How to choose swimming pool tiles for your garden

Spring might have been a bit of a wash-out for many of us. But with the weather now finally warming up, it’s definitely time to start thinking about your outside space. Getting garden-ready in the summer means different things to different people. For some of us, it’s all about plants, paths and patios. For others – summer means it’s swimming pool time!

Forget having a typical hot tub in your garden and instead invest in a more attractive luxury spa in your pool area in which to relax and unwind. This bespoke design is topped with our Innocence 25mm Square natural saltwater pearl swimming pool mosaic tiles for a smooth, striking finish

Living the dream with outdoor pools

In a recent poll conducted by estate agency Strutt & Parker, a pool ranked as the most-sought-after “dream” outdoor amenity. Outdoor pools – along with outdoor kitchens – have become part of a certain lifestyle, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. And while creating a private swimming pool is not exactly a budget option, installation and maintenance costs have decreased significantly in recent years. It’s still a big decision, with lots of different elements to consider. But if you’re thinking seriously of taking the plunge – or are keen to renovate an existing facility – choosing the right swimming pool tile is absolutely vital.

Practicalities first for pools

We probably all have an image in our heads of how the perfect swimming pool looks. But before you start thinking about the aesthetics, you’ll need to get to grips with the various practical considerations.

Our Norde Outdoor collection, showcased here in Oro, is a technically advanced swimming pool tile (and can be used on paths and patios), which feature distinctive colour changes and movement as natural light alters throughout the day. Made from rectified porcelain with a high slip resistance rating of R11, these are frost resistant too, which makes them ideal for the great British climate. Availability: 3-4 weeks and please contact us for more details

 Functional floor tiles

Swimming pool tiles – both in and around the actual water – have to work hard. This type of outdoor environment has unique needs and challenges. So before you get carried away with colours and designs, make sure you put functionality first.

The durable swimming pool tile

The options you consider for your swimming pool tiles will need to be durable on many levels. The material you choose must be able to withstand constant contact with water – and the various pool chemicals that are used for hygiene reasons. So you’ll need to make sure your swimming pool tiles are suitable for full immersion to be confident they won’t crack, fade or corrode. They should also be able to withstand different temperature changes. Remember: in the UK, outdoor swimming pool tiles have to deal with everything from frost to scorching heatwaves!

Our Boost Mineral Outdoor pool tiles, shown here in White, create the perfect surround for those who are looking for contemporary glamour from your outside space. Made in Italy from rectified porcelain with an R11 slip rating, these are perfect for wet areas, frost-resistant and designed for external use. Availability: 3-4 weeks and please contact us for more details

 Durability and discolouration

Discolouration can be a common problem. There’s nothing worse than seeing your pretty swimming pool tiles change colour over time. Continuous exposure to sunlight and chemicals is usually the culprit, although algae growth can also cause colour changes. So do check that the material of your prospective pool tiles is suitably resistant.

Easy maintenance

The best tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Waterline tiles in particular must be easy to clean, to counter any potential scaling. So do ask your tiles expert about tile materials that are resistant to such scaling and also to mineral deposits.

Our Provence Paving Porcelain Cenere are perfect tiles if you’re looking for a stone-effect, textured finish and a great slip rating (R11). With a time-worn aesthetic, these tiles make the perfect surround for an outdoor swimming pool and resemble French antique flagstones. However, you can feature them in contemporary or classic settings for a more versatile approach to pool design

Materials for indoor and outdoor pools

Porcelain and ceramic are perennially popular picks, as they are durable, affordable and versatile. Natural stone (and stone effect) tiles are perfect if you’re keen to create a more rustic effect. Glass swimming pool mosaic tiles not only add the wow factor in terms of appearance, thanks to their non-porous quality they are durable and easy to maintain. Some pool tiles incorporate a special glaze for added resistance to moss and algae, which makes them ideal for outdoor use.

Safety first with anti slip tiles

Grip and anti slip are other important considerations when it comes to these tiles not only for swimming pools but for other wet areas, such as pool changing rooms too. Wet zones, such as bathrooms, are, by their very nature, slippery environments. But you can minimise this issue by choosing tiles which incorporate a high slip resistance, to help prevent falls. Look out too for anti slip tiles with textured surfaces – especially for to cover large areas around your swimming pool. A safe environment is particularly important if your swimming pool is going to be used by children, elderly people, or anyone with reduced mobility.

Make your swimming pool stand out with our Boost Natural Ash Outdoor rectified porcelain tiles. Made in Italy from the Contemporary Collection, with an R11 slip-rating for good grip and outdoor use, this contemporary design adds a sleek, minimalist frame to this mosaic tiled swimming pool. Availability: 3-4 weeks and please contact us for more details

Your swimming pool design scheme

Once you have familiarised yourself with all the practical issues, you can start thinking about your swimming pool tiles design. And where this aspect is concerned, virtually anything goes!

As always in interiors, size matters. But for once, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Swimming pool mosaic tiles are ideal if you want to add impact and interest. They are also durable, hygienic and low-maintenance. They work will with other materials, including porcelain tiles. And they can be installed on your swimming pool walls and floor.

The benefits of swimming pool mosaic tiles

If you’re keen to unleash your creativity, mosaic tiles are hard to beat. Different shades of blue and green work really well within swimming pools. Swimming pool mosaic tiles are perfect if you want to add the wow factor to your design. You can mix and match shades, combine different colours and patterns, and even incorporate an aquatic design theme. Mosaic pool tiles remain a popular choice which will give your pool area a spa-style finish. There are different materials to choose from for more versatility from your design such as glass mosaic or Mother-of-Pearl mosaic pool tiles.

Our Bianco swimming pool mosaic tiles demonstrate how to create a striking feature with a beautiful herringbone style on one of this pool’s walls. With a variety of mosaic tile shapes to choose from, from hexagons and squares to fantails and ovals, these are a freshwater pearl design with a subtle tone and texture, and they are easy to keep clean

Mosaic tiles are a brilliant way to zone your swimming pool area, or make a feature out of one specific area. Or if you like a cohesive look, choose one type of mosaic tile for your entire pool area.

Different styles and aesthetics

Bold, bright, high-gloss swimming pool tiles aren’t for everyone. Softer, subtle tones complement a more traditional outdoor setting, so do consider your swimming pool surroundings when making your choices. Large tiles help to create a sense of visual continuity. Lighter-coloured tiles can make your pool seem bigger. Darker swimming pool tiles can make your pool look deeper and more lagoon-like. Add texture with pattern or iridescent hues.

Our Natural 25mm Square swimming pool mosaic tiles provide the perfect base for this bespoke swimming pool. Featuring a range of natural colours from soft tones to bold highlights, our distinctive mother-of-pearl tiles are ideally suited to luxury homes where design detail is key

Indoor pools

If you’re thinking of adding an indoor swimming pool to your home or business, the considerations in terms of tiles are very similar. Safety, hygiene and chemical resistance are key, especially for commercial hotel and spa facilities. However, unlike outdoor swimming pool tiles, indoor pool tiles are far less exposed to weather and UV. But they do need to be able to withstand high humidity levels. And obviously, where professional settings are concerned, your tile design must complement the general hotel/spa positioning and aesthetic.