The use of swimming pool tiles, such as glass tiles, and porcelain tiles, including mosaics, is a common practice in many parts of the world. Except for some luxury hotels, a swimming pool tile in the United States is only used on the pool waterline and is made of either porcelain or glass.
Generally, glass pool tile or porcelain pool tiles are used to decorate the swimming pool as a waterline with a height not exceeding six inches. However, that trend is changing as glass pool tiles prices are decreasing. Also, there is a myth that glass is not suitable for pools. In fact, not all glass tiles are ideal to be used as swimming pool tiles, but many are.
Any pool tile needs to be frost-proof, to withstand extreme weather conditions and drastic changes in temperatures. Take into consideration that although pool tiles are frost-proof, they still need to be installed with expansion movement joints, otherwise they may crack, regardless if they are made of glass or porcelain. We have a guide to swimming pool tile installation where we go into details.
If you want to cover a stair or an area of your swimming pool and spa, with glass pool tiles, that slip-resistance is a concern, you may use an anti-slip glass mosaic tile. So when shopping for glass mosaic tiles, look at the specification sheet from the manufacturer or distributor to make sure the tiles can be used in a swimming pool.
Some tiles are unsuitable for outdoors, especially for submerged applications such as pools, spas, and Jacuzzies. The last thing you want is to find that out after your tiles are installed.
Glass tiles for swimming pools must be, besides frost-proof, able to withstand heat and chemicals used to maintain the swimming pool without discoloring. All of our tiles listed on this page are suitable for swimming pools.
It is important to note that the tile's quality is just one of the elements of a successful pool installation.
When installing pool waterline tile, it is fundamental to use proper setting materials such as waterproof membranes, thinset (tile adhesive), and grout.
Also, creating expansion movement joints to allow for contractions and expansions will prevent the tiles from cracking. Learn more about glass pool tile installation.
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