To design or renovate the pool area, outdoor pool tile is a great choice for its versatility in patterns, finishes, materials, and features like a non-slippery surface. Outdoor pool tiles around the pool area can add style and safety, as the surface guarantees to stay covered in water for long without getting damp.
Outdoor pool tiles are available in numerous types and styles, making it frustrating sometimes to pick the right one. In addition, there are various aspects to consider while choosing an appropriate tile for the outdoor pool area. That most times make the selection process bit tricky, mainly because of lesser knowledge about the tiles. For instance, whether you are looking for durable and long-lasting tile or slip-resistant and temperature-controlled variants.
Do Not Worry! Outdoor pool tile vendors in Australia would be a great help to guide you choose the best tile for your pool.
The article will assist you in finding the best tile for your current and future outdoor pool renovation projects.
What to Look for in Outdoor Pool Tiles
Every tile has strengths and weaknesses, and that is up to the homeowners to choose which tile type is ideal for the under construction or renovation pool. Choosing the right tile type for the pool area depends primarily on the tile’s durability. Therefore, picking slippery or easily damageable tiles will not serve any greater purpose.
Thankfully, the below critical aspects can help understand how much an outdoor pool tile can withstand.
PEI or Porcelain Enamel Institute Rating
PEI rating measures the tile’s resistance to foot traffic or weather patterns. Therefore, homeowners must always consider the tile’s PEI rating before picking any outdoor pool tile. Tiles with a high PEI rating of three or above are best for outdoor use or areas with higher foot traffic.
Weatherproof
The next important feature is ensuring the selected tile is weatherproof because tiles with higher PEI ratings would not necessarily mean it is weatherproof. Weatherproof tiles help withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and ice, to prevent any heavy weather damage.
Need for Sealer
Some outdoor pool tiles need regular sealer application, especially the porous variants, as those absorb and retain water over time, which could shorten the tile’s lifespan. Homeowners can go for a wet-look tile sealer for outdoor applications to protect the natural stone, tiles, and even bricks from dirt and naturally growing mushrooms, while darker color depth can help guard against any damage from UV or Ultra Violet rays.
Outdoor pool tiles are available in numerous types and styles, making it frustrating sometimes to pick the right one. In addition, there are various aspects to consider while choosing an appropriate tile for the outdoor pool area that most times make the selection process bit tricky, mainly because of lesser knowledge about the tiles. For instance, whether you are looking for durable and long-lasting tile or slip-resistant and temperature-controlled variants.
Tile Variants
After understanding the characteristics of good outdoor pool tile, now the time is to decide which outdoor tile variant would suit the best for exterior projects.
Ceramic tile may be weaker than other tile types that we will discuss below, but it has a sufficient PEI rating. The tile is best for light-use pools. The tile variant comes in glazed or unglazed finishes. Glazed finish tile is glossy and would make the surface more slippery when wet, while unglazed finishes are more slip resistant as those are more porous and need regular sealing. Non-slip sealer application help prevents users from falling.
Porcelain Tiles are comparatively more expensive than ceramic tiles, but the options are similar. The most appropriate choice for outdoor pool tile is a matte, textured finish with a non-glossy surface. Homeowners must make sure to pick unglazed porcelain tile with a rating for floor usage and is slip-resistant. On the other hand, PEI ratings are good for different pool areas, depending on how much foot traffic they see.
Travertine
is a natural extract of limestone. Travertine pool tile has a porous surface that needs regular sealer application to prevent it from staining and degrading. The tile can also lose traction easily, making slips and falls more likely when wet. Another important aspect is that Travertine from Turkey or Italy is usually more water resistant than travertine from Mexico or China. Still, all can add elegance and a superior look to the outdoor pool area.
Sandstone
is available in various hues, ranging from the whitest of white to ashy gray and even black. Sandstone outdoor tile has a porous surface formed from layers that compress over time. The tile variant, therefore, needs regular sealer application to avoid cracks and water penetration. The tile, however, is best for warm, dry climates while must be avoided for colder, wet climates that are subject to snow.
Limestone
mostly comprises calcium carbonate or the remains of marine fossils. Limestone outdoor tile insulates effectively without getting too hot or cold. Limestone tile is available worldwide and comes in diverse shapes, sizes, colors, and finishes. Limestone tile also needs consistent sealer application, as it easily absorbs liquids or any acid type. However, home designers consider flamed, brushed, or sandblasted limestone tiles best for outdoor pools.
Soapstone is a non-porous, non-absorbent natural stone that is great for warm climates. Soapstone tiles are incredibly durable with water and heat-resistant features. Thus are ideal for pools and surrounding areas, including outdoor kitchen counters. Soapstone tile is easy to maintain and does not require sealing.
Although soapstone tiles are a bit heavy on the pocket, the easy maintenance and longevity make the outdoor tile variant worth every penny invested.
Slate is a durable outdoor pool tile, while the tile’s availability in various colors can add beauty and style to any space. Like soapstone, slate tile is an investment, but the returns are worth the money spent, not to mention the longevity. Home designers, however, recommend sealing for the tile type.
Tiles Add Beauty to Outdoor Pools
Deciding the perfect outdoor tile type is an exciting process for homeowners planning to redo/ renovate an existing pool deck or build a new pool from scratch. No matter what tile variant you need, an outdoor pool tile provider can help.
There is so much to explore and understand from patterns to finish while planning to revamp or build an outdoor area around the swimming pool. The article will help explore some of the best tile types for your darling pool. Travertine pool tile has a porous surface that needs regular sealer application to prevent it from staining and degrading. The tile can also lose traction easily, making slips and falls more likely when wet.
Sandstone outdoor tile has a porous surface formed from layers that compress over time. The tile variant, therefore, needs regular sealer application to avoid cracks and water penetration.
Stone tiles also score a point over other materials as they are eco-friendly. Once you have a budget estimate, it will be easy for you to make a choice and consider the factors. The safety of your pool surroundings and the quality of the stones are of utmost importance.
We would rather advise you to prioritize these over others. Style, design, and colour scheme can be thought about later. But not before the durability and maintenance needs of your pool tiles. The more you spend on repair or maintenance of pool tile implies higher the budget. Make your choice wisely and chalk out a detailed plan.
