Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Pool Tile

17 Jun.,2024

 

Guide to the Best Pool Tiles

A pool is one of summer&#;s most simple pleasures &#; a cool and irresistible escape from the heat. Of course all pools are fun and refreshing, but a thoughtfully designed pool can transform a landscape from a typical backyard to a true oasis, and the right pool tile can elevate your pool into something spectacular.

Guide to the Best Pool TilePool Tiles

A pool is one of summer&#;s most simple pleasures &#; a cool and irresistible escape from the heat. Of course all pools are fun and refreshing, but a thoughtfully designed pool can transform a landscape from a typical backyard to a true oasis, and the right pool tile can elevate your pool into something spectacular.

Available in a near-endless selection of materials, colors, and formats, swimming pool tile options are as limitless as your imagination. Whether it&#;s a classic bright blue, an earth-toned stone tile, or a sleek and modern colored glass, pool tiles provide an opportunity to get creative with your landscape design. So just in time for summer: let&#;s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to find the best pool tiles.

What Are the Different Types of Pool Tiles?

When it comes to planning your swimming pool, tiles are a vital part of personalizing your design. The swimming pool is your landscape&#;s focal point. Different types of tiles can embody various distinctive styles, turning the swimming pool from a recreational element to an architectural piece that interacts or even drives the outdoor décor.

Several different types of pool tiles are commonly used for their durability and performance in outdoor and underwater conditions. Below are the top 3 types that make for great outdoor pool tiles: 

For a Glamorous Look: Glass Mosaic Tiles

The most glamorous player in the pool tiles market is glass mosaic tile, and it&#;s no surprise. There is nothing more alluring on a hot summer day than the swimming pool&#;s water shimmering gently under the sun. Glass&#;s reflective quality creates a dazzling result fit for luxurious outdoor decor. 

Traditionally, glass pool tiles have always been considered a high-end product due to the careful craft involved in the manufacturing process. That is changing, however, thanks to significant technological developments in manufacturing and new and innovative players entering the market. Luxury glass tiles can now be found for much more affordable prices which have allowed for the glamorous glass look to gain even more popularity.

Today, glass mosaic pool tiles come in different finishes, textures, and colors, each achieving a mysterious sparkle that is truly transformative.

For a Timeless Simplicity: Porcelain Tiles

Thanks to their durability and versatility of design, small format porcelain tiles remain the most popular choice for pool tiling. Made of high-fired clay, porcelain is a dense material that provides a tough, water-resistant, and affordable option.

In recent years, as ceramic printing technology advances, porcelain tiles allow for more intricate and artistic patterns. Alongside the iconic solid blue pool porcelain tiles with visible grout lines, decorative pool tiles allow for more creative expression. Easy to clean, porcelain tile is available in a wide array of styles and colors, making it a great option for water line tile.

For a Natural Feel: Natural Stone Tiles

Always in style, natural stone pool tiles provide a timeless and even sometimes rustic look. Mostly made of granite, limestone, or slate, stone pool tiles introduce an earthy aesthetic, preserving the organic textures and rich tones of the natural landscape that can create a clean modern look or a more rugged visual. 

Strongly associated with a West Coast design aesthetic, a stone tiled pool encompasses a warm and cozy ambiance. Strong, durable, and slip-resistant stone pool tiles are a classic option for both modern and rustic styles.

From Outdoor to Indoor: Where Can You Use Pool Tiles?

You might not think of your shimmering, fresh swimming pool as a challenging environment, but there are undeniable conditions that require pool tiles to have specific qualities that other tiles don&#;t need. Pool tiles are designed to endure being submerged in water, exposed to direct sunlight, and in contact with chlorine and other pool chemicals. Pool tiles offer both a creative and a practical solution for water-heavy areas and are suitable for various applications. It&#;s time to dive into the details: What are the different uses of pool tiles?

Waterline Tile

Waterline swimming pool tiles are mounted at the top of the pool below the protective coping, usually as a 6 to 8-inch band that serves both an aesthetic and a practical purpose. A waterline pool tile delineates the pool&#;s perimeter and helps prevent external materials from tainting the pool&#;s waterline and making it easier to clean. A waterline tile can also serve as a stunning design element, using everything from iridescent glass mosaics to glass subway tiles.

