Pool Tile: Everything you Need to Know
While all ceramic tiles can be used for almost all wet and damp areas, you simply just can’t use any kind of ceramic tile on a swimming pool. Swimming pools use specialized pool tile that are specifically manufactured to withstand the pool water’s chemical chemistry as well as the freezing temperatures when the pool sits outside in frigid temperatures. Swimming pools also bear a certain amount of pressure from the pool water and the pool pump which may cause the average ceramic tile to break.
We at Pool Plaster Central use only certified tiles for your swimming pool to ensure an outstanding aesthetic appeal and the longevity of the pool tile’s structural integrity. At an average, a swimming pool tile can last for about 10 years, as long as the plaster installed in your pool. However, compared to the average plaster, swimming pool tile will retain a better cosmetic value over time as the average pool plaster can easily stain while your pool tile won’t. That’s why choosing the right tile for your pool is important and many swimming pool owners even choose to use pool tile over pool plaster during pool remodel projects even though it can have a more expensive upfront cost.
Pool Plaster Central offers pool services that can help you with selecting the perfect swimming pool tile for your pool as well as with the process of installation to ensure the best results. We source the best varieties of pool tiles and use tried and tested methods in applying the pool tile. If you want to know more about swimming pool tiles and how we can help you with your swimming pool, contact Pool Plaster Central today so we can talk about your swimming pool tile options. In the meantime, here are a few reasons why you should consider Pool Plaster Central as your pool pro of choice.
What Exactly is a Pool Tile?
Concrete in-ground swimming pools often have waterline tiles not only to measure and gauge the water in the pool but also because the average pool plaster stains easily. Swimming pool tiles can be your in-ground concrete pool’s most durable interior finish and can be designed and modeled to pair with other parts of your pool like your pool coping. As we’ve covered above, other pool owners even go as far as lining their pools with pool tile, they even use pool tile in the walls and in the floors of the in-ground concrete pool.
So, pool tiles look good and last longer, but how exactly are you going to benefit from using pool tiles? And just exactly how can you justify the upfront costs of a pool tile installation? Well, here are a few fun facts.
1. Wow factor from waterline tile
It’s true that pool tiles do add an aesthetic value to your swimming pool, but do you know why? The water in the swimming pool can look extra shiny when sunlight reflects on the pool water and on the surface of the pool tile. This is true amongst waterline pool tiles. Furthermore, waterline tiles can add a contrasting color or a heavier undertone to your pool making the water and the actual structure “pop” out. As your pool age, the chemicals used to treat the water will affect the quality of the plaster showing marks from the calcium deposits that can build around the waterline perimeter of your pool area, that’s why many pool owners opt for durable pool finishes like pool pebble. With a waterline tile, you can prevent this from happening while keeping your swimming pool aesthetically pleasing. Waterline tiling is one of the most affordable option in adding pool tile to your property since it only requires pool tile to be installed on the waterline and on the edge of the swimming pool steps.
2. Longevity and durability
Compared to the average pool plaster, pool tiles will last longer and look better as they age. It’s common for pool plaster to accumulate stains and smears. This can be caused by improper water chemistry and in some cases saturated objects like plant matter including twigs and dried leaves. Plastic wrappers that might have had a chemical reaction to the synthetic compounds in the pool water. Pool plaster may also peel overtime causing exposure of the concrete beneath it. Because pool tile is harder than pool plaster in nature, it won’t be as susceptible to wear and tear as the average pool plaster. Plus, most pool tiles are made using specialized technology to prevent the tile from absorbing water even if its exterior glaze gets cracked.
3. Customizability
Arguably the last but certainly not the least is customization. Many of today’s pool owners who remodel their swimming pools have specific design ideas in mind. Because a custom-made pool does not exactly follow a pattern or a template, several design elements have to be tailored for the swimming pool. That said, installing pool tiles can help with achieving that customized look and feel and can even be paired to match pool decking projects. Pool tiles come in various shapes and sizes and some can even be used to create bespoke works of art that reflect your personality or even create a cohesive atmosphere blending the interior and exterior design of your home and your in-ground concrete pool.
