A Complete Guide to Pool Waterline Tile
Arizona is a state undoubtedly known for backyard pools. Did you know that Mesa AZ is a city making the list of most pools per homeowner in the nation. If you don’t have a backyard pool of your own, you’ve most likely considered at some point about getting design and construction underway.
Designing your own custom pool is the best way to get exactly what you want from your backyard paradise. However, more goes into the design process than many homeowners realize.
One thing you should think about is your waterline. What kind of tile do you use for a waterline pool? What is the purpose of waterline tile?
We’re here to tell you. Read on to learn more about swimming pool waterlines and how to pick the right tile.
Does a Pool Need a Waterline Tile?
When you’re thinking about pool design, you have to think about more than the overall aesthetic. You’ll also want to keep things like sanitation and maintenance in mind. Fortunately, the right waterline tile combines both.
Algae growth and chemical imbalances aren’t the only things that can muck up your pool. Things like sunscreen, natural body oils, and pollen will settle on the surface of your pool water. With a good filtration system, these substances will get filtered out, but without the right waterline tile, they’ll also leave an unsightly ring.
In other words, your pool does not need waterline tile, but without it, it is going to be harder to keep that area around the pool clean.
What Kind of Tile Do You Use for a Waterline Pool?
Nowadays, many homeowners line their entire pool with tile, eliminating the need for a special waterline tile. However, as concrete/gunite pools are popular in Arizona, installing about six inches of tile around the waterline improves the look of your pool and adds a less porous layer that makes that surface scum easy to clean.
Let’s take a look at the types of tiles to choose from if you need a designated waterline tile.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a great pool material to use for your waterline. Porcelain tiles are affordable and come in several different sizes, colors, and designs. Porcelain tiles are thick and durable, smooth to the touch, and easy to clean.
Glass
There was a time when glass tiles were expensive and it was difficult to find pool contractors who felt comfortable installing them. Now, this is not the case, and glass is on the rise as a popular waterline tile. Like porcelain, glass is smooth to the touch and easy to clean, but it’s also more reflective, making it perfect for a shimmering design that amplifies the look of your pool.
Can You Use Plaster or Stone for Your Waterline?
Other common pool materials, like plaster and stone, are great for some elements of your pool. For example, stone can make a great pool deck that is comfortable underfoot and easy to keep clean. However, these materials aren’t great for your waterline, where they’ll be in constant contact with water, because they’re too porous and may absorb some of that unsightly scum.
Swimming Pool Waterline Tile Ideas
We’ve talked about why waterline tile is important and which types of tiles to use for the best results. Now, let’s talk a little bit more about aesthetic. Your waterline tile design options are practically endless, and we’re here to get you started with a few great ideas.
Picking Waterline Tile for a Curved or Asymmetrical Pool
Waterline tiles come in sizes ranging from 1″ by 1″ to 6″ by 6″. Some are rectangular, offering even more designs to choose from. If your pool is square, you can pick your tile size and shape based purely on taste, rather than having to worry about practicality.
If your pool is curved or asymmetrical, however, you will need to consider which sizes will adhere best to the curves of your pool walls. We recommend 1″ by 1″ tiles, as larger tiles won’t fit snugly against a sharp curve.
Modern Waterline Pool Tiles
If you’re going for a more modern look, there are a few different tile patterns and styles that are on trend. One option to consider is a porcelain tile that is designed to mimic stone. If your pool deck is made of stone, waterline tiles with a stone look will create continuity in the design that suits the latest home design trends.
Another option for the less minimalist designer is the mix-and-match look. You can use tiles in the same size but different colors to achieve this look or tiles of different sizes. Because the latter will take more effort to put together, it may cost more, but the overall impact will take your breath away.
Best Color for Waterline Tile
Remember, the top half of your waterline tile is going to be visible at all times. While it’s tempting to pick a color scheme that will turn heads, you’re also going to want to pick something timeless.
We often recommend picking a color scheme that centralizes blue or green, which is a popular choice in pool design that will give your pool water a lagoon-like shimmer. You can also incorporate contrasting colors like black or white or create a more natural look using porcelain tiles that mimic stone. If you’re considering an outside-of-the-box color scheme, stick with natural-looking shades of pink, purple, orange, or other colors.
Come to No Limit Pools for Pool Design and Construction
What kind of tile do you use for a waterline pool? As long as you pick a material that isn’t porous, and instead choose porcelain or glass, you’re making a good design choice. The rest, from pattern to color, is up to you.
Looking for a company to help you handle everything from pool design to pool maintenance in Maricopa County, AZ? No Limit Pools & Spas is here to help. Contact us and tell us more about the services you need and we’ll get back to you with more information.
As No Limit Pools continue to rise to the top in Arizona pool builder rankings we continue to serve the Maricopa County AZ municipalities of Gilbert, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Guadalupe, Maryvale, Tolleson, Sun City West, Litchfield, Glendale, Surprise, Avondale, Fountain Hills, Goodyear, Buckeye, El Mirage, New River, Paradise Valley, Youngtown, Wickenburg, Peoria, Gile Bend, Sun City, Cave Creek, Carefree and beyond.