Pool Liner Tile

There is no denying the beauty of a pool that is entirely tiled. Glossy mosaic tiles shine and reflect the sun even from the deepest parts of the pool, making it glow with a luminous shimmer. Tiling an entire pool also holds a maintenance benefit: glass and porcelain tiles are resistant to stain, mold, and mildew, making them easy to clean and potentially longer lasting than plaster or other pool liner materials.

Water Features and Other Tile Accents

Pool tiles can also be used on water features such as fountains, waterfalls, and even hot tubs to add some exquisite elements to your outdoor space. Water features provide an excellent opportunity to play with the color, texture, and pattern of tiles, creating a decorative focal point in your outdoor space. You can also use your favorite outdoor tiles  for areas like outdoor kitchens, decks, and showers. Don&#;t forget that if a tile can be used outside, you can also use it inside to bring your favorite exterior design elements to indoor areas like showers, kitchen backsplashes, and fireplaces.

Beyond the Blue: Selecting the Right Pool Tile Color

The color of your pool tile is one of the most important decisions you can make as you plan your outdoor oasis. An amazing waterline tile can add the perfect accent line or a natural stone can bring in earthy elements for a rustic retreat. The color becomes especially critical, however, when you decide to use a tile pool liner. The color of your water and your entire outdoor style will be determined by the color of your tile. Let&#;s walk through some popular choices for pool liner tiles and their benefits.

Blue Is Still the Most Popular Pool Tile

Pool tiles come in an extensive range of colors and finishes, but blue is still the favorite color among pool owners. Research shows that blue has a calming effect, and it&#;s hard to deny the serene ambiance a bright blue pool can imbue. With its continued popularity, the nostalgic solid blue pool tiles are now getting a 21st-century update with newer finishes and more variety of tones.

Bring on the Bling

Iridescent pool tiles create a dazzling and reflective effect both inside and outside of the water. Most commonly found on glass mosaic tiles, an iridescent finish emulates the movement of the water and then amplifies it with brilliant colors. Bejewel your pool with this dynamic visual that exudes glamour.

Bold and Beautiful

Looking for a bolder statement? Explore a color palette beyond the range of blues. Black pool tiles can introduce a sleek and elegant visual, making a contemporary design statement. Shades of coral and red introduce a soft yet impactful contrast, setting a unique and colorful atmosphere. Color can be incorporated in an eye-catching waterline or dare to tile an entire pool, providing a one-of-a-kind perspective.

From a glamorous vision of a shimmering pool to a bubbling spa and beyond, make a splash with your tiles to turn your landscape&#;s focal point into your dream oasis. Whether you&#;re renovating or starting a project from the ground up, the right tiles can reflect your character and style and elevate your pool to be the destination you need this summer.

How to choose pool tile: the only tips you need

Pool tiles are the foundation of the swimming pool. They create beautiful designs to make you feel like you&#;re at a spa, sitting next to the ocean, or help you express your artistic creativity. However, if you have never picked out tile before, it might feel overwhelming. 

If you are installing a new pool, renovating an old one or you are trying to design the perfect backyard oasis but don&#;t know where to start, here we break down the different factors you need to consider before choosing the right pool tile to make your decision easier.

How to choose the right pool tile

Shiny glass or natural stone? Vibrant colors or soft neutrals? Eccentric mosaics or elegant monochromy? There are many different factors you need to consider when picking the right pool tile, but the three most important ones are: safety, durability and attractiveness. 


These are a great starting point to ensure your swimming pool will be a happy and joyful place for the years to come. Once you&#;ve got this figured out, then you can get creative with all the different colors, designs, styles, and finishes available.

 1.Determine the part of the pool you want to tile: waterline, underwater or both

There are two places tiles go in your pool, either the waterline or underwater: 

  • Waterline tiles

    run along the waterline of your pool and serve as the finishing touch. They are a good design element and make your pool complete. Typically, three inches of the waterline is underwater and three inches are above water. 