Many pool owners we’ve worked with in our Villa Park pool remodel and Westminster pool remodel projects have opted to use pool tile to achieve that aesthetic and cosmetic flair their pool deserves
Why Pool Plaster is the Best in Pool Tiles
Pool Plaster Central is one of the best pool companies in the business. We won’t stay long in the industry if we’re not good at it. We’ve been working on swimming pools since 2002 and we’ve no plans on stopping. Backed by more than a decade of experience, we know pool tiles like the back of our hands, we’ve worked on various pool remodel projects using pool tiles so we know how to make it work. We’re backed by trained professionals who have been in the pool industry as long as the company and are considered artisans and masters of their own craft. This, coupled with time tested techniques as well as modern equipment and machinery, Pool Plaster Central has the perfect recipe for making your swimming pool its best version. Whether you’re renovating your swimming pool or if you’re working on swimming pool repairs, our pool tile solutions will be the only pool tile service you need.
Furthermore, we don’t believe that our services end the moment we leave your premises. In fact, we’d love to continue working with you in maintaining the very pool tiles we’ve installed through our weekly swimming pool maintenance services. We offer holistic swimming pool solutions from installing pool tiles to maintaining its cosmetic appeal and its structural longevity. Aside from swimming pool tiles, our specialties include pool pebble, pool coping, and pool decking. We don’t just repair and remodel swimming pools for our clients, we take care of their property and their investment and we make friends out of customers. Our goal is not just to do business but to build lasting business relationships that our customers look for us whenever they need their pools fixed.
Working on swimming pools is in our blood, and we’re passionate about servicing you and your swimming pool. Contact Pool Plaster Central today and get the best pool services for your private pool.
What kind of tile can be used in a pool?
While tiles, in general, are used in wet areas, not all tiles can be used in swimming pools. That said, swimming pool tiles must conform to the conditions of the swimming pool and the swimming pool water. Pool water is usually treated with chemicals and the average ceramic tile will easily wear in these conditions. That said, there are special tiles that are designed and engineered to use in pools. Common pool tiles include glass pool tiles, porcelain pool tiles, and stone pool tiles.
How much does pool tile cost?
Like all swimming pool projects, the cost of pool tiles vary depending on how large the pool is and how much work is required to tile the pool. On average, swimming pool tile installation costs somewhere around $15,000. However, pool tiling projects on larger pools and those that use more expensive materials can get you somewhere around $70,000. Here are some estimates on pool tile costs depending on the materials used.
- Porcelain pool tiles – $1.60 to $56.00 per square foot
- Glass pool tiles – $7.00 to $50.00 per square foot
- Stone pool tiles – $5.00 to $30.00 per square foot
How long do pool tiles last?
In ideal conditions, most swimming pool tiles can last you an average of 5 to 10 years. That’s assuming that the pool water is regularly checked and water chemistry is routinely checked. Glass pool tiles are even more durable and will prove to last longer than other varieties of pool tiles like porcelain and natural stone. The key to maintaining longevity in swimming pool tiles is proper pool water balance since the number one enemy of pool tiles is calcium buildup.
Why do pool tiles fall off?
It’s not normal for pool tiles to just fall off all of a sudden especially when the pool tile is installed properly and by a certified and licensed professional who knows what they are doing. Usually, pool tiles fall off the pool walls for a reason. Falling off of pool tiles can happen mostly to outdoor pools for the following reasons.
- Bad weather conditions
- Damage to the swimming pool
- Natural calamities
- Tree roots penetrating the concrete
- Failure of the pool tile adhesive
- Improper draining and pool startup
- Improper draining and pool heating
- High water table
- Problems with the pool deck
A thorough inspection of the pool area by a swimming pool professional will help you spot and identify the reason or reasons why the pool tiles fall off. We at Pool Plaster Central can help you identify the reason why your pool tiles have fallen off and help you install new pool tiles that will last longer.
How do you clean pool waterline tiles?
Waterline tiles can develop unsightly discoloration usually in the form of a scale or stain. The purpose of your waterline tile is to protect the pool plaster from these stains and smears as pools are often finished using a white plaster and this form of discoloration can significantly affect the pool’s aesthetic and cosmetic value. These stains are often categorized as calcium silicate and calcium carbonate. Knowing just what causes the stains will help you understand how to clean your waterline tile.
First, if the accumulation of the stains and the scaling is only minimal, cleaners found within the household can be used. These include baking soda, vinegar, toothpaste, and dishwashing soap. Use them with a toothbrush to scrub off any remaining scaling and stains.
Next, if the scaling and stains are still there, you can use commercial tile cleaners that are often available at your local hardware or pool store.
