Take a Deep Dive Into Swimming Pool Tile

Take a Deep Dive Into Swimming Pool Tile

Regardless of the season, whether it's the chill of winter or the heat of summer, our thoughts often wander to the refreshing allure of a swimming pool, with its crystal-clear waters beckoning us. You don't have to just dream about exotic escapes; with the right design, you can create a vacation-worthy pool paradise right at home, especially when adorned with stunning Fireclay ceramic and glass pool tiles.

Tile: 4x4 in Koi // Design: Handsome Salt // Image: Jenny Siegwart

A pool filled with tiles boasts a timeless elegance. Both ceramic and glass tiles stand the test of time, enduring environmental factors while offering unmatched design versatility. Whether you're looking for waterline tiles or a full glass mosaic, the options are plentiful. With over 100 shades available in ceramic and glass, your tile design possibilities are limitless.

Tile: 6" Triangles in Milk Way + Sand Dune // Design + Image: Rich Combs and Sara Combs

Benefits of Ceramic Pool Tile

Ceramic pool tiles offer endless design flexibility for your dream pool. You can recreate an unforgettable hotel pool from a trip or craft a design purely from imagination. From exquisite mosaic tiles and custom depth markers to slip-resistant glazes approved for commercial use, ceramic tiles let you express your personality in every part of your pool.

Tile: 6" Triangles in Milk Way + Sand Dune // Design + Image: Rich Combs and Sara Combs

Handmade ceramic tiles are highly durable, making them unique for swimming pools. They are frost-resistant, fade-resistant, and chemical-resistant; hence, a ceramic tile pool maintains its luxurious appearance year after year. Additionally, ceramic tiles are simpler to clean than other pool surfaces, allowing you to enjoy your oasis more and spend less time on maintenance.

Click here to view our pool-safe colors on our Guide to Fireclay Pool Tile.

Tile: 2x8 in Magnetite // Design: Amber Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac Photography

Benefits of Glass Pool Tile

Our radiant glass tile collection is an excellent choice for outdoor pools, reflecting the sunlight's shimmer onto the water while showcasing your unique aesthetic. Crafted by fusing ceramic glazes at extreme temperatures, our glass pool tiles come in 48 colors, ranging from cool blues to vibrant sunset reds, alongside neutrals that beautifully complement natural stone in gloss or matte finishes.

A properly installed glass tile pool will likely exceed the lifespan of most other pool materials. These tile pools are non-permeable, water-resistant, freeze-proof, and can endure rapid temperature changes, making them ideal for outdoor settings.

Tile: 1x1 in Dove Gloss // Design: Becki Owens // Image: Rebekah Westover Photography

Caring for Ceramic and Glass Pool Tile

Maintaining your ceramic and glass pool tiles is straightforward. The better you care for them, the longer they will retain their stunning appearance. Start by giving your newly installed pool tiles a thorough clean to remove any grout or other materials immediately.

Tile: 2x2 in Neptune

To prevent stains and algae growth on your tiles, we recommend cleaning the waterline tiles before the swimming season begins. This can be accomplished by lowering the water level to expose the tiles for a thorough cleaning, as algae and stains can harm your waterline.

Tile: 2x6 Skipping Stone and 6x6 Tusk

For light dirt and grime, use mild dish soap mixed with water and a clean cloth or mop, or opt for any neutral pH cleaner designed for tile. If a more robust cleaning solution is needed, use a mildly alkaline detergent.

It’s essential to test any cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t adversely impact the glaze. Use cleaners that are free of phosphoric acid.

Tile: 3x6 Oyster Shell, Rosemary, and Salton Sea

Avoid acid-based cleansers like vinegar or lemon juice as some glazes are sensitive to acid. Harsh cleaners should not be used regularly, as frequent use of strong alkalines or acids can deteriorate the sealers applied to prevent dirt and oils from penetrating the grout.

Tile: 4x4 Koi

If cleaning fails to remove pool scum, algae, or grime, you may consider pressure washing your pool tiles. For optimal results, use a steam pressure washer capable of reaching at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit with a PSI of 2000 to 3000 while maintaining a distance of three feet during testing.

Tile: 4x4 Koi

Pool Waterline Tile

Applying tile solely along the waterline can significantly enhance your pool's design impact with minimal tile use.

Tile: Desert Bloom 6x6 // Design: Cassandra Winslow // Image: Nicholas Winslow

No matter how you tile other areas of your pool, the waterline is perfect for showcasing a distinctive tile shape, as it’s noticeable from anywhere in the pool.

Tile: Jade Mini Star & Cross, Jade 2x2 Sheeted // Design & Image: Airey Baringer

An elevated spa can also highlight the waterline tile's features, such as Star and Cross clad pools.

Tile: White Wash Mini Star & Cross // Design: Jessie Lane Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac

Pool Stair Tile

The stairs of your pool create the first impression and must be safe and functional.

Tile: Dolomite & Quartzite 2x6 // Design & Image: Lindsey Hanna Design

Choosing a matte finish or a textured tile with grip can enhance safety. Smaller mosaic tiles increase the number of grout lines, improving traction.

Tile: Carolina Wren Matte & Rosy Finch Matte 3x3 // Design: Samantha Klein // Image: Marj Cruz

Trim Options Available

For those needing a finished edge on waterfalls, steps, or corners, we offer bullnose and quarter round options to soften tile transitions.

Due to the complexity involved in measuring for trim, it’s not available for direct online purchase. However, our design assistants are here to help you find the ideal trim for your project. Reach out now to begin your order and explore our Trim Guide for more details.

Tile: 2x8 in Magnetite with Long Edge Bullnose Trim // Design: Amber Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac Photography

Ready to begin? Feel free to sample any of our ceramic or glass swimming pool tiles. If you need additional information, don't hesitate to download our free Complete Guide to Pool Tile.

Tile: 3x6 Oyster Shell, Rosemary, and Salton Sea

The care of your pool tile extends its beauty and longevity. Always clean the area thoroughly, especially the waterline, to provide a stunning look season after season.

For more inquiries about Blue Glass Pool Tiles, feel free to contact us.