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When you look at the many types of pool tiles available today, you realize the possibilities are endless regarding the level of luxury your pool can possess. Yet while it's important to have your pool looking great, it's also crucial that you begin by selecting waterline tiles that provide the proper aesthetics and maintenance your pool needs. Along with looking good, waterline pool tiles serve a valuable purpose once installed. If you're in the process of picking out pool waterline tiles, here's a complete guide to everything you need to know.
Why Do I Need Waterline Tile in My Pool?
If you don't have high-quality waterline tile in your pool, it won't be long until your pool's waterline will be characterized by a very noticeable yellow scum line. Created by various substances that enter your pool water, such as sunscreen, pollen, body oils, and other things, this won't make you and anyone else at your pool eager to take a dip.
Waterline pool tiles also make it easy to remove any scum or other dirt and grime when your pool is being cleaned, since the surface of these tiles is made so that a few swipes with a rag is all that is needed to get rid of any scum buildup. Should you not use waterline pool tiles, you will be trying to scrub off the scum, which may or may not come off. In addition, you will probably damage your pool tile in the process, resulting in you spending more than a few dollars for a repair job.
Are Waterline Pool Tiles Really Necessary?
Technically, a pool does not necessarily require waterline pool tiles. However, if these tiles are not installed, a pool can experience problems that may lead to very expensive repairs or even a complete replacement job.
Waterline pool tiles prevent the buildup of a scum line and also add a touch of luxury and elegance to a pool's looks. But along with these benefits, the waterline tiles keep the pool's shell or liner sealed. Having an airtight liner or shell prevents such problems as cracking, erosion, and pool water that freezes, all of which could result in substantial damage to a pool.
Other Benefits of Waterline Tiles
Depending on the type of tile you select for your waterline pool tile, you may actually wind up with a pool that is much more valuable than you realize.
As most contractors already know, using glass tiles for a pool's waterline tends to add more resale value to a property. In fact, glass tiles are now being used more and more not just for the waterline, but for the entire pool surface. Visually appealing and offering a feel of luxury, glass tiles can turn an ordinary pool into an extraordinary pool.
How Should I Choose Waterline Tiles?
When choosing your waterline pool tile, take into consideration not only the look you want for your pool but also how easy you want the maintenance to be when it's time for cleaning.
You will also need to take other factors into consideration, especially cost and durability. The two most popular types of waterline pool tiles are ceramic and glass. For most pool professionals, ceramic is the tile used most often along waterlines. Along with lasting for many years once installed, ceramic tiles are very affordable and tend to bond well on a pool's shell. If you're on a budget, ceramic tiles will be a good choice, since they are reasonably priced and easy materials for contractors to install.
What Pool Tile Designs Are In Style?
Even though ceramic pool tile is very popular with homeowners and contractors, glass tile is rapidly becoming the waterline tile of choice in more and more pools. In fact, over the past decade, most contractors have noticed a big upswing in the number of pools using glass tiles for their waterline.
This is happening for a number of reasons. First, glass tiles come in a wide range of colors, which also holds true for ceramic tiles. However, glass tiles offer the added benefit of featuring different finishes such as pearl or crystal. This has glass tiles sparkling and shimmering underneath the pool's water, giving swimmers the feeling they are swimming in the ocean.
Whether you choose ceramic or glass tiles, the shape of the tile plays an important part in your choice of pool tiles. Recently, hexagon pool tiles have grown in popularity, as well as the fan favorite choice of using iridescent subway tile in your pool. It’s important to explore many options when choosing waterline tiles, so you know exactly what you want!
What are the Best Colors for Waterline Pool Tiles?
When it's time to select the color for a waterline pool tile, this comes down to individual preference. However, some colors tend to be more popular than others.
If you've noticed pools at hotels and spas, you'll see white tiles are often used for waterline pool tiles. As to why it's because they result in the pool's water having a beautiful light blue color and because the color white is known for denoting relaxation as well as purity. Similarly, grey pool tiles have been growing in popularity for offering a neutral color palette.
No matter if it's ceramic or glass tiles used at a pool's waterline, other colors also prove to be popular. Blue glass tiles leads the way, but bolder colors like red, black, chocolate, and charcoal are also popular since bolder colors make it easier for a pool to have a solid waterline.
How is Waterline Tile Installed?
Waterline tiles are always installed so that they follow the pool's perimeter. Mounted on top of a pool, they are placed just below the protective cap at water level, usually as a six-inch band.
While most waterline tiles are square, many pool owners are now choosing waterline pool tiles with a rectangular shape. In many cases, tiles such as rectangular ones that have irregular shapes often work better for contractors, since these tiles are much easier to fit into corners and other tight or unusual spaces. Over the past several years, rectangular waterline tiles have gotten quite popular.
How Much Does Tile Installation Cost?
Whether waterline pool tile is being laid for the first time or is being replaced, the overall cost tends to average between $2,000-$2,500, which is very reasonable.
If a pool is completely retiled, the cost will vary significantly depending on its size. For smaller pools, the cost for a complete tiling may be no more than the cost of installing waterline pool tile in a larger pool. However, if a pool is large, a complete tiling can cost close to $70,000, especially if the highest-quality glass tiles are used for the job.
Enlist the Help of Pool Tile Professionals
When it's time to choose waterline pool tiles, choose a contractor, or learn more about why these tiles are so important to a pool large or small, we at Oasis Tile always believe talking to professionals is the first step that pool owners should take.
Whether it's a small restoration job or a major renovation, knowing all you can about different styles, colors, designs, and more can make any job much easier. Remember, it's not just pool owners who need advice now and then. Since contractors also want to keep up on the latest design trends and which materials work best for various pools, many of the best pool contractors consult with pool tile professionals so that they can give their customers outstanding service.
Here at Oasis Tile, we know your pool is important to you and your family. Therefore, it's crucial that it be kept not only looking great, but also in the best possible condition. If it's time to explore the various options in waterline pool tiles and which ones would work best for your budget and other needs, rely on Oasis Tile to find the perfect waterline pool tile.