Lastly, you may call the help of pool professionals in removing these stains using tried and tested methods. Pool Plaster Central can help you clean your waterline tiles with our professional-quality services.
Pool Service Areas
Glass Swimming Pool Tile
Glass pool tiles are commonly used in various swimming pools for its aesthetic benefits. One of which is its ability to add shine and shimmer to your swimming pool.
Here’s how.
Glass tiles reflect the light from the water adding a certain dimension that you won’t find on other swimming pool tiles. Often used as a waterline tile, glass swimming pool tiles are also a good choice for use as a tile to cover the entirety of the swimming pool’s surface. The same dimension it adds when used as a waterline tile can be expected while glass tiles are submerged under pool water. The sparkling effect it has on your swimming pool water makes it more inviting if not a more tempting especially on a hot summer.
Glass pool tiles can survive the chemicals in the pool water making it suitable for both the walls, floors, and the steps of your swimming pool.
Glass tiles also come in various colors and patterns allowing you better pool customization and an upgrade from your standard white pool plaster and even pool pebble. Glass tiles give your pool the accent it deserves.
Porcelain Swimming Pool Tile
Another variety of pool tile seen on most swimming pools is made from porcelain and offers a different aesthetic value from what glass tiles do. Where glass tiles offer the shine and shimmer of a stunning pool, using pool tile made out of porcelain emanates a different air of sophistication. Porcelain pool tiles are often opaque whereas ones made from glass are often translucent.
That said, you can expect your pool to exude a different kind of elegance when you apply porcelain pool tile. They often come in neutral colors with various patterns and are often have that characteristic of a classic work of art.
Like other pool tiles, they are also commonly used as waterline tiles because they do not catch stains as easily as other pool finishes do although you can still find other pools that use porcelain tiles to line the walls and the floors of their swimming pools.
Stone Swimming Pool Tile
Stone pool tiles are a variety of swimming pool tiles more commonly seen outside of the pool like the pool decking, pool coping, and pool patios. That’s because stone pool tiles are often found in natural stone and slate colors allowing them to blend perfectly in an outdoor environment. Although they do come in smaller sizes, stone pool tiles often come in larger dimensions making them more appropriate for pool exterior decorations.
Because of its nature, stone pool tiles offer an excellent grip that allows you to prevent slips in and outside of the pool.
All the variety of pool tiles we’ve mentioned above can be used in various ways. One of the most popular is forming a mosaic. Mosaic tiles offer a more distinct and unique approach to pool design and pool remodeling that allows the pool owner to add a personal touch to the overall design and outcome of the swimming pool. Considered as an artform, coming up with swimming pool tile mosaics entails more than the usual tiling process and is often performed by pool artisans as a small mistake can cause the overall design to look nothing like the planned layout.
Here at Pool Plaster Central, we offer different swimming pool tiling services from standard pool tile application to custom-made pool mosaics. Our projects are manned by our skilled professionals so rest assured we will finish the project the best way possible. Our team is adept in various pool designs and tiling techniques learned from years of experience in the field. You name it, we can make it. Contact the best pool professionals today and find out how Pool Plaster Central can help you achieve your dream pool.
Adding pool tiles can certainly help pool owners improve the look and the feel of their property. However, installing swimming pool tiles is not easy feat. While you can take on pool tiling as a DIY project, you’ll most probably have a hard time installing new pool tiles on your poll if you haven’t had any experience in applying and installing the tiles yourself. That said, a simple eight-hour project may turn to a week-long commitment. Moreover, the tile that was supposed to make your pool stand out may just even make it stick out like a sore thumb. So, to make sure that you get the best out of your investment, contact pool professionals like Pool Plaster Central to install your pool tile for you.
Like pool plaster and any other pool feature, the installation of swimming pool tiles follows a certain process. If you opt to have Pool Plaster Central install pool tile in your pool, here are a few things you could expect from our trained professionals when undertaking our pool tile installation projects.
1. Planning
A good undertaking requires a good plan. While many pool owners see planning as a tiring and a dreary process, we at Pool Plaster Central make it fun and easy for you. Should the installation of your new pool tile require permits, we’ll make sure that the design and the layout of the project meets all the necessary requirements set by your home owner’s association as well as your local building and city codes. All you need to worry is conceptualizing ideas to help you decide on the way you want your pool to look. And if you’re on the fence about something, we’ll help you with some of the latest swimming pool designs so you can make an informed decision on how the tiles are supposed to look and how they’re supposed to be laid out.
