Whether it’s the middle of a chilling winter or the dog days of summer, sooner or later our minds start to drift to the edge of a crystal clear pool, where if we wished any harder our toes might get wet. But you don’t have to dream about far-flung vacations. A getaway-worthy pool could be in your future and with Fireclay ceramic and glass swimming pool tiles decorating the oasis, you may never need a vacation again.
Tile: 4x4 in Koi // Design: Handsome Salt // Image: Jenny Siegwart
A tiled pool is both timeless and enduring. Both Ceramic and Glass Tile can withstand the elements year after year while providing unparalleled tile designs. Whether your pool design calls for waterline pool tile or a full glass mosaic, there is a wide range of tile options. With over 100 colors of ceramic and glass tile to choose from, there is no limit to your tile ideas.
Tile: 6" Triangles in Milk Way + Sand Dune // Design + Image: Rich Combs and Sara Combs
Benefits of Ceramic Pool Tile
Ceramic pool tile gives you limitless possibilities to design the pool of your dreams. Recreate a hotel pool from a memorable vacation or draw up a design from your own imagination. From intricate mosaic tile and custom depth markers to commercial-approved slip-resistant glazes to decorate your pool deck, ceramic tile lets you put your personality into every detail of your pool.
Tile: 6" Triangles in Milk Way + Sand Dune // Design + Image: Rich Combs and Sara Combs
Our pool-safe ceramic tile is resistant to frost, fading, and chemicals so your ceramic tile pool will retain its luxury resort luster year after year. Ceramic pool tile is easier to clean than other pool surfaces so you can spend more time enjoying your pool and less time keeping it clean.
Fireclay offers two ceramic tile product lines: Natural Press and Original Ceramic. All Natural Press Ceramic Tile passes freeze/thaw tests and is suitable for interior and exterior pool use in any climate. Our Original Ceramic Tile product line is no longer recommended for exterior pools anywhere other than select Southern California counties, southern Florida, and Hawaii given the ongoing impacts of climate change across the country. Make sure to check our Pool Tile Guide or talk to your design consultant.
Tile: 2x8 in Magnetite // Design: Amber Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac Photography
Benefits of Glass Pool Tile
Our glimmering glass tile collection is a natural choice for outdoor pools, reflecting the sheen of sunlight on the pool water and your own unique style. Made by fusing ceramic glazes at high temperatures, our glass pool tile is available in 48 colors from cool blues to tropical sunset reds to neutrals that match the natural stone in gloss, matte finishes.
A properly installed glass tile pool will outlast just about every other pool material. Glass tile pools are non-permeable and water-resistant, freeze-proof, and can withstand sudden temperature shifts, adding to their outdoor suitability.
Tile: 1x1 in Dove Gloss // Design: Becki Owens // Image: Rebekah Westover Photography
Caring for Ceramic and Glass Pool Tile
Caring for ceramic and glass pool tile is easy, and the better you take care of your pool Tile, the more years you can count on your pool looking like the day it was filled. Whatever tile you choose, start by thoroughly cleaning your pool tile of grout and other construction material immediately after installation.
Tile: 2x2 in Neptune
To help prevent staining and algae growth on your tile, we recommend cleaning the waterline tiles before the start of every swimming season. This can be done by reducing the water to expose the tiles and giving them a thorough brush-down as stain and algae growth can damage your waterline.
Tile: 2x6 Skipping Stone and 6x6 Feldspar Gloss
For mild dirt and grime, you can use mild dishwashing soap with water and a clean rag or mop OR any neutral pH cleaner specified for tile. If you find you must use something stronger, a mildly alkaline detergent.
For any cleaning product, test a small amount on your tile to make sure it doesn’t affect the glaze (an area that is hidden or out of sight is best). Use cleaning products that don’t contain phosphoric acid.
Tile: 3x6 Oyster Shell, Rosemary and Salton Sea
Avoid cleansers that contain acids such as vinegar or lemon juice, as some of our glazes are acid-sensitive. Stay away from using harsh cleaners on a regular basis. The effect of using cleaners with a high pH like bleach – alkaline or low pH like vinegar – acidic over and over is that they may break down some sealers which are there to help prevent soap scum, oils, and dirt from penetrating into the grout.
Tile: 4x4 Koi
If pool scum, algae, or grime does not come up after cleaning, you can try pressure washing your pool tiles. You will have better results by choosing a steam pressure washer with a PSI of 2000 to 2600 that can reach a temperature of at least 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Stand at least 3 feet away and spray the area for 30 seconds as a test.
Tile: 4x4 Koi
Pool Waterline Tile
Tiling just the waterline of a pool is an easy way to increase the design impact of your pool without a lot of tile.
Tile: Desert Bloom 6x6 // Design: Cassandra Winslow // Image: Nicholas Winslow
Even if you're using tile on other elements of your pool, the waterline is a great place to feature a specialty shape of tile since it's noticeable from anywhere in the pool.
Tile: Jade Mini Star & Cross, Jade 2x2 Sheeted // Design & Image: Airey Baringer
An elevated spa can also elevate the prominence of the waterline tile like Star and Cross clad pool.
Tile: Calcite Gloss Mini Star & Cross // Design: Jessie Lane Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac
Pool Stair Tile
Pool stairs are the first impression of a pool but also a functional element that must be safe and practical.
Tile: Dolomite & Quartzite 2x6 // Design & Image: Lindsey Hanna Design
You may wish to specify a matte tile or a tile with a textured additive applied to the surface. Smaller mosaic tiles will also increase the number of grout lines which will increase grip underfoot.
Tile: Carolina Wren Matte & Rosy Finch Matte 3x3 // Design: Samantha Klein // Image: Marj Cruz
Trim Options Available
If your pool installation requires a finished edge for a waterfall, step, or corner, we’ve got you covered. Consider a bullnose or quarter round to soften transitions on edges where the tile body may be exposed.
Due to the complex nature of calculating trim needs, trim isn't available for purchase through our website but our design assistants would love to help you find the perfect trim for your project. Contact us to get your order started, and learn more about trim details and options in our Trim Guide.
Tile: 2x8 in Magnetite with Long Edge Bullnose Trim // Design: Amber Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac Photography
Ready to get started? Sample any of our ceramic or glass swimming pool tiles.
Need more info? Check out our free downloadable Complete Guide to Pool Tile.