  • Inlaid tiles

    are underwater and recessed in the pool mold. This is so the tiles are equal to the pool&#;s surface. You will find these tiles on seats, steps, floors, and walls of pools. 

If you want to make an existing pool more attractive and inviting, you can achieve this by refreshing the waterline with new tiles. Mosaic tiles with eye-catching designs work wonderfully to add an extra touch of style to your swimming pool.

If it&#;s the entire pool that you are looking to tile, remember that waterline and inlaid tiles don&#;t have to be the same color. For example, you can accent the inlaid tiles with a complementing waterline tile, creating a stunning effect.

 2.Decide your budget

Choosing the right tile for your swimming pool also depends on your overall budget. If you are planning on tiling a larger pool for example, then going for more affordable options such as ceramic pool tiles, might sound like a better option. 

 3.Put safety first

A beautifully colored, glossy tile might be attractive but safety comes first. Opting for anti-slip pool tiles is the best option to ensure your family, friends or clients can enjoy the swimming pool without worrying about accidents.

 4.Prioritize tile quality and durability over cost

When it comes to choosing the right pool tile, it&#;s important to focus on quality instead of price. High-quality tiles are worth the upfront cost because they are durable and low-maintenance, thus they will make your swimming pool last longer and will save you money in the long run.

5.Compare different pool tile types and materials

The best tiles for swimming pools are those that are made from ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Each one of these materials has its pros and cons:

It&#;s strong, affordable and comes in every color, texture, and design you can imagine, which is why it has grown to be so popular over the years. If you are trying to stay within a budget, ceramic tiles are a great option. However, they do not reflect light as much as glass tiles.

It&#;s durable and can mimic any look you want. If you are after a natural, stone look but don&#;t want to splurge on stone tile, porcelain can do that for you. If you choose porcelain tiles, make sure that they are rated for full submersion in a pool.

Stone will give a natural Mediterranean or Classical feel to your swimming pool. It&#;s slip-resistant and durable, but also an expensive option.

Glass tile is classy, luxurious and shimmering, creating dazzling reflections in the water. Although it&#;s on the pricey side, it&#;s totally worth the investment because it&#;s durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. 

6.Choose the right tile size for your pool

Size matters when it comes to choosing pool tiles. Larger tiles can cover up more space but are less stable and may crack over time due to temperature changes. Smaller tiles on the other hand are more break-resistant and can last longer.

 7. Be creative with the pool tile color

Choosing the right tile color will make a big difference in your swimming pool. Bright-colored tiles will make the pool more inviting and vibrant. If you are after a luxury look go for white mosaic tiles that make the pool appear larger and the water look sky blue. Blue is another popular choice; dark blue tiles will turn the water a deep ocean color whereas aqua tiles will give a playful and cheerful vibe to your swimming pool. 

8.Add character with mosaic pool tile 

Mosaic tiles can give your pool character. They can be used as accent pieces or on the entire pool for a dramatic and alluring effect. You can find them in glossy, iridescent and matte finishes, as well as vibrant color combinations.

 9. Learn about maintenance requirements

Your swimming pool might require more maintenance depending on which tile type you choose. Ask an expert about the different tile materials, learn which one is low maintenance and which one needs special care and determine what you are willing to commit to and pay for over time. That will help you make an informed decision, save money, and ensure a longer lifespan for your pool.

 10. Look for tile samples

Asking for samples or visiting a trustworthy pool tile supplier near you is an efficient way to get an idea of how different tiles will look in your backyard. This can be particularly helpful when looking to decide which colors and styles will match best with the rest of your outdoor space.

 11. Ask for installation information

An important step when choosing the right pool tile is asking an expert about how long it will take to install your new tiles and how much it will cost. Although it is possible to turn pool tiling into a DIY project and avoid the extra installation costs, hiring a professional can save you from potential mistakes that can cost you a lot of money to repair later on.

