One of the most distinctive features of a pool design is the pool tile. Nothing says carefree and Mid Century Modern quite like a pool, and tile can be one of the pool’s most distinctive features. So if you’re thinking about a pool design, what do you need to consider about pool tile? We put our questions to Nicole Whitley of Modwalls.
Atomic Ranch: What practical factors are there to consider when it comes to pool tile? Glass, ceramic, concrete, porcelain—which materials fare best? How does climate zone affect that choice? What if you have a saltwater pool, do you know which material is best with that?
Nicole Whitley: Because pool tile will be exposed to temperature fluctuation, freezing temperatures, water and chemicals, there are a number of practical considerations that should guide your tile selection.
Durability: Durability is a critical feature when selecting pool tile. Porcelain and frost-proof glass are ideal choices as they can withstand temperature fluctuations and have non-porous surfaces. It’s important to note that porcelain is a ceramic tile fired at very high temperatures. This provides a harder, more durable surface than ordinary ceramic, and minimizes temperature expansion/contraction. Porcelain is the only type of ceramic recommended for pools. Stone can be a beautiful statement in a pool area, but it is porous so it would need to be sealed regularly.
Cleaning: A condition called pool scum is exceedingly common at the waterline (residue from sunscreen and lotions, hard water deposits, small particles, chemical residue, etc). Because glass and porcelain are non-porous, they are much easier to clean than stone or concrete. This is why virtually every concrete pool has tile at the waterline—it’s not just for decoration!
Size: If your pool is square or rectangular, there are no restrictions on tile size. For oval pools and feature areas with curves, a small-format tile (up to 1”) is recommended. Small-format tile can be installed on a curved area without custom cuts and fitting, resulting in a much easier install and more cohesive look.
Installation: We love and support our DIY community, but in the case of pool installations, we highly recommend professional installation. There are many special considerations, materials and techniques related to pool installation, and in this case, there is no substitute for experience. We recommend sourcing an experienced installation company that specializes in pools. A general tile installer will not necessarily be familiar with best practices for pool installations.
Pro Tip – When purchasing your tile, order 10-15% extra and store it for future repairs. Over time, it’s almost inevitable that you will need to replace some individual tiles and you’ll want tile from the same dye lot on hand for replacement. This has become even more important over the last couple of years, as supply chain issues have impacted pigment sourcing in the tile industry, and most brands (including ours) have experienced some color shifts in their inventory.
AR: What about aesthetic considerations for pool tile? Do you have a type of pool-friendly tile that’s most popular?
NW: Waterline tile provides a great opportunity to incorporate color and texture in pool areas. We encourage our clients to look at the pool area as if it were a room, and choose tile that complements the space. Primary considerations would be design style and color. For instance, a retro mosaic like our Brio Atomic Blend would be a great choice for a mid century home, while a large-format tile like our Lush Glass 4×12 would best complement a contemporary home. When considering color, look for something that either coordinates with the surrounding palette (decking, house color, landscaping, etc), or provides a contrasting pop of color.
If you’re moving beyond the waterline to incorporate tile on steps, ledges and feature areas, tile choice becomes even more important. A monochrome mosaic like our Mediterranean Mosaic or PopDotz provides visual interest without feeling busy.
We’re launching a new pool collection called Waterline in March, and we’re really excited about it! This collection is made of 100% recycled fused glass in a variety of great colors, sizes and textures. It also features a poly-dot backing, which is designed specifically for pool installations.
AR: Is there a budget-friendly version? If someone really wants tile for the pool but is trying to keep costs down, what would you recommend?
NW: There are so many great options for inexpensive pool tile these days! Glass mosaic in particular is a great, budget-friendly option.
Just make sure it is pool-rated, and always get a sample first to check color and quality.
AR: What about the opposite. If someone was willing to go all out, would you recommend tiling the whole pool—pool walls and floors combined?
NW: We love these types of installations! If you’re able to invest in full tiling, it’s a totally unique and stunning look.
Love pools? We do too! Read on for Our 10 Favorite Pools. And while you’re thinking about your exterior, don’t miss All About Breeze Blocks and Shut The Front Door: 6 MCM Doors We Love. Find even more resources and inspiration for your backyard, landscaping, gardening and curb appeal needs in our latest Exteriors special issue! Pre-order here.
