Tiles are an integral part of swimming pools. If you use them as a decorative border or to enhance a design, they are undoubtedly one of the materials that will last. However, it’s not so much the item that matters but the material that can have an impact.
Tile Material
Glass tiles are impervious to water and stains. They are suitable for outdoor areas where temperatures can reach 122°F during the day and where rapid cooling can occur at night. In addition, glass tiles are great for hot pools, where they retain ceramic tiles’ strength and durability and the glass’s delicate clarity.
In swimming pools, glass tiles also have the added benefit of being resistant to chemical attacks.
Ceramic tiles are also suitable for swimming pools unless the glaze is acid sensitive. They are resistant to frost and fading and, when properly installed and maintained, will last a long time.
What is the Best Color of Tiles for Swimming Pools?
The reality is that water is transparent, but due to its waves, it absorbs the red palate of the light spectrum, leaving the impression of blue. Blue is often the preferred color for two reasons:
- Blue is a color associated with bodies of water.
- Impurities turn the water into a sepia tone, and cool blue tiles balance out the warm-toned water and make it appear clearer.
The color choice for the waterline or pool deck ultimately depends on your creativity. Regardless, a pool is always the center of attention.
Blue pool tiles are an obvious choice, but other colors are also used depending on the look you are going for. Black-lined pools absorb heat from the sun, naturally warming the water 5-10 degrees more than light-colored pools. This passive heating makes for a more comfortable swimming experience and helps reduce energy consumption if you prefer a warmer pool. Black pool tiles, for example, not only add dramatic esthetic value to a pool.
Mosaic Tiles
Pools are one of the best applications for mosaic tiles. The advantages of mosaics, whether mixed or solid colors are:
- Small Size – use mosaic tiles to create the most intricate color mixes. Even a single color creates an attractive, uniform grid. It can be an abstract blend of blues or greens that mimics the various hues of the ocean or a realistic graphic scene.
- Added Grip – mosaic tiles offer more grip underfoot, especially on stairs, spa ledges, or pool deck edges, thanks to the higher percentage of grout lines per square foot compared to a larger tile.
- Material – mosaic tiles are available in both glass and ceramic.
Best Uses for Pool Tiles
Waterline Detail – every pool surface is deserving of fine design, but where it probably matters most is the waterline. It is the most visible area as it doesn’t hide from the water and is at eye level when you are in the pool. You can keep a color motif with the interior or deck of the pool but create an eye-catching feature.
Raised Water Features – like a waterline, a raised water feature is a great place to add detail to your pool design. For example, a retaining wall with water features is a great area to cover with tiles.
Create a Contrast – now in style is contrast. By mixing the refraction of light in water, any pattern makes a pool more intriguing. Incorporating several colors in an irregular pattern can add eye candy to your oasis.
Enhance Tanning Shelves – tanning shelves are the latest additions to the list of procuring the perfect tile design for a pool. Since it is a shallow area, it gives a new way to enjoy the oasis and a new site to place tiles.
Remember that our designers at Platinum Pools are ready to help design the perfect pool for your backyard. Call us today at 281-870-1600 or visit our website for a free quote.