So you’ve decided to take the plunge and add a pool to your backyard. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on a journey that will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. But before you can start splashing around, there’s one more important decision to make: what kind of tiles should you use for your pool?
There are many factors to consider when choosing swimming pool tiles, including cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. In this blog post, we’ll help you navigate the world of pool tile options so that you can make an informed decision for your home.
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Swimming Pool Tile Material Options
One of the most important considerations when choosing swimming pool tiles is the material. The three most popular options are ceramic, glass, and porcelain.
Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay that is fired in a kiln. They are a popular choice for pools because they are durable and affordable. Ceramic tiles also come in a wide variety of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find an option that fits your taste. However, ceramic tiles are porous and can absorb dirt and grime, which means they require more upkeep than other tile materials.
Glass tiles are made from—you guessed it—glass! They are typically made from recycled materials, which makes them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious homeowners. Glass tiles are non-porous and don’t require sealing, which makes them easier to care for than ceramic or porcelain tiles. Glass tiles also have reflective qualities that can help make your pool look larger. However, glass tiles can be more expensive than other options, and they may not be the best choice if you have young children who could potentially break them.
Porcelain tiles are made from a mix of clay and other minerals that is fired at extremely high temperatures. They are denser and harder than ceramic tiles, which makes them more durable and resistant to scratching and chipping. Porcelain tiles also come in a wide variety of colors; however, they tend to be more expensive than ceramic or glass options.
Swimming Pool Tile Shape Options
In addition to material, you’ll also need to decide on a tile shape. The three most common shapes for pool tile are square, mosaic, and penny rounds.
 Square tiles are the simplest option; they are typically 4″x4″ or 6″x6″. While square tiles are easy to install, they can show dirt and grime more easily than mosaic or penny-round tiles.
Mosaic tiles come in pre-assembled sheets that contain many small individual pieces of tile. Mosaic sheets typically contain between 100 and 5,000 pieces of tile per sheet. Mosaic tile offers endless design possibilities because of the vast array of colors, sizes, shapes, and patterns available. While mosaic tile can be more difficult (and therefore more expensive) to install than square or penny round tile, the results are well worth it!
Penny round tiles get their name from their shape—they look like coins with their rounded edges (hence the “penny” moniker). Penny round tile is available in solid colors as well as multi-colored patterns. They can add visual interest to your pool while still being easy to clean thanks to their smooth surface.
Conclusion:
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing swimming pool tiles; it ultimately depends on your budget, design preferences, and maintenance requirements. We hope this overview has helped you narrow down your choices so that you can find the perfect pool tile for your home!
