Fall Tile Installation & Inspection Tips from Deco Tile
When it comes to designing or renovating your pool, choosing the right tiles is essential for both aesthetic appeal and long-term durability. At Deco Tile, one of the most trusted tile stores in Oakville and Toronto, we offer a wide range of pool-suitable tiles, each carefully tested to meet stringent quality control standards.
Here we’ve collected some important tips to keep in mind during the installation and inspection process.
Quality Control: Ensuring Tile Durability for Pool Use
Selecting tiles for your pool involves more than just choosing colors and designs. The tiles must undergo rigorous quality control testing to ensure their performance in harsh pool environments.
Here are some of the critical tests tile manufacturers perform:
- Water Absorption Test: Tiles with a water absorption rate lower than 0.5% are ideal for pools. These tiles are less likely to crack or warp under constant exposure to water.
- Breaking Strength Test: Pool tiles must withstand heavy loads, particularly in high-traffic areas like steps and pool edges. This test measures how much pressure the tile can endure before breaking.
- Chemical Resistance Test: Pool tiles are exposed to chemicals like chlorine and salt water. Tiles are tested to ensure they maintain their color and integrity even after prolonged exposure to these substances.
- Abrasive Wear Test: Particularly for unglazed tiles, this test measures resistance to wear from foot traffic and cleaning equipment, ensuring long-lasting durability.
What Types of Tiles Can Be Used in a Pool?
While glass pool mosaics are a popular choice for their vibrant colors and reflective properties, they are not the only option. Any tile with a water absorption rate lower than 0.5% is suitable for pool use. This opens up a variety of design choices, including:
- Glass Mosaic Tiles: Perfect for creating intricate designs, glass tiles are an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their pool. They can be used for entire surfaces or as accent features.
- Porcelain Tiles: For those on a budget, porcelain tiles are an affordable yet durable option. These tiles are resistant to water absorption and can mimic the look of more expensive materials, such as stone or glass.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are a versatile and durable option for pool installations. Known for their strength and resistance to wear, ceramic tiles offer a budget-friendly yet stylish solution for pool areas.
Its best to consult with Distributor to get manufacturer specification if product is frost resistant
What Areas of a Pool Can You Tile?
Pool-suitable tiles can be used in several areas, each serving both functional and decorative purposes:
- Waterline: This area is often tiled to mark the water level and can serve as an accent piece.
- Coping: The edge of the pool, where the deck meets the water, is an essential area for tiling. Tiles used here should have a slip-resistant surface to prevent accidents.
- Steps: Adding feature tiles to the steps enhances both the design and safety of your pool.
- Pool Walls & Floors: These areas can either match for a cohesive look or contrast to create a design feature.
Contact our tile store in Toronto for ceramic, glass, and stone tiles!
To learn more about our Oakville and Toronto tile stores, our products, and services, contact us online today or call (416) 413-7985 (Toronto) or (905) 582-7985 (Oakville).