Spring and heat make way for outdoor spaces and swimming pools, which begin to claim their prominence and care. It is time to put our ‘aquatic oasis’ and make the right choice of pool tiles.
Spring and heat make way for outdoor spaces and swimming pools, which begin to claim their prominence and care. It is time to put our ‘aquatic oasis’ and make the right choice of pool tiles.
The choice of pool tile is one of the most important decisions when planning this installation. The versatility of the material and the visual continuity between areas are two premises to be taken into account. But, before choosing the porcelain tile for swimming pools, we must pay attention to a series of particularities. In the following post we discover what you have to take into account to select the most suitable cladding.
Metropolitan Silver pool tile (Porcelanosa) as pavement and pool stairs. Par-ker® Tanzania Almond, and Polynesia Blue (L’Antic Colonial) wood effect tiles for the pool deck.
Before talking about materials, the first thing we must know is the type of pools to decide which one we want. According to the water filtration, we differentiate between overflowing, infinity and skimmer. Each one of them has a structure that adjusts to the needs and preferences.
Overflowing system: This is perhaps the most popular option at present. In this case, the water ‘overflows’ around the perimeter of the pool and is collected in a gutter along the edge of the pool. Overflowing pool made with Bali Ubud Matt ceramic tiles by L’Antic Colonial.
Infinity system: Integration into the landscape is the main feature of infinity pools. This type of system produces an overflowing effect, generally on the perimeter of the pool. It also stands out for being very hygienic by dragging impurities into the channel with the water flow. In this way, its quality is maintained, reducing the use of chemical products. Infinity pool in the Acantilado project with Porcelanosa’s Bottega Topo porcelain tile.
Skimmer system: This system places the water level about 20 centimeters below the edges. The water is introduced into the channeling system -located below the edge- for cleaning and disinfection. It is the most classic style and at the same time the one that best allows the integration of the interior with the exterior. Par-ker® Nobu Arce pool tile, by Porcelanosa, in the skimmer system.
Before we dive into the selection of pool tile and decking for around swimming pools, it is crucial to know all the options. Nowadays, there is an extensive variety of colors, shapes and sizes to tile. From porcelain pools to vitreous mosaic tiles, each material has its own technical features and advantages. The best thing you can do is to invest the necessary time in choosing the material. As long as you know well the possibilities and needs of your project or pool, you will make the right choice.
Porcelanosa offers a wide range of integral solutions based on porcelain tiles for swimming pools and their surroundings. A durable, highly resistant, hygienic, ecological and multiformat material that also allows special pieces to be made to shape edges and borders.
These are the main advantages offered by the installation of pool tiles:
– Water resistance: Its non-porosity and impermeable surface prevents water absorption, reducing the possibility of leaks.
– In addition, its design is made to withstand the conditions present in a swimming pool. These are the constant exposure to water, the chemicals used for its maintenance and temperature changes.
– Aesthetics: Tiles for swimming pools offer a wide range of options. An extensive catalog that allows you to customize your design as much as possible. This means being able to choose one model for the pavement, another for the pool floors and another for the pool shell itself.
Baltimore Beige pool tile with Pool-deck system by Porcelanosa and Butech.
The versatility of ceramic and porcelain tiles are the main options when lining a swimming pool. A wide range of designs, formats and colors facilitates their inclusion in projects of all kinds.
Modern pool colors: The most common tones are blues and greens, which resemble water and create a feeling of freshness and tranquility. There are also more neutral options, with pieces in beige, gray or nude, which create a more sophisticated atmosphere. An original and elegant alternative is wood-effect ceramics, with the Par-ker® (Porcelanosa) series. These take on the appearance of oak, ash or walnut, creating more natural environments.
Finishes: The versatility of ceramic tiles for swimming pools makes it possible to create a wide variety of designs inspired by stone, cement or wood. In addition, L’Antic Colonial’s mosaic collections are particularly suitable for installation in this type of outdoor installation.
Format: The large tiles for swimming pools add a plus of beauty to the outdoor space. They achieve a sense of visual continuity on the floor, enhancing the right choice of joint color. Collections such as XLIGHT, by Porcelanosa, combined with Epotech Aqua, by Butech, are perfect to achieve this effect.
Terrace area with Horus Beige Texture Home natural stone floor, and Bali Negara Matt pool tile, both from L’ Antic Colonial.
Safety and functionality: it is essential to use pool tile models with a non-slip finish, especially where water can accumulate. This will reduce the risk of slips and falls. Pool tiles are also functional, helping to delimit specific areas. For example, by marking deeper areas or indicating stairs, a visual reference is provided for swimmers.
Maintenance and care: its smooth, non-porous surface prevents the accumulation of dirt and moisture. In addition, large pool tiles and mosaics do not require periodic painting and sealing. This reduces long-term maintenance costs.
One of the main issues to consider when designing a swimming pool is the aesthetic combination between the pool shell and the surrounding areas.
As we have already mentioned, porcelain stoneware is an ideal material for interior cladding. Its durability, strength and versatility allow you to customize the design and incorporate different solutions that improve functionality and aesthetics. The access stairs, the walls that give shape to different areas of the pool, islands, ramps or steps are elements that can be covered with this material.
On the other hand, the exterior and surroundings of the vessel will give the final appearance to the space. Therefore, we are going to analyze the different possibilities of combination with respect to the cladding of the vessel.
Use the same model for the interior, for the exterior and for the lining of the pool shell. This will give us a visual continuity of the atmosphere and a minimalist look. For example, Bottega Acero, by Porcelanosa, is the main protagonist. Next to it, the Tec Round shower column by Noken.
Another option is to combine a colorful mosaic for the inside of the pool with a porcelain model on the edges of the pool and the terrace floor. In this way, you will achieve an outdoor space with a lot of personality. In this case, the Par-ker® Gent Castaño wood-effect ceramic has been used as paving. And Polynesia Ocean, by L’ Antic Colonial, has been used for the pool.
A third, more complex, yet fully customized possibility is as follows. First, cover the walls of the pool with a mosaic, the edges with another model and a third color for the joint pavement of the terrace. Dip Dark mosaic with Bali Ubud Matt pool tiles (both from L’ Antic Colonial), and Bottega White, from Porcelanosa.
All in all, the choice of pool tiles is an important decision that should be made in a very thoughtful way. Along with the overall design of the installation, the pool tile sets the aesthetics of the outdoor space.
Therefore, in addition to strength, durability, style and safety, there are other factors to consider. For example, a correct waterproofing of the pool is essential to avoid possible leaks and the deterioration of our pool. Products such as Sylastic Premium (Butech), combined with specific adhesives (Super-flex s2), will help you get the most out of your aquatic oasis.
This set of priorities will help us to shape our swimming pool according to our taste and needs. As you have seen, the pool tile offers endless design possibilities. Although there is a common denominator: to turn the terrace of your house into a place where you can relax and enjoy the good weather with your people.