Create a stunning swimming pool with Oasis Tile

Whether you want a natural, stone look or a bright, light-reflecting look, Oasis Tile has everything you need. Think about the look you want, how inviting you want the pool to feel, and the overall decor of your backyard. This will help you narrow down your choices so you find the perfect tile for your project.

Find what speaks to you and let out your inner artist. Shop Oasis Tile and see all the

swimming pool tiles

available for your pool!

Available in a near-endless selection of materials, colors, and formats, swimming pool tile options are as limitless as your imagination. Whether it&#;s a classic bright blue, an earth-toned stone tile, or a sleek and modern colored glass, pool tiles provide an opportunity to get creative with your landscape design. So just in time for summer: let&#;s take a deep dive into everything you need to know to find the best pool tiles.

What Are the Different Types of Pool Tiles?

When it comes to planning your swimming pool, tiles are a vital part of personalizing your design. The swimming pool is your landscape&#;s focal point. Different types of tiles can embody various distinctive styles, turning the swimming pool from a recreational element to an architectural piece that interacts or even drives the outdoor décor.

Several different types of pool tiles are commonly used for their durability and performance in outdoor and underwater conditions. Below are the top 3 types that make for great outdoor pool tiles: 

For a Glamorous Look: Glass Mosaic Tiles

The most glamorous player in the pool tiles market is glass mosaic tile, and it&#;s no surprise. There is nothing more alluring on a hot summer day than the swimming pool&#;s water shimmering gently under the sun. Glass&#;s reflective quality creates a dazzling result fit for luxurious outdoor decor. 

Traditionally, glass pool tiles have always been considered a high-end product due to the careful craft involved in the manufacturing process. That is changing, however, thanks to significant technological developments in manufacturing and new and innovative players entering the market. Luxury glass tiles can now be found for much more affordable prices which have allowed for the glamorous glass look to gain even more popularity.

Today, glass mosaic pool tiles come in different finishes, textures, and colors, each achieving a mysterious sparkle that is truly transformative.

For a Timeless Simplicity: Porcelain Tiles

Thanks to their durability and versatility of design, small format porcelain tiles remain the most popular choice for pool tiling. Made of high-fired clay, porcelain is a dense material that provides a tough, water-resistant, and affordable option.

In recent years, as ceramic printing technology advances, porcelain tiles allow for more intricate and artistic patterns. Alongside the iconic solid blue pool porcelain tiles with visible grout lines, decorative pool tiles allow for more creative expression. Easy to clean, porcelain tile is available in a wide array of styles and colors, making it a great option for water line tile.

For a Natural Feel: Natural Stone Tiles

Always in style, natural stone pool tiles provide a timeless and even sometimes rustic look. Mostly made of granite, limestone, or slate, stone pool tiles introduce an earthy aesthetic, preserving the organic textures and rich tones of the natural landscape that can create a clean modern look or a more rugged visual. 

Strongly associated with a West Coast design aesthetic, a stone tiled pool encompasses a warm and cozy ambiance. Strong, durable, and slip-resistant stone pool tiles are a classic option for both modern and rustic styles.

From Outdoor to Indoor: Where Can You Use Pool Tiles?

You might not think of your shimmering, fresh swimming pool as a challenging environment, but there are undeniable conditions that require pool tiles to have specific qualities that other tiles don&#;t need. Pool tiles are designed to endure being submerged in water, exposed to direct sunlight, and in contact with chlorine and other pool chemicals. Pool tiles offer both a creative and a practical solution for water-heavy areas and are suitable for various applications. It&#;s time to dive into the details: What are the different uses of pool tiles?

Waterline Tile

Waterline swimming pool tiles are mounted at the top of the pool below the protective coping, usually as a 6 to 8-inch band that serves both an aesthetic and a practical purpose. A waterline pool tile delineates the pool&#;s perimeter and helps prevent external materials from tainting the pool&#;s waterline and making it easier to clean. A waterline tile can also serve as a stunning design element, using everything from iridescent glass mosaics to glass subway tiles.