Planning may just as well be the most crucial part of the project since once we have all the plans set and ready, our certified pool professionals can easily complete the project. We will also help you with various design ideas that may pique your interest and help you decide if you want a pool that’s stunning and eye catching or a pool that blends in and adheres to the design cues of your home. Rarely does a pool company have a say in the tile selection process but if you need assistance, know that we’re happy to help.
2. Pool preparation
Once we’ve decided on what course of action to take, we’ll start preparing your swimming pool. Pool tiles adhesion is only as good as the pool wall preparation. If not prepared properly, the ability of the tile to bond to the concrete may be affected. That said, one of the first things you may expect a pool contractor to do is to drain the pool. It can be done using the actual pump you use to run the pool but in cases where your pool pump is unavailable or unable to drain the water, the pool contractor will have to use a submersible sump pump to suck out the water from your pool. Once the pool is cleared of water, we can now begin preparing the part of the pool wall that needs to be tiled.
Chipping of the pool wall starts as soon as we’re able to get into the pool. Using a grinder or a hammer, high spots on the pool wall is to be removed as well as old tiles that might have cracked or snapped. In the case of a complete pool tiling, the entire plaster or pool finish is to be removed using jackhammers and precision tools chipping away debris around your pool light as well as around the pipes and the plumbing of your pool. Once chipping is done, the surface is then blasted with water to remove any dirt and debris on the exposed pool wall and pool floor. Don’t worry, the concrete is expected to be uneven because of all the hammering and chipping so to make sure the tiles are evenly installed, the deeper holes on the concrete are to be patched. That said, to better prepare the installation of the pool tile, a waterproofing membrane can be applied to the pool giving it another layer of protection. It will then be left to cure and the application of the actual pool tile can be started.
3. Tile installation
Pool tiles are submerged win heavily treated water so it’s best that the pool professional installing the tile is aware of this and are familiar with the demands and the requirements of the process. Installation of the pool tile requires an adhesive mixture that is to be applied on the cured surface and is where the pool tiles will be set.
Mortar and grout are just some of the common materials and adhesives used in applying the swimming pool tiles. Both these products are based from Portland cement that causes both products to harden and is one of the reasons why one should be selective in the process of using which type of mortar to use. However, just like the tiles themselves, not all mortars can be used in swimming pools. The mortar to be used must be impervious against the chemicals that will soon be added to the pool water as using just the average mortar will just be weakened significantly causing you to replace the tiles sooner than expected. That’s why it’s important that the contractor installing your swimming pool tile knows just about what they’re putting in your pool. Trusting the right company may spell the difference between a long-lasting pool tile and disaster.
We at Pool Plaster Central use a tried and tested recipe for tile adhesive to ensure tile longevity and structural durability. When installing the pool tile, it’s important that one lay out the swimming pool tiles to have a visual representation of the swimming pool tile arrangement before one start putting the tiles together. This is a mistake common to new swimming pool companies and often results in re-doing the process and end up in delays. Once the pool tile placement has been carefully arranged, the next step in the process of pool tile installation is spreading the adhesive to the pool walls. The adhesive has to be spread carefully to ensure that the tiles will have a layer of adhesive that’s uniform in direction and in depth. Here’s the fun part. The tiles will now be set to the pool wall adhesive like setting puzzle pieces together. This process is the same even when applying waterline tile or replacing the overall pool plaster with swimming pool tiles. With a few tiles set, a beating block can bet set against the tiles tapping it with a rubber mallet to make sure all the tiles are properly set. A simple but sure technique to compress the tiles to the walls and ensure proper adhesion.
The tiles are then left to cure for 24 hours before the process of grouting is started.
4. Tile grouting
Often overlooked, tile grouting can be considered as one of the most important processes in swimming pool tile installation. Moreover, as we’ve covered above, the right grout will make all the difference in a problematic swimming pool versus a lasting investment. Your grout will fill the spaces between the tiles and gives your swimming pool tile a polished-looking appearance. It also helps prevent dirt and debris from getting in those spaces between each tile and adds strength and rigidity to the overall structure.
We at Pool Plaster Central ensure that the proper steps are taken when applying pool tile in your private pool. We also ensure that the people working on your swimming pool are certified professionals that know what they’re doing.
