Adding ceramic tiles to your swimming pool is a great way of adding details to your pool. These types of tile can be utilized as a border by having them in a single-row in the waterline. They can also be installed in a way that they cover the entire wall and floor of your pool. But regardless how you want the design to be places, proper installation is a must so you can achieve your desires result. Below is an easy pool tiles installation guide that should be considered.

Easy Guide for a More Attractive Pool

Selecting the Tile

A ceramic tile is a clay tile that is made of slip (wet clay). This is fired and then glazed which gives it a water-proof covering. Although all ceramic tile is suited for wet area such as the shower, not all of them is suitable for swimming pools as the glaze could crack which allows moisture to penetrate into the body of the tile. Given this, you need to choose one that is vitreous or impervious. This means that you won’t have to worry as the tile would not be able absorb water, even it the glaze is cracked. To better choose, vitreous tile absorbs up to 3% while impervious (more preferred) can only absorb up to 0.5% of moisture.

Clean and Level

Prior to the installation of your ceramic tile, you need to make sure that your swimming pool is ready for it. You need to wash down the floor and walls of the pool. This will expose the surface of your pool to the mortar so the tile can bond better. In addition, you need to inspect you pool and check if there are holes or cracks. You should also paint a waterproofing membrane onto your pool so it receives an additional protection. You need to wait for the membrane to completely cure to make sure that you are doing your pool tiles installation right. Once it’s good, you can begin the installation.

Mortar and Grout

You should set your ceramic tile in a latex fortified mortar that is specifically designed to be used in wet areas for a long time. Since the pool water has chemicals, make sure that your mortar is impervious to moisture and chemicals for a long period of time. At the same time, choose a grout that has no epoxy of Portland cement. This two can cause discoloration and even weaken the chemicals in the pool. Opt for a grout that is polymer-fortified as it is stronger. There should also be a minimum of 1/8 inch grout joint in between of each tile to allow movement.

Setting the Tile

When installing the tiles in the pool, lay them out in advance so you can control the pattern and the placement in your pool. The mortar should be spread onto the walls and floor of the pool. The, set it at a slight angle and twist straight to the right place. You can use a tile spacer if necessary. After a few tiles have been installed, place a beating block on the tiles and tap it using a rubber mallet so you drive them into the mortar. Let the mortar cure for at a day before you begin grouting the tiles.

Tiles installation can be a tedious task especially if you are not experienced with it. To make sure that you get the best results, you can hire a professional to do the job for you.