Pool Deck Design & Construction

When you choose to put tile on your pool, there are several factors to bear in mind. For instance, you want to consider your pool type, type of tile you want to install and the costs involved. One other crucial factor to bear in mind is longevity. How long should pool tile last?

How Long Should Pool Tile Last?

In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of pool tile, their respective benefits as well as the expected useful life of pool tile for when you’re looking to choose a new pool tile.

Waterline Tile vs. Inlaid Tile

As the names imply, inlaid tile is installed underwater while waterline tile is adhered to the surface of the pool. Inlaid tile is recessed into the mold of the pool to ensure it’s flush with the surface of the pool. While there’s no harm in tiling the surface of the floor, walls, seats and steps, that’s not a common practice anymore because it requires costly repair or replacement.

Waterline tile, on the other hand, is usually just a narrow strip (about 6 inches) of tile running across the waterline. Since the tile is above the pool, it’s easier to repair and doesn’t require the pool to be drained completely for repairs.

Types of Pool Tile

• Glass tile is quite popular right now.
• Mosaic tile is also huge – different pieces of tile are brought together to form a unique design.
• Stone tile provides a natural, earthy appeal that can work well to match your goal aesthetic.

Bear in mind that any tile larger than 2 inches runs the risk of not fitting in your pool.

How Long Does Pool Tile Last?

• Waterline tiles should last anywhere between 5 and 10 years if you care for your pool and maintain your water chemistry.
• Glass tile will last longer as it’s more durable.
• Overall, tile will typically last longer on a fiberglass pool than on concrete pools.

What Are the Benefits of Pool Tile?

Tile is the most durable interior finish for a concrete pool and it’s much easier to clean and maintain than exposed aggregate.

Because plaster will stain easily, concrete pools require waterline tiles. Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, don’t necessarily need tile, but it does improve a pool’s aesthetic appeal. 

Glass tile is especially durable and nonporous. It looks nice and shiny when it catches the sun and is also frost-proof, heat-, UV- and fire-resistant.

How Much Tiling Your Pool Cost?

The cost of tile depends on the surface area you’re tiling, your location, your installer and the tile material. On average, tiling your pool should cost about $3,000. Glass tile is more expensive, usually costing about $500-$600 more for a pool. Cost is a very important aspect to consider when you’re planning a pool remodeling project or are planning on building a brand new pool. 

Bottom Line

How long should pool tile last? Pool tile should last an average of 5 to 10 years if the water chemistry is well maintained and the pool is cared for. However, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of tile and overall pool maintenance when estimating or trying to determine the expected useful life of your pool tile. If you have any additional questions pertaining to building a new pool, our professionals at Richard’s Total Backyard Solutions have the experience and knowledge to help. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool, you know how fun and relaxing it can be.

But when your pool begins to age, it can become anything but a relaxing space. With old, deteriorating parts comes the risk of injuries and extensive damage to your home.

Upgrading to a brand new pool comes with a range of incredible benefits. From increased home value to the joy of creating your own space, it’s a decision that you won’t soon forget.

Keep reading as we break down the five best benefits that you’ll enjoy when you choose pool remodeling Boca Raton.

1. Increase Energy Efficiency

Your old, out-dated swimming pool could be costing you far more money than you realize.

That’s because old pool pumps, generators, and heaters are far less energy efficient than newer versions. Even if they were more energy efficient when those parts were new, over time they will become less efficient.

Besides just paying extra for energy costs, if your pool has any leaks or if it allows water to seep out in any way, you’re also paying more than you need to in order to keep your pool full so that you can enjoy it.

Upgrading your backyard with a brand new pool project can give you an energy efficient, high-functioning pool that will help you save money.

With so many options on the market today for ways to keep your pool efficient, you’ll have tons of choices to pick from.

Invest in a solar heating system to drastically cut the costs of warming your pool for use. Mix in the use of energy-driven heaters with state-of-the-art covers and even floats designed to use only the sun to warm the water.

You can even get efficient, low-cost gas heaters to keep your pool warm.

2. Improve Your Home’s Value

Even if you currently don’t have plans to sell your home, upgrading your backyard with a pool remodeling Boca Raton project can be a great way to improve your home’s value.

While in some parts of the country, housing experts advise that homeowners will never recover the costs of installing a pool when they go to sell their home, Florida is a different story.

In warm, sunny Florida, pools are the norm. In fact, in some neighborhoods, you may have trouble selling your home if it doesn’t have a pool.

Upgrading to a luxurious, modern pool and creating a beautiful space around it can be a huge boost to your home’s value.

3. Meet Your Current Needs

The pool that you have in your backyard now is likely not the pool of your dreams.

Maybe you moved into the home and the pool came with it. Or you installed the pool when your kids were young, and now they’ve grown.

Whatever the case, the odds that you would install the exact same pool in the exact same way today are slim.

Designing a new pool now allows you to create the pool and space that fits your current wants and needs.

Maybe you no longer need a family-friendly pool with zero-entry or a diving board. Or perhaps you’re dreaming of having space around your pool for hosting backyard parties.

Your dream pool could be an oasis, with a waterfall and beautiful tiles, rather than the out-dated above-ground that you have now.

Designing and installing a new pool means choosing exactly what you want and don’t want. The end product will be a space that is functional and perfect for your current lifestyle.

