With Spring in the air and Summer just around the corner, it’s that time of year when many are considering putting in a swimming pool.
You may have already decided to put a pool in and are now selecting products to match your style. Whatever the scenario, this article is a must-read!
When designing your pool, apart from the first major decision on what material the pool will be constructed of (concrete or fibreglass), you will need to select products for the surrounds. Products to consider will be the paving area, edge copings, pool equipment, pool heating, lighting, fencing, plants/landscaping and any decorations.
At Tile Warehouse, we specialise in pool tiles and paver design, and the cool thing about tiles is that it’s one of the few options for interior and exterior use. Your outdoor area can incorporate the same tiles from indoor living spaces to the outdoors. Including the pool surrounds!
This article looks at three essential elements to contemplate when designing the pool of your dreams: Paving, Copings and Decorative tiles.
1. POOL PAVING
There are heaps of options for outdoor floor coverings for entertainment areas and pool surrounds these days. Advancements in manufacturing porcelain tiles can mimic natural stone or timber-look tiles replicating various timber varieties and colours (along with knots and imperfections). These new porcelain tiles have the colour throughout the entire tile and are frost and stain-resistant. Their slip-resistant finish makes these tiles ideal for outdoor use, particularly around pools and coping.
Other pool paving/tile options include ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.
When selecting the pool paving (outside of the coping), it should include a review of the four S’s:
- Stain resistance
- Slip resistance
- Salt tolerance
- Strength
Stain Resistance: Pool paving is exposed to many staining things. Regarding entertaining, red wine from spilled drinks or oil from a barbecue to the garden, like tannin from fallen leaves, is a potential source of staining.
TIP: Installing tiles reduces this risk as they are easy to clean. Most types of high-density stone are also effective at resisting stains. If you prefer stone, speak to our staff to review options.
Slip Resistance: Safety around the pool should be paramount and include slip-resistant tiles or stone. Ensure the tiles you purchase are fit for purpose.
Salt Tolerance: Pool surrounds are an aggressive environment for paving as they are exposed to salt or chlorine. The pavers you select must be resistant to salt damage. Porcelain tiles are a great option, and it’s worth considering stone as many such as Granite and Travertine, have excellent salt resistance.
Strength: It’s essential that the pool paving has sufficient strength to withstand day-to-day activities in dry and wet conditions. Porcelain tiles have a high strength rating.
Porcelain tiles also offer the benefits of resistance to;
- Abrasion – scratch-resistant
- Frost and thermal shock
- Fire damage
Example Outdoor Porcelain Tile: Stonerock External/Outdoor Tile
The Stonerock outdoor tile is a natural stone look tile evocative of Australian bushland. A charcoal grey with streaks of warmth and brown.
We have many ranges of porcelain pavers and tiles perfect for your pool on display in our showroom!
2. POOL COPING
Pool coping is the capping or edging around the swimming pool wall that adds visual aesthetics by covering any structure (like the pool shell) underneath. The coping also seals and protects the pool shell and external surfaces from water damage.
At Tile Warehouse, we sell Bullnose coping tiles and right-angle edgings, most of which have matching medium-large sized tiles to use as the pool surround for visual flow.
Functionality of Pool Coping
- Coping protects the pool shell and wall. The coping prevents water from seeping in behind the pool shell and causing damage over time.
- Coping directs water flow. The coping causes water to flow away from the pool and toward your drainage. The pool’s edge collects water splashes, but the coping keeps water moving away from the pool.
- Improves safety. coping makes the pool edge less slippery, making it safer to enter and exit the pool.
- Reduces debris. Coping minimises the chance that leaves, grass, and other debris will get into the pool.
- Provides access to pool maintenance. Pool coping can cover a pool’s less attractive mechanical components at the water’s edge while giving easy maintenance access.
Copings come in different styles, and choosing the right coping for your pool edge can be confusing! There are minor differences in design and function, so here is a list of pool coping styles to help you decide what will work best for your pool.
Bullnose Pool Coping
Bullnose pool coping is popular for numerous reasons, from round ergonomic edges making it easy to hold when entering or exiting the pool to the soft edge creating a traditional pool style.
Drop Mitre Edge Nosing Coping
Drop mitre edge coping tiles have a simple right-angle edge as opposed to the soft curve of the Bullnose tile. Edge Nosing Coping can be used for internal and exterior stair edgings and pool edges. Edge Nosing gives a modern, clean-lined design style.
We have fantastic bullnose & drop mitre coping options on display in store.
3. MOSAICS & DECORATIVE
Mosaic tiles come in many styles and colours, from glass and porcelain tiles in a range of modern & traditional designs, including marble & natural stone look. Mosaics are non-porous, making them ideal for places like swimming pools. They are stain resistant and will hold their appearance for many years.
Mosaic tiles are often used to border the pool surround or even tile the entire pool giving a Spanish or Balinese look.
See our Onix & Ezzarri ranges in store for some beautiful pool mosaic options.
Onix Penta Vanguard BaliStone Pool Mosaic. On display in our showroom.
NOTE: Not all mosaics are suitable for the inside of swimming pools, so it pays to get expert advice from tile specialists. The tiles will be dealing with chlorine and a lot of water pressure, so mosaics must be strong and chemical resistant. Our staff at Tile Warehouse can assist you with mosaic selections.
If installing mosaic tiles on infinity edge pools, overflow walls, or spas, we recommend waterproofing and using epoxy glue and grout. Additionally, when installing, the mosaics must mesh properly, and the correct tile adhesive and grout must be used. Check with your pool tiler that they are using appropriate products.
Most of our porcelain tiles can be used around the pool’s waterline and are safe for submersion.
TIP: If you fall in love with a tile, speak to our friendly staff to check its suitability for a pool!
We can offer assistance and products to suit all budgets and styles. For the latest in tile, stone, and mosaics for your swimming pool, drop into our Warners Bay showroom or send us a message!
