Building or Renovating a Pool? Expert Advice on Pool Tiles, Coping & More

Planning a new swimming pool or renovating an existing one? From choosing the right pool tiles and coping to understanding adhesives, finishes and surrounding pavers, there are plenty of decisions that can influence both the look and longevity of your pool.

We spoke with the experienced builders at Ninety45 to answer some of the most common questions homeowners have when building or renovating a swimming pool.

Specialising in high-quality pool construction and renovation, Ninety45 works closely with architects and landscape designers to bring carefully considered pool designs to life. Here, they share their advice on everything from fully tiled pools to choosing the right materials for your pool surrounds.

Where do I start with building or renovating a pool?

Whether you're starting from scratch or renovating an existing swimming pool, one of the first things to consider is how you want your pool and surrounding outdoor area to work for you.

Ninety45: Building or renovating a pool starts with understanding how you want to use the space. Consider the size, shape and style of pool that suits your family, as well as features like spas, swim-outs, heating, filtration, lighting and landscaping.

Ninety45 works closely with Architects and Landscape Designers to build and renovate pools, bringing their plans and your vision to life. Our experienced team can manage the construction process through to completion.

Considering these elements early can help ensure your finished pool works seamlessly with your home and landscaping. It also gives you an opportunity to think about how materials such as pool tiles, coping and outdoor pavers will connect the pool with the wider outdoor space.

Why choose tiles for my pool rather than a plaster or paint finish?

The interior finish of your swimming pool has a major impact on its appearance, durability and ongoing maintenance. While plaster and painted finishes are options, fully tiled swimming pools have become a popular choice for homeowners wanting a premium, long-lasting result.

Ninety45: Fully tiled pools offer superior durability, timeless style and lower long-term maintenance than painted or plaster finishes. Quality tiles resist fading, staining and pool chemicals while providing endless design possibilities.

Pool tiles also provide plenty of opportunity to personalise the look of your swimming pool. Colour, format, texture and finish can all influence the appearance of the water, helping you create anything from a deep blue resort-style pool to a softer, more natural look.

With a wide variety of pool tiles available, you can also select a finish that complements your home's architecture, landscaping, pool coping and surrounding pavers for a cohesive outdoor space.

What adhesives should be used for a fully tiled pool?

When it comes to creating a fully tiled swimming pool, choosing the tiles is only part of the equation. The products and installation systems beneath the surface are essential to the performance and longevity of the finished pool.

Ninety45: Fully tiled pools require high-performance, waterproof adhesives specifically designed for permanent underwater use. The right adhesive system depends on your pool's construction, tile selection and site conditions.

Ninety45 uses proven installation systems, including compatible adhesives, waterproofing and grout, to ensure your tiled pool is built to perform for years to come.

Pools are demanding environments, with constant water exposure, chemicals and changing temperatures. Using compatible pool tile adhesives, waterproofing and grout systems designed for these conditions is therefore an important part of achieving a high-quality, long-lasting finish.

What is the main reason for tiling a full pool vs just the waterline?

Waterline tiles are a familiar feature in swimming pools, but fully tiled pools take the finish across the entire interior surface. So, what are the benefits of fully tiling a swimming pool?

Ninety45: The biggest reason homeowners choose to fully tile their pool is longevity. While waterline tiles protect the area where oils, sunscreen and minerals collect, a fully tiled pool provides a durable finish across the entire surface that's easier to clean, highly resistant to staining and designed to last for many years.

A fully tiled pool also delivers a premium, resort-style appearance. With a wide range of colours and finishes available, you can create a completely customised look that enhances the overall design of your outdoor space.

Beyond their practical benefits, fully tiled pools can create a striking visual feature within a backyard. Tiles interact with sunlight and water to create colour, movement and depth, with different tile colours producing dramatically different effects once the pool is filled.

For homeowners looking to make their swimming pool a central design feature of their outdoor space, full pool tiling provides plenty of creative possibilities.

How do I choose the right coping and pavers for my pool?

The materials surrounding your swimming pool are just as important as those inside it. Pool coping and outdoor pavers help frame the pool while connecting it with landscaping, decking and outdoor entertaining areas.

Ninety45: Your coping and pavers should complement both your pool and your home's style while providing a safe, practical surface around the water. Consider colour, texture, slip resistance, heat retention, durability and how the materials will tie in with your decking, landscaping and entertaining areas.

Creating a relationship between your pool tiles, coping and surrounding pavers can help the entire outdoor area feel more cohesive. They don't necessarily need to match, but choosing complementary colours, tones and textures can create a considered transition from the pool to the rest of your outdoor space.

Practical considerations are equally important. Pool surrounds are exposed to water, sunlight and changing weather conditions, so it's important to choose tiles and pavers that are suitable for the intended application.

Bringing Your Pool and Outdoor Space Together

A beautifully finished swimming pool is the result of many different elements working together. From the pool itself to tiles, coping, pavers and landscaping, considering the complete outdoor space can help create a result that feels connected to your home.

At Tile Space, we have a wide selection of pool tiles and outdoor tiles to suit different styles of swimming pools and landscapes. Whether you're creating a contemporary architectural pool, a relaxed resort-inspired backyard or simply updating your waterline tiles, our team can help you explore colours, formats and finishes for your project.

If you're planning a custom swimming pool or renovation, Ninety45 offers honest, reliable advice throughout the build and takes pride in delivering high-quality pools built around your home, lifestyle and vision.

Call 0800 Ninety45 to discuss your project and find out how they can help bring your outdoor space to life.

Find the Perfect Tiles for Your Pool

Planning a new pool or renovation? Explore Tile Space's range of pool tiles, mosaics and outdoor pavers, or visit your nearest Tile Space showroom to find the right products for your project.

From fully tiled swimming pools and waterline tiles to coping and surrounding outdoor areas, the right tile selection can help transform your pool into a beautiful extension of your home.