GLASS VS. PORCELAIN TILE FOR YOUR POOL WATERLINE

You have decided to add a swimming pool to your backyard, and the process is generating lots of questions and prompting you to make many other decisions. Sooner or later, your contractor will want to know if you want waterline tiles and, if so, what type you prefer.

Just in case you’re not familiar with the term, waterline tiles are the rows of swimming pool tiles that are set right beneath the coping. Although they are usually a six-inch strip that runs along the waterline, many pool designers prefer a wider band to give the appearance that the tiles are well under the water line. Whichever width you choose, waterline tiles will greatly enhance the appearance of your pool, and they will heighten the color of the water as it reflects these tiles.  

From a practical standpoint, they are easy to clean, and they can help to avoid the bath-ring effect, which is the staining that can occur in your pool over time and often resembles a bathtub ring. Since the tiles are mostly above the water, they are easier to repair as well as to maintain.

Now that you’ve seen the benefits that come from waterline pool tiles, your next objective is to pick out the tile material that suits your style and works with your budget. You’ll be choosing either glass or porcelain and, quite honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with either one. But each has its pros (and one or two cons), so it pays to consider each material carefully.

The Case for Glass Pool Tiles

Glass pool tiles have become a popular choice at the waterline recently, and it’s easy to see why: What could be better than glass to complement the transparency of water? And while it is the more expensive choice, you can use it with a less-expensive pool tile and still reap the beauty of its surface reflections. Available in a variety of shapes, patterns, and colors, glass pool tiles are a smart choice for several reasons, including the fact that surveys show they can increase the resale value of your home. Here are some other reasons:

• Glass pool tiles are non-permeable, making them water-resistant
• The tiles are frost-proof
• They resist heat, fire, and UV rays
• Glass tiles withstand sudden temperature changes
• They are low-maintenance and have a long lifespan
• The beauty of glass in a swimming pool setting cannot be denied

Porcelain Pool Tiles: Still a Popular Choice

Porcelain pool tiles remain the top choice of pool owners. After all, once porcelain tiles are installed, they last a long time while maintaining their good looks. Like glass, porcelain is non-porous, making it less likely that water will seep in and loosen the tile. Here are some other considerations:

• Porcelain is a tough material that resists stains and scratches
• It’s soft to the touch
• The tiles do not absorb heat
• Porcelain is less expensive than glass
• Installing porcelain tiles is typically labor-intensive, which adds to the total cost

As you can see, there are no poor choices here, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy if you’re deciding on your own. Let AquaBlu Mosaics help you find the perfect waterline tile for your pool.

Look at our selection. If you have questions, talk to one of our experts. You can call us at (800) 971-1442 or fill out our contact form. You can visit our website at https://www.aquablumosaics.com/.