Do you have a pool that's looking a little dreary and tired? Although the lining of the pool may be in good condition, sometimes the pool tiles or landscaping can be causing the pool to look a little uninviting, much like the example below!

BEFORE

BEFORE

The good news is, you can easily transform your pool area to look brand spanking new, without touching the inside of your pool! Watch this pool area totally glow-up into being an outdoor area you would love to live and play in. 

This pool transformation was a project by Alex & Corban. They used our Shell White Grip and our Shell White Bullnose  to completely revamp this space! 

There are a few important things to consider when retiling a pool surround, so we will aim to answer some of the frequently asked questions below. One thing is important to note, that you should always consult with your local pool builder or council for the required specifications before starting any work. 

1. What is the R number that you need to look at for coping tiles and pool surrounding?

When we refer to R ratings, we are referencing the Ramp Test. The 'R' rating has a scale from R9 - R13, with R9 having the least slip resistance and R13 the highest slip resistance. Slip ratings is one of the most important thing to consider before laying tiles around a pool. All tiles surrounding a pool must be grip tiles, with at least an R12 rating. This is to ensure the safety of your family and friends while enjoying your pool! 

2. Are porcelain tiles suitable for pool?

Yes! Porcelain tiles are great option for pool surrounds. This is because these products are fully vitrified, which means the colour goes all the way through the tile so they will not change appearance over time, or absorb any chemicals.

3. Can I use a mosaic with a mesh backing inside my pool?

The reason sometimes people suggest not to use mesh back mosaics for the inside of a pool is due to the adhesion coverage. Our mesh back Bisazza products give a 70% adhesion cover due to the way the mesh is applied on the back. Our Bisazza Hotmelt products give a 90% adhesion coverage. Paper faced mosaics, such as many tiles in our Japanese collection, give a 100% adhesion coverage.90% and 100% adhesion are the best coverage in submerged areas. We don't recommend Bisazza mesh back for submerged areas of pools. 

Some mesh back mosaics are suitable for pools, so it is important to work closely with your pool builder to decide on a tile that looks fantastic and achieves the look you want, while also standing the test of time. 

4. Which tile is best for a pool? Glass tiles or Porcelain tiles?

Both Glass and Porcelain tiles are suitable for pools, it just depends on which look you prefer and the shape of your pool! 20x20 Glass mosaics can go around tight curves and work well in round pools, whereas 50x50 porcelain tiles may be the largest size you can have to wrap a curved pool. In square and rectangle pools you can use any sized porcelain tile you like. 

5. Do the glass and porcelain tiles get mouldy in the pool?

Provided the pool has been properly waterproofed and the substrate is prepared correctly, there is no need to worry about mould! Using an epoxy grout will also help with this. 

This pool transformation was a project by Alex & Corban. They used our Shell White Grip and our Shell White Bullnose. Furniture by Soren Liv

This pool transformation was a project by Alex & Corban. They used our Shell White Grip and our Shell White Bullnose. Furniture by Soren Liv

Shell White Grip and our Shell White Bullnose.