4. Make Your Pool Safer

If your current pool is outdated and deteriorating, it could actually be putting you and your family at risk.

Chipped tiles can cause trips or other injuries. Deteriorating side walls can be unsafe to hold onto. Outdated steps can be sharp and lead to cuts.

While you could patch some of these problems, they are likely to come back.

If your pool is a place where neighborhood kids gather, your children play, or where you host friends, you could be putting all of them at risk.

With a pool remodeling Boca Raton project, you’ll get a fresh, modern space that is completely safe. You’ll get the chance to enjoy your space without worrying about any damage or risk of injuries.

Your pool should be a place for relaxation and fun. Don’t spend your free time worrying about what could go wrong.

5. Avoid Costly Problems Later On

If your pool is deteriorating, the problems are likely just beginning.

Leaving the issues unaddressed will only cause them to worsen. You could be causing permanent damage to your home or property as a result.

If the lining of your pool is old, it could be leaking water into the ground around your pool. If the pool is located close to your home, this could mean flooding around your foundation or even into your home.

If you have an above-ground pool that is falling apart, it could eventually break, spilling water into your backyard. This can flood basements, ruin grills or patio furniture, and more.

Stopping these issues before they can cause serious, expensive damage requires immediate action. Professionals who specialize in pool service can help you get rid of your old pool safely. Then we’ll help you upgrade to a new, safe pool that you’ll get to enjoy without fear for years to come.

Start Your Pool Remodeling Boca Raton Project Today

If you’ve got an old, outdated, ugly, or unsafe pool in your backyard, it’s time to take action.

Don’t wait until someone gets hurt or your pool causes major damage to your home or property. Instead, take action, and get the pool and backyard of your dreams today with pool remodeling Boca Raton.

If you’re ready to start designing and installing the pool of your dreams in your backyard, contact us today. We’ll help bring your dreams to reality, and give you a beautiful pool that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come!

What’s all the buzz with saltwater pools in Southwest Florida? Are chlorine pools a thing of the past?

The fact is, a number of chlorine pool owners are converting their existing pools to salt water system. It is also estimated by the pool industry, over half of new installations of in-ground pools have this new and upcoming, technology.

Think the cost may be too steep?

The initial installation cost of a saltwater pool is more than a chlorine. But when you add up the cost for chemicals, chlorine pucks, and maintenance, by the third year a salt water pool should make up for the cost.

Converting an existing chlorine pool is easier than you think. Plumbing needs to be installed to accommodate the saltwater generator, which will pay for itself, in just a couple of years.

Keeping a saltwater pool afloat is easy!

Since handling the harsh effects of chlorine and other chemicals, dispensing, storing, and swimming in chlorine, can have negative consequences. A saltwater pool uses only a small amount of chlorine as a disinfectant. A generator naturally produces chlorine from salt, through electrolysis. As the salt is dissolved in the water, the electrolysis separates the sodium, to form chlorine (sodium hypochlorite). This process of creating chlorine is continually being regenerated, then before it re-enters the pool, it is converted back to salt.

Traditional chlorine pools take a lot of maintenance and testing of the water. The harmful by products of chloramines, which builds up over time, is responsible for lung irritation, itchy skin and eyes, and that all familiar pool smell.

Saltwater pools have free chlorine that breaks down this buildup, leaving behind a more natural feel and a positive pH. Eliminating the harsh chemical feel, incorporating a friendly ecological pool, that is easier on the skin, hair, and body. Because the chlorine levels are constantly being replenished, the swimming pool owner won’t need to test or add chlorine to the water.

A: Travertine is a natural stone from the limestone family and is typically found in the form of deposits near warm or hot springs. It is sometimes known as Travertine Limestone or Travertine Marble, although it is neither limestone nor marble. In ancient times, it was frequently used as a building material, but now it is most commonly used for pool decks, patios, countertops, flooring, showers, and tubs as well as exterior decor.

Q: What are Travertine Pavers?

A: Travertine Pavers are 100% natural stone pavers sold in various sizes and patterns. They are typically 1.25″ thick and are ideal for pool decks, patios, and driveways.

Q: Why should I use Travertine Pavers vs. other paving materials?

A: Tumbled Travertine Pavers are one of the best materials to use around a pool deck, patio, driveway, or walkway. Their tumbled, porous surface instantly absorbs water, leaving the surface of the deck practically non-slip. Travertine Pavers also stay cool to the touch. The same can’t be said about other paving materials such as brick pavers, or concrete. The lifespan of a Travertine Paver is incomparable to other man-made materials – travertine can last centuries, while other paving materials crack and deteriorate over time.

Q: Where do Travertine Pavers come from?

A: Most of the Travertine Pavers, we install are from Turkey. Turkey is known to have superb quality Travertine reserves and is the preferred choice for architects and designers. Italy, Iran, Mexico, Peru and the United States also have Travertine reserves.

Q: How thick are Travertine Pavers?

A: The industry standard for Travertine Pavers is 1.25” thick, although custom orders can be done for a thicker paver.

Q: What does the finished surface of a Travertine Paver look like?

A: Travertine Pavers typically have one of three finishes:

• Tumbled (textured and porous surface)

• Honed (smooth and matte)

• Polished (smooth and shiny)

Cliff answers the question: What is pool coping?, and discusses how different pool coping styles and materials can enhance the beauty of your swimming pool.