Pool tiling in York, worked around guests and old streets.

Keeping the closure short

For a hotel, a closed pool shows up in guest reviews. We agree the dates early, set out what has to happen in what order, and tell you honestly how long the pool needs to stay empty, including the cure time the adhesive and grout need before refilling.

Where a spa has a pool, a steam room and a sauna area, we look at whether some work can be done while part of the spa stays open, or whether one closure for everything is the better option.

We also ask who looks after the plant room, so that drain down, the restart of water treatment and the refill are agreed with them before the first tile comes up.

Access in the old centre

Streets inside the city walls are narrow, and some buildings are listed or sit close to historic fabric. Before we start we check where a van can stop, how materials and waste will move through the building, and whether there are any working hour limits.

Inside, we protect floors and finishes on the route to the pool hall. It sounds obvious, but in an older building it is worth agreeing in writing.

If the hotel or building has its own maintenance team, we agree with them in advance where we can take power and water, and where our van can stay during the day.

• Parking and loading points
• The route from the street to the pool hall
• Protection for floors, stairs and doors
• Working hours and noise limits
• Where waste and empty bags will go

University, school and home pools

York is a university city, and its campus, college and school pools tend to close for work in the long summer break. Out in the villages around the city there are private pools in homes, which can usually be scheduled with more freedom.

Whatever the pool, a sharp or lifting tile on a step or at the edge is a safety matter. If staff find one, close that area and send us a photo, and we will advise on making it safe until a proper repair can be booked.