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  Matt Cellura January 7, 2011 at 2:29pm

  Adhesion is easy.  I always use a concrete bonding adhesive.  I apply it to the surface and also add it to my mix.  I have found it to make for a better mix as well as helping to ensure a good bond.  You then would need to make sure that the surface is rough, it will help the two bond better.  Depending on what it looks like now, you may have to take a grinder to it and rough it up with diamond wheel.  Once you have it rough so that the mix will stick good you are all set. 
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  David Jamieson January 7, 2011 at 2:15pm

  Matt,

  No pictures at this time.  the steps are 40' long with 4/16" treads and 5/8" risers.  Regular poured 4,000 lb mix, maged and no steele trowle.  Thanks for you interests.  My main concern is proper adhesion.
  
  Matt Cellura said:

  David,

  First off you will need to use a Frost Free Tile.  The application is the same as you would do a tile band in the pool.  You want to make sure that the concrete you are putting it on is not entirely smooth however or else your thinset will not bond to the steps.  You also need to determine how you are going to finish the edges as well.  Do you have any pics that could help?  We have gone back and forth with different mixtures and what my guys use when hanging them, it just depends on the installation. 
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  Matt Cellura January 7, 2011 at 8:33am

  David,

  First off you will need to use a Frost Free Tile.  The application is the same as you would do a tile band in the pool.  You want to make sure that the concrete you are putting it on is not entirely smooth however or else your thinset will not bond to the steps.  You also need to determine how you are going to finish the edges as well.  Do you have any pics that could help?  We have gone back and forth with different mixtures and what my guys use when hanging them, it just depends on the installation. 
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  David Jamieson January 6, 2011 at 11:07am

  Matt, 

  This is a new installation of 2"x2" tiles on 5x40 set of fully cured poured concrete steps.  I have done tile repair work on water line tile.  Never did an installation of fully submerged tile that has to survive a cold winter.
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  Matt Cellura January 6, 2011 at 7:23am

  David,

  Are you looking to install these tile when the pool is full or are you looking to drain this pool and use thinset and grout these tile?  Knowing that information would help me answer your question.
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  Robert Ault January 6, 2011 at 7:21am

  If you're going to adhere a few pieces of tile, you might try "Mr. Sticky under water epoxy". You don't have to drain the pool. Mix the 2 part epoxy, put it on the back of the tile and put the tile in place under water.