With a Mediterranean, minimalist or classic style, the pool tile will be key to define the aesthetics of your outdoor summer space.
Spring and the warm weather make way for outdoor spaces and swimming pools, which are beginning to claim their prominence and care. It is time to get our ‘aquatic oasis’ ready and make the right choice of pool tiles.
Why choose porcelain tile for your outdoor projects?
The choice of pool tile is one of the most important decisions when considering this installation. The versatility of the material and visual continuity between areas are two premises to be taken into account. But before choosing porcelain tiles for swimming pools, we must pay attention to a series of particularities. In the following post we will tell you what you need to take into account to select the most suitable cladding.
Metropolitan Silver pool tile (Porcelanosa) as flooring and pool steps. Walkway with Par-ker® Tanzania Almond wood effect tiles, and Polynesia Blue (L’Antic Colonial) for the pool basin.
Types of swimming pools
Before talking about materials, the first thing we need to know is the type of pool to decide which one we want. Depending on the water filtration, we differentiate between overflow, infinity and skimmer. Each of them has a structure that adjusts to the needs and preferences.
Overflowing swimming pool made with Bali Ubud Matt ceramic tiles by L’Antic Colonial.
Overflow 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 that borders the pool. Overflowing pool made with Bali Ubud Matt ceramic tiles by L’Antic Colonial.
Infinity pool in the Acantilado project with Porcelanosa’s Bottega Topo porcelain tile.
Infinity system: Integration into the landscape is the main feature of infinity pools. This type of system produces an overflow effect, generally around the perimeter of the pool. It is also very hygienic as impurities are dragged into the channel with the flow of water. This maintains its quality and reduces the use of chemical products. Infinity pool in the Acantilado project with Bottega Topo porcelain tile by Porcelanosa.
Swimming pool tile PAR-KER® Nobu Maple by Porcelanosa in the Skimer system
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 integrates the interior with the exterior. Par-ker® Nobu Arce pool tile, by Porcelanosa, in the skimmer system.
Determining factors in the choice of tiles for swimming pools
Before diving into the selection of pool tile and flooring for around swimming pools, it is crucial to know all the options. Nowadays, there is an extensive variety of colours, shapes and sizes to tile. From porcelain pools to vitreous mosaic, each material has its own technical characteristics and advantages. The best thing to do is to invest the necessary time in choosing the material. As long as you know the possibilities and needs of your project or pool, you will make the right choice.
In this sense, 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 which, in addition, allows special pieces to be made to shape edges and borders.
These are the main advantages offered by the installation of tiles in swimming pools:
– Water resistance: Its non-porosity and waterproof surface prevents water absorption, reducing the possibility of leaks.
– In addition, they are designed to withstand the conditions present in a swimming pool. These are the constant exposure to water, the chemicals used for maintenance and temperature changes.
– Aesthetics: Swimming pool tiles offer a wide range of options. An extensive catalogue that allows you to personalize your design as much as possible. This means being able to choose one model for the paving, another for the pool floor and another for the pool shell itself.
Baltimore Beige pool tile with Pool-deck system by Porcelanosa and Butech.
Endless options
The versatility of ceramic and porcelain tiles are the main options when it comes to covering a swimming pool. A wide range of designs, formats and colours facilitates their inclusion in all kinds of projects.
Modern pool colours: 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, grey 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 atmospheres.
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 especially suitable for installation in this type of outdoor facilities.
Format: Large tiles for swimming pools add extra beauty to the outdoor space. They achieve a sense of visual continuity on the floor, enhancing the right choice of joint colour. Collections such as XLIGHT, by Porcelanosa, combined with Epotech Aqua, by Butech, are perfect for achieving this effect.
Terrace area with Horus Beige Texture Home natural stone floor, and Bali Negara Matt pool tile, both by 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, they provide a visual reference 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.
Combination of tiles for swimming pools
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, resistance and versatility allow you to customize the design and incorporate different solutions that improve functionality and aesthetics. The access stairs, the walls that form different areas of the pool, islands, ramps or steps are elements that can be clad with this material.
On the other hand, the exterior and surroundings of the pool will give the space its definitive appearance. For this reason, we are going to analyze the different combination possibilities with regard to the cladding of the basin.
Bottega Acero by Porcelanosa next to the Tec Round shower column by Noken give a visual continuity of the atmosphere.
Use the same model for the interior, the exterior and 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.
2 cm Gauged Porcelain Pavers for Outdoor Spaces
Par-ker® Gent Castaño wood-effect ceramic combined with Polynesia Ocean mosaic by from L’Antic Colonial.
Another option is to combine a colorful mosaic for the inside of the pool with a porcelain model for 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, Par-ker® Gent Castaño wood-effect ceramic has been used as the flooring. And Polynesia Ocean, from L’Antic Colonial, has been used for the swimming pool basin.
Dip Dark mosaic with Bali Ubud Matt pool tiles (both by L’ Antic Colonial), and Bottega White, by Porcelanosa
A third, more complex, but fully customized possibility is as follows. First of all, covering the pool walls with a mosaic, the edges with another model and a third colour for the joint flooring of the terrace. Dip Dark mosaic with Bali Ubud Matt pool tiles (both by L’ Antic Colonial), and Bottega White, by Porcelanosa.
More aspects to take into account
In short, the choice of tiles for swimming pools is an important decision that should be made with great care. Together 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, proper 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 give shape to our pool, according to our tastes and needs. As you have seen, swimming pool tiles offer infinite design possibilities. Although there is a common denominator: to turn the terrace of your home into a place where you can relax and enjoy the good weather with your people.
