Tiled swimming pools

For reasons of economy, maintenance and choice of finish, very few swimming pools are now tiled. The tiled swimming pool has largely been replaced by the lined pool where a vinyl liner is used to cover the walls and floor of the swimming pool.

Even so, some pool owners do choose to have a traditional tiled lining to their swimming pool and this page offers some information relating to suitable tiles, adhesives and grouts for this purpose.

Pool tiles

Although some companies do sell tiles for under water applications and even specifically for pools, many different tiles are suitable for use as a liner to a swimming pool. When you think about it tiles are generally used in wet or corrosive environments like, kitchens, bathrooms and washrooms. A swimming pool is not that different.

Performance requirements

Proper tiles are made from clay that is fired in a kiln with a special decorative and hardwearing glaze on its finished surface. Both the tile body and the glazed finish are highly resistant to heat, water and chemicals and this means that many tiles are suitable as pool liner tiles.

So how can you tell if a tile is swimming pool friendly?

As a general guide start by asking the salesperson, but also get some factual information about the tiles that you are interested in. Start by finding out what the water absorption rate is.

A water absorption (WA) rate of 3% or less is normally suitable for submerged applications. Tiles with a higher water absorption may allow some water into their pores and if they are subjected to freezing conditions the faces of the tiles may spore away (e.g. break, bubble or crack).

As a guide, tiles that are classified as porcelain or glass will have a very low WA and they will be suitable. They will also have more accurate size tolerances which enable joints to be smaller, more attractive and more durable. (It is the joint and not the tile that is the weak link with tiled swimming pools.)

Appearance

If you want to line your swimming pool with tiles, think about the finished look of the pool. Decide if you want small mosaic style tiles, or larger tiles. You can also mix and match tile sizes by using one size on the base, another size on the walls and yet another size for a highlighting course at the top of the pool walls. If you want a pattern you may wish to use one tile type for the pattern and another for the fill-in areas around it. Again different sizes can be used. Steps and pool access points can also be highlighted by using a different tile or a tile laid in a different orientation.

Think about surface finishes. Very smooth tiles do not always look as good as textured tiles or tiles with a gritted finish in a showroom, however they are easier to clean and they have a crisper appearance when viewed through water.

Tile shape is another selection criteria. Rectangular tiles, e.g. 250mm x 125mm, can help to elongate the base and walls if laid in the length orientation and they also make feature that require lines easier to form.

Pool surround tiles

The chances are it won’t just be the inside of your pool that you tile, but also the perimeter area around it. Tiles are easy to walk on, easy to clean and they look good. You get continuity from the pool to the pool side area and you improve the aesthetic of your swimming and bathing environment.

You can choose pool side tile that are identical to those fitted as the pool lining, however having a contrast often works better. Doing this also allows you to select a different tile with a non slip texture or surface finish.

Information about swimming pool tile adhesive and grout for swimming pool tiles can be found here Adhesive and Grout for swimming pool applications.