Pool Liner Tile

There is no denying the beauty of a pool that is entirely tiled. Glossy mosaic tiles shine and reflect the sun even from the deepest parts of the pool, making it glow with a luminous shimmer. Tiling an entire pool also holds a maintenance benefit: glass and porcelain tiles are resistant to stain, mold, and mildew, making them easy to clean and potentially longer lasting than plaster or other pool liner materials.

Water Features and Other Tile Accents

Pool tiles can also be used on water features such as fountains, waterfalls, and even hot tubs to add some exquisite elements to your outdoor space. Water features provide an excellent opportunity to play with the color, texture, and pattern of tiles, creating a decorative focal point in your outdoor space. You can also use your favorite outdoor tiles  for areas like outdoor kitchens, decks, and showers. Don&#;t forget that if a tile can be used outside, you can also use it inside to bring your favorite exterior design elements to indoor areas like showers, kitchen backsplashes, and fireplaces.

Beyond the Blue: Selecting the Right Pool Tile Color

The color of your pool tile is one of the most important decisions you can make as you plan your outdoor oasis. An amazing waterline tile can add the perfect accent line or a natural stone can bring in earthy elements for a rustic retreat. The color becomes especially critical, however, when you decide to use a tile pool liner. The color of your water and your entire outdoor style will be determined by the color of your tile. Let&#;s walk through some popular choices for pool liner tiles and their benefits.

Blue Is Still the Most Popular Pool Tile

Pool tiles come in an extensive range of colors and finishes, but blue is still the favorite color among pool owners. Research shows that blue has a calming effect, and it&#;s hard to deny the serene ambiance a bright blue pool can imbue. With its continued popularity, the nostalgic solid blue pool tiles are now getting a 21st-century update with newer finishes and more variety of tones.

Bring on the Bling

Iridescent pool tiles create a dazzling and reflective effect both inside and outside of the water. Most commonly found on glass mosaic tiles, an iridescent finish emulates the movement of the water and then amplifies it with brilliant colors. Bejewel your pool with this dynamic visual that exudes glamour.

Bold and Beautiful

Looking for a bolder statement? Explore a color palette beyond the range of blues. Black pool tiles can introduce a sleek and elegant visual, making a contemporary design statement. Shades of coral and red introduce a soft yet impactful contrast, setting a unique and colorful atmosphere. Color can be incorporated in an eye-catching waterline or dare to tile an entire pool, providing a one-of-a-kind perspective.

From a glamorous vision of a shimmering pool to a bubbling spa and beyond, make a splash with your tiles to turn your landscape&#;s focal point into your dream oasis. Whether you&#;re renovating or starting a project from the ground up, the right tiles can reflect your character and style and elevate your pool to be the destination you need this summer.

How to choose pool tile: the only tips you need

Pool tiles are the foundation of the swimming pool. They create beautiful designs to make you feel like you&#;re at a spa, sitting next to the ocean, or help you express your artistic creativity. However, if you have never picked out tile before, it might feel overwhelming. 

If you are installing a new pool, renovating an old one or you are trying to design the perfect backyard oasis but don&#;t know where to start, here we break down the different factors you need to consider before choosing the right pool tile to make your decision easier.

How to choose the right pool tile

Shiny glass or natural stone? Vibrant colors or soft neutrals? Eccentric mosaics or elegant monochromy? There are many different factors you need to consider when picking the right pool tile, but the three most important ones are: safety, durability and attractiveness. 


These are a great starting point to ensure your swimming pool will be a happy and joyful place for the years to come. Once you&#;ve got this figured out, then you can get creative with all the different colors, designs, styles, and finishes available.

 1.Determine the part of the pool you want to tile: waterline, underwater or both

There are two places tiles go in your pool, either the waterline or underwater: 

Are you interested in learning more about Glass Pool Tile Prices? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

  • Waterline tiles

    run along the waterline of your pool and serve as the finishing touch. They are a good design element and make your pool complete. Typically, three inches of the waterline is underwater and three inches are above water. 

  • Inlaid tiles

    are underwater and recessed in the pool mold. This is so the tiles are equal to the pool&#;s surface. You will find these tiles on seats, steps, floors, and walls of pools. 

