Pool Tile Ideas & Inspiration

Looking for pool tile ideas and inspiration for your pool remodeling project? Swimming pool tile can make a beautiful and dramatic statement in your backyard. With so many designs and material choices, homeowners have many options — including color, size, texture, and designs.

Did you know there are different pool tiles for different elements in your pool? Let’s look at the benefits of each pool tile and the different terminology so you choose the right ones for your pool.

Versatility, Durability & Beauty

Swimming pool tile has many benefits. If you’re looking to remodel and resurface your pool, consider how tile offers a custom look. Your pool tile idea can either add a focal point that pops or one that offers a more blended look, for example:

• Customized designs to enhance your pool and backyard area – mix and match more than a single tile choice
• Available in a variety of sizes – just be aware that the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you will see.
• Create vignettes — you don’t have to restrict your design to a single look for all the elements on a pool, spa, spa dam wall and raised walls (Raised Bond Beams). Just like in a home, tile can be used effectively to create a “designer” look
• Retain finishes while updating tile – not ready to replaster but want to create a new look? No problem – a contractor can replace tiles while saving your pool finish.

Ideas for Each Pool Tile Type

Pool tile can be used in various areas of a swimming pool. When remodeling a pool, keep these tile types in mind when creating your new design:

1. Waterline Tile – This is the layer of tile (usually 6”) at the top edge of your pool located just below the coping or deck. Waterline tile is typically the first design element you see when looking at your pool. Have a unique pool tile idea? Then your waterline tile provides an opportunity to show off a compelling design like a mosaic or mix two different tiles to make a designer look.
2. Trim Tile – This is the tile you see on the leading edge of steps and benches. It’s required for commercial pools and is used in residential pools to create dramatic accents. Trim tile — especially in contrasting colors — helps you see the edges of steps which adds a safety element that is also beautiful to look at.
3. Spillway Tile – Typically spillway tile is the same as the waterline tile, but you can vary the spillway (where there’s a notch in a spa dam wall) to provide an additional accent.
4. Raised Bond Beams – Whenever the wall of a pool is higher than deck level, that’s called a Raised Bond Beam. You can cover the beam with tile, stone, natural or manufactured materials depending upon your pool design.

Pool Tile Materials

Natural stone, manufactured stone, and porcelain tiles are commonly used in pools today. Ceramic tile, which is usually used in kitchens, bathrooms and other interior applications, are not recommended for pools. Ceramic will slowly disintegrate in a pool due to the water chemistry. Confirm that your final tile choices are approved for pool usage!

When shopping for swimming pool tile, look for natural or manufactured stone tile or porcelain tile.

Natural or Manufactured Stone Tile 

When you want to create a natural atmosphere — like a river, lake or pond — then natural or manufactured stone is a wonderful pool tile idea. It’s available in a variety of sizes and textures in subtle earth tones. It’s durable, slip resistant and retains the warmth of a hot summer day.

Porcelain Tile

The most common type of swimming pool tile is made of porcelain. It retains its original look with basic maintenance. The reason porcelain tile holds up against pool chemicals is that porcelain is fired at a much higher temperature.

Before You Decide to Consult An Expert 

Before you decide on which pool tile idea is ideal for your backyard, talk with an expert to understand all the pros and cons related to your remodeling project. At Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling, we will present options that best fit your needs and budget.