How Do I Choose a Waterline Tile?

Even in ancient times, Romans had some serious luxury available whenever they felt like taking a dip. Imagine vast arches and arches covered with marble and mosaics tiles. But even they might have been inclined to envy all the incredible array of tiles that are now available to any average modern pool owner.

The two most common types of pool tiles stand out. They are ceramic tiles and glass tiles. Ceramic tiles are very dense and have a shallow water absorption rate, making them perfect for use in swimming pools.

Ceramic is the go-to tiles for most professionals since they are good at bonding with the pool’s shell and withstanding the test of time. When compared against the glass, these ceramic tiles are cheaper to both buy and lay.

Glass tiles have gained popularity in the last ten years. Many pool owners in Dallas, TX, go for glass tiles because of the vast range of colors they have to offer. Glass tiles also come in various finishes such as crystal and pearl, which shimmer and sparkle underneath the water, bringing the pool to life.

 

The Importance of Waterline Tiles

Before selecting what’s best for you, you need to understand that waterline tiles in swimming pool are essential for maintenance and aesthetics. These tiles are mounted on top of the pool below the protective cap, ideally installed as a 6-inch band at the water level.

The purpose of waterline tiles is to follow your pool’s perimeter and help you prevent a yellow scummy line that forms around the pool’s waterline. It is caused by pollen, body oils, sunscreen, and other substances that enter the water.

 

Glass or Ceramic

There are several factors that you should consider before deciding on what fits your pool the best.

Glass tiles– these are the latest and the most fashionable trend in the market. It gives out a sense of luxury and appeal visually. They also add to the resale value of your property, which is a long-term benefit. These glass tiles for both the waterline tile or the entire pool are surging in popularity thanks to its reflection and the wide variety of colors. They perfectly reflect the sunlight and mirror the movement of water.

Ceramic tiles– they are still the most common choice for owners. It’s a dense and durable swimming pool tile that is easy to install and maintain. These soft touch tiles are also available in several styles and colors, making it an easy pick for most.

While purchasing one, keep these advantages in mind and see what suits your budget the best. Glass tiles are usually more expensive.

 

Colors

Waterline tiles are usually half-submerged underwater, allowing for the top three inches to be visible. But don’t take it lightly; these three inches can have a powerful impact on your overall landscape design.

The most popular color for swimming pool tiles is blue. They are available in various shades from light blue to dark for both ceramic and glass.

People often go for white tiles too to achieve a light blue watercolor. Many luxury spas and hotels often use this trick because white color ideally denotes purity and relaxation.

But it’s not the only option you have. Other popular colors that people use for full tiling include aqua, black, and charcoal. If you plan on taking it a step further, you could even go for bolder color schemes like chocolate or even red tiles to fully tile a pool.

Since glass tends to reflect, glass tiles look rich and vibrant. Ceramic, on the other hand, adds some gradient to the water’s color and gives you a solid waterline tile to look at.

 

The shape

Previously, pool tiles were traditionally square, but now rectangular tiles have also become popular during the past five years. The one thing that remains unchanged is that pool tiles are much different from their indoor cousins.

All pool tiles need to be fired at a higher temperature and should have a low water absorption rate, so standard wall tiles are not suitable for underwater use. Pool tiles also need to be supplied in sheets since they are typically supplied on a mesh backing. This makes it easier to lay.

Keep in mind that professionals often prefer smaller tiles with irregular pool shapes; they are much easier to wrap around corners. Some professionals also believe that using smaller chips also gives you a more opulent feel.

Just like there are different grout colors for indoor tiles, you have the freedom to choose different grout colors for pools too. For those who don’t know, grout is a paste used to fill crevices and gaps between tiles. The most popular grout colors that are used are grey and white.

 

Need a professional opinion in choosing waterline tile?

Choosing what’s right for your pool could sometimes get confusing and challenging. If you can’t decide what’s perfect for you and need help answering queries about the color, design, or material, you can get in touch with one of our experts at Fujiwa Tiles.

Be it an installation or a renovation; we can help you choose the right pool tile that matches your taste, needs, and budget. And if you don’t find anything you like, we also provide customized solutions.

Although rapidly growing, our company remains devotedly attuned to the fast-shifting pace of the market trends.

Call us for your queries, and our experienced tiling professionals should answer all your questions.