Grout Problems

[skekses]

Last year I had a bathroom remodeled because the shower had a leak. They installed a bathtub and new tile in the process. A little over a year later the grout around the bathtub started to pop out.

I've tried to fix it twice, but both times the grout gets washed away (my roommate loves long showers 2x a day). Both times I have put water into the tub to weight it. The first time I thought maybe I didn't give it enough time (maybe 36 hours). The second time I gave it 48 hours and still no luck. I even tried a grout sealer to help repel the water even though the grout said that was unnecessary. I'm using Fusion Pro and the joint is under 1/8". The grout sealer was called Miracle Sealants.

Any thoughts on what I'm doing wrong or any recommendations on a grout to use between a tub and a tile wall? Should I try caulk instead? The internets seemed to disagree with itself on which is more appropriate.

[Spork]

I always use a color matched caulk on joints that might shift.  This includes between the wall and the tub and the vertical corners.  Most grout companies make both sanded and non-sanded caulk that is color matched.  You might have to special order it... but it's usually available.

Also: johnbridge.com is probably the absolute best forum for tile stuff.  They may absolutely disagree with me.  And if they do: I'd take their opinion over mine.  :)

[MasterStache]

I always use a color matched caulk on joints that might shift.  This includes between the wall and the tub and the vertical corners.  Most grout companies make both sanded and non-sanded caulk that is color matched.  You might have to special order it... but it's usually available.

Also: johnbridge.com is probably the absolute best forum for tile stuff.  They may absolutely disagree with me.  And if they do: I'd take their opinion over mine.  :)

Actually John Bridge recommends what you suggest. I redid the main bath last year and ran a bead of caulk between the tub and tile. No grout. They recommend caulking any change of plane surfaces as well.

[skekses]

Thank you both! Agreed that johnbridge.com seemed to recommend caulk for that joint. I will give it a try.