Tile is probably one of the most beautiful materials used when designing and decorating swimming pools. Glass tile is delicate yet durable and can survive any climate (if it is installed correctly). Some people, in order to save money, skip the multi-layered installation process. This increases the chance of the glass tile cracking or losing bond… in the end you’ll end up paying more money.
There are two major steps when it comes to tile installation: preparation and installation.
Getting Your Pool Prepared
The first thing to be aware of before installing tile is becoming familiar with cure times. Glass-tile pools require about two months of cure time before people can start swimming in your pool. The shell alone needs 28 days, the mortar bed needs 7 days, the membranes take up to 72 hours, and the thinset can take up to 21 days. That’s not even including the tile installation timeline.
Although we cannot control the weather, it is essential to pick a season for your tile installation with the most mild weather possible. Even when you choose a summer season there is just no way to predict mother nature. Environmental conditions are the greatest variable impacting tile installation. If there is excessive heat, direct sunlight for extended periods of time, low humidity, temp swings, freezing temperatures, or blowing dust this will increase your tile installation time. Not to mention increase your frustrations. However time consuming the preparation can be, trust us, it will be worth it in the end!
Here are the (very) basic descriptions of the tile laying process:
- Create a tent system to be utilized for the duration of the project.
- Plan your pool construction process around the tile installation (i.e. do not install tile when you will be utilizing jack-hammers or creating a lot of dust).
- Inspect the shell of the pool and the shotcrete. There cannot be cracks.
- Verify dimensional accuracy of the shell of the pool.
- Consider and plan out the tile “grid” of the pool.
- Level the tile lines so they’re level with the pool water.
- Research the tile you would like to use.
- If you are choosing a builder, find the perfect guy or gal for the job.
- It’s all about mud, and it needs to be precise in order to look amazing.
Tile installation is all about the proper preparation AND proper installation. Both of these steps are essential for great tile design and durability.