Press Room

New Pool Cool
Today's tiles rise far above the pools they adorn
By Elyse Glickman
June 2007

While in-ground pools and spas generally add landscaping dimension, fun, and increased value to homes, a new generation of pool tiling makes the prospects and the investment all the more worthwhile. Thanks to the skilled eye of innovative designers and manufacturers, simple, sea-green concaves are giving way to fanciful, enduring, and exotic alternatives that can potentially make a residential backyard retreat as alluring as the carefully conceived versions at far-off vacation destinations.

Bear in mind, however, that what tiles are made of will be just as much of a deciding factor as texture and appearance, especially with more choices than ever before. “Remember, tiles look different in various lights and when they are wet,” notes Eric B. of A&E’s design series Designing Blind. “If you have hard water, consider a textured or patterned tile to hide calcium deposits. I like mosaic or patterned tiles in various shades of blue along the waterline, which make water look like it is constantly moving. For a sophisticated look, add visual interest with tiles that match the color of the deck or patio, but in different textures and finishes. Also keep in mind that grout, the glue that holds it all together, has an important effect on the look and feel of the tiles. For a contemporary look, use a narrow grout line in a color that blends with the tile color. For a more rustic look, use a wider grout line in a contrasting color.”

While it is important to put aesthetics first, weather conditions, function, acid resistance (protection against rain and snow), and even water features (such as re-circulating water fountains) are key things to consider, not just in selecting tile, but also installing it, according to California Pottery & Tile Works co-founder Sean McLean.

“Our online tile-maker software (Malibu TilePainter) allows homeowners to create unique designs by either working with a consultant at the factory or from their home desktop computer and order a ‘strike-off,’ a completed tile with the actual finished colors,” says McLean. “The software also allows homeowners to compare frost-resistant versus frost-proof tiles, which matters in the installation. We recommend against going to a big-box home store to get adhesive, but a good rule of thumb is that when in doubt, talk to a manufacturer of adhesive or tiles.” McLean also stresses that if a homeowner is putting in a 6-inch waterline and the pool surface is relatively smooth and standard, then installation with the right adhesive is simple. However, if it’s a fully tiled pool, DIYers might want to leave the work to the professionals for best results.

Matt Doolin at Topanga Art Tile in Topanga, California, offers some solid advice for pool owners throughout the United States: “Choosing your pool tiles very much depends on the look you want. Determine, ahead of time, if you want to go traditional, modern--or if you are ready for more fantasy, as the owner of this pool (in the photos) was. No matter what your taste, I always suggest using higher quality materials and products if you are going through the process of doing a pool or spa. Indoor or outdoor, you need to think about how the materials will work with the light and, of course, consider your area’s climate. We always use porcelain, due to its superior quality, durability, and beauty. You also have to think about what other materials you will be working with and make sure they go together well. What does your deck and coping consist of? Will you be using plaster or Pebble Tec in the pool?”

Doolin further advises that pool owners pay attention to details and think the process through before they start, and to “make sure you coordinate all the different trades that will be involved in the project. Your material choices will affect the building process.”

Safety in pool areas has increased correspondingly to the times, as well. Ceramica Arnon represents a major technological breakthrough in tiles intended for wet areas such as pools, spas, and showers. While the effects are visually striking, the materials the tiles are made from add greatly to a wet area’s safety factor. Artwork in Architectural Glass offers another innovative alternative to traditional pool tile, where the glass flooring can be used to surround the perimeter of the pool for a transcendent and translucent, modern appeal. 

Elyse Glickman is a frequent contributor to from house to HOME, and loves a cool pool.

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