If you want to make an existing pool more attractive and inviting, you can achieve this by refreshing the waterline with new tiles. Mosaic tiles with eye-catching designs work wonderfully to add an extra touch of style to your swimming pool.

If it&#;s the entire pool that you are looking to tile, remember that waterline and inlaid tiles don&#;t have to be the same color. For example, you can accent the inlaid tiles with a complementing waterline tile, creating a stunning effect.

 2.Decide your budget

Choosing the right tile for your swimming pool also depends on your overall budget. If you are planning on tiling a larger pool for example, then going for more affordable options such as ceramic pool tiles, might sound like a better option. 

 3.Put safety first

A beautifully colored, glossy tile might be attractive but safety comes first. Opting for anti-slip pool tiles is the best option to ensure your family, friends or clients can enjoy the swimming pool without worrying about accidents.

 4.Prioritize tile quality and durability over cost

When it comes to choosing the right pool tile, it&#;s important to focus on quality instead of price. High-quality tiles are worth the upfront cost because they are durable and low-maintenance, thus they will make your swimming pool last longer and will save you money in the long run.

5.Compare different pool tile types and materials

The best tiles for swimming pools are those that are made from ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Each one of these materials has its pros and cons:

It&#;s strong, affordable and comes in every color, texture, and design you can imagine, which is why it has grown to be so popular over the years. If you are trying to stay within a budget, ceramic tiles are a great option. However, they do not reflect light as much as glass tiles.

It&#;s durable and can mimic any look you want. If you are after a natural, stone look but don&#;t want to splurge on stone tile, porcelain can do that for you. If you choose porcelain tiles, make sure that they are rated for full submersion in a pool.

Stone will give a natural Mediterranean or Classical feel to your swimming pool. It&#;s slip-resistant and durable, but also an expensive option.

Glass tile is classy, luxurious and shimmering, creating dazzling reflections in the water. Although it&#;s on the pricey side, it&#;s totally worth the investment because it&#;s durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. 

6.Choose the right tile size for your pool

Size matters when it comes to choosing pool tiles. Larger tiles can cover up more space but are less stable and may crack over time due to temperature changes. Smaller tiles on the other hand are more break-resistant and can last longer.

 7. Be creative with the pool tile color

Choosing the right tile color will make a big difference in your swimming pool. Bright-colored tiles will make the pool more inviting and vibrant. If you are after a luxury look go for white mosaic tiles that make the pool appear larger and the water look sky blue. Blue is another popular choice; dark blue tiles will turn the water a deep ocean color whereas aqua tiles will give a playful and cheerful vibe to your swimming pool. 

8.Add character with mosaic pool tile 

Mosaic tiles can give your pool character. They can be used as accent pieces or on the entire pool for a dramatic and alluring effect. You can find them in glossy, iridescent and matte finishes, as well as vibrant color combinations.

 9. Learn about maintenance requirements

Your swimming pool might require more maintenance depending on which tile type you choose. Ask an expert about the different tile materials, learn which one is low maintenance and which one needs special care and determine what you are willing to commit to and pay for over time. That will help you make an informed decision, save money, and ensure a longer lifespan for your pool.

 10. Look for tile samples

Asking for samples or visiting a trustworthy pool tile supplier near you is an efficient way to get an idea of how different tiles will look in your backyard. This can be particularly helpful when looking to decide which colors and styles will match best with the rest of your outdoor space.

 11. Ask for installation information

An important step when choosing the right pool tile is asking an expert about how long it will take to install your new tiles and how much it will cost. Although it is possible to turn pool tiling into a DIY project and avoid the extra installation costs, hiring a professional can save you from potential mistakes that can cost you a lot of money to repair later on.

Create a stunning swimming pool with Oasis Tile

Whether you want a natural, stone look or a bright, light-reflecting look, Oasis Tile has everything you need. Think about the look you want, how inviting you want the pool to feel, and the overall decor of your backyard. This will help you narrow down your choices so you find the perfect tile for your project.

Find what speaks to you and let out your inner artist. Shop Oasis Tile and see all the

swimming pool tiles

available for your pool!

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Swimming Pool Tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.