest will assume a temperature close to that of their environment. However, when subject to a blast of hot water or steam, the surface temperature is instantaneously increased. All the while, the middle and back of the tile are still at the room temperature.
The sudden expansion of the surface layer of glass, causes it to explode. Small divots of glass, like those caused from the impact of a projectile, pop off of the surface... and onto the floor.
Name Brand Designer
These tiles, while from a name brand designer who licenses her name for use on various products, are actually made in China. And surely from dubious quality raw materials and under loose quality control standards.
Prevention
How do you prevent from becoming the victim of such inferior glass tile mosaics? First, think thin. The thinner a tile is, the faster it can respond to changes in temperature. The chances of such fracturing is diminished significantly.
Inquire if the tiles are rated for thermal shock to the extremes they may be subject to in a steam bath or shower (especially if you have a "instant hot" shower).
Or, obtain a sample and perform some rudimentary testing of your own at home. Heat them in an oven to the temperature of the steam bath and then submerge them into 75-80ºF water. Or chill them and then drop them into boiling water. Be sure to to protect yourself with the appropriate safety gear. If they crack... maybe you should delve deeper into their suitability.
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
Shards of Glass
Imagine walking into the shower or steam bath, onto hundreds of shards of glass... Not the way anyone I know wants to start their day! Now imagine being greeted by shards of glass on the floor every single morning!
I was asked to investigate a product liability issue of fracturing glass tile in a steam shower. The contractor was being accused of installing the tiles incorrectly - tiles the homeowner provided. It turns out the tiles were installed correctly. The problem was the glass mosaic tiles themselves!
Why?
Glass mosaic tiles at rest will assume a temperature close to that of their environment. However, when subject to a blast of hot water or steam, the surface temperature is instantaneously increased. All the while, the middle and back of the tile are still at the room temperature.
The sudden expansion of the surface layer of glass, causes it to explode. Small divots of glass, like those caused from the impact of a projectile, pop off of the surface... and onto the floor.
Name Brand Designer
These tiles, while from a name brand designer who licenses her name for use on various products, are actually made in China. And surely from dubious quality raw materials and under loose quality control standards.
Prevention
How do you prevent from becoming the victim of such inferior glass tile mosaics? First, think thin. The thinner a tile is, the faster it can respond to changes in temperature. The chances of such fracturing is diminished significantly.
Inquire if the tiles are rated for thermal shock to the extremes they may be subject to in a steam bath or shower (especially if you have a "instant hot" shower).
Or, obtain a sample and perform some rudimentary testing of your own at home. Heat them in an oven to the temperature of the steam bath and then submerge them into 75-80ºF water. Or chill them and then drop them into boiling water. Be sure to to protect yourself with the appropriate safety gear. If they crack... maybe you should delve deeper into their suitability.
Contact the author, Paolo Benedetti of Aquatic Technology Pool and Spa at: info@aquatictechnology.com or 408-776-8220.
Visit his website at: www.aquatictechnology.com.
All Contents © Aquatic Technology Pool & Spa, 2013.
All rights reserved.
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