A swimming pool can be one of the most exciting outdoor features of a house, without a doubt. Pools elevate the exterior and add an extra charm to the overall landscape of various types of spaces ranging from backyards to hotels, resorts and spas. When it comes to the design and decoration of swimming pools, tiles are the go-to a medium. The combination of ornamental tiles and water bodies has existed for centuries. People across various old civilizations have decorated their pools with beautiful tile artwork. From the luxurious pool features of ancient Greco-Roman palaces to modern swimming pools, tiles are clearly a timeless choice.
Picking the perfect tile for the most cherished exterior feature is important. It has to be visually appealing while being durable and functional. Ceramic has been a popular pool tile choice in the previous few decades. However, the design options and color choices are very limited when it comes to ceramic tiles. An amazing alternative to ceramic pool tiles is glass mosaic tile. Glass mosaic is highly versatile and comes in a wide range of brilliant color and textural variations. Over the past decade, glass mosaic tiles have gained popularity as the preferred pool tile material. More and more landscape architects, designers, pool contractors and homeowners are opting for glass mosaic tile art (over monotonous ceramic ones) as a way of moving past mundane. Owing to the limitless color palette and design versatility of glass mosaic, swimming pools can be transformed into art masterpieces. Glass mosaics have revolutionized the whole concept of pool design. They are durable, easy to clean and require low maintenance. Glass mosaic tile art made from recycled glass is environment-friendly.
Here are some of the major reasons why glass mosaics perfect for swimming pools:
Look & Feel – Endless Design Possibilities
Glass mosaic art is a highly versatile tile medium for swimming pools. The silky smoothness of glass tile is gentle on the feet and feels amazing underwater. Extensive array of colors, shapes, sizes and textures are available in glass mosaic tiles. Using the small mosaic tiles, you can get any image, pattern or design made for the pool. Transform the backyard into a gorgeous oasis with your own custom underwater art made from mosaic tiles. From tropical fishes, colorful coral reef and exciting aquatic life, to abstract art to floral and nature inspired images, pool design options are infinite with mosaic tiles.
Furthermore, glass compliments the characteristics of water beautifully. Reflecting and refracting sunlight and artificial light to create an enchanting effect. When hit with light, each tile glistens individually and it looks like a thousand underwater gems.
Mosaic tile sizes range from 10mm to 50mm, smaller tiles are perfect for surfaces that are not plain two dimensional. Glass mosaics can easily be applied to curved pool walls and slopes smoothly. Mosaic design can also be continued to pool steps, benches, raised walls, water features and vanishing edges – this removes so many limitations from pool and landscape design.
Glass mosaics let you add visual appeal and aesthetics to swimming pools in a way that no other tile or decorative material can. Some companies, like MEC, offer custom design options, which means you can personalize your pool and make it truly one-of-a-kind. Imagine getting a photograph or your child’s artwork transformed into a stunning pool mosaic, this and much more is possible thanks to technology and extensive array of glass mosaic colors. You can also get an existing design altered or have one designed from scratch based on a moodboard, pattern or even a sketch. Whether you opt for an intricate design or a simple mosaic tile color blend, mosaics are the way to go for a magnificent swimming pool!
Low Porosity – Good for wet environments
Glass mosaic tiles do not have tiny pores and they do not absorb water. This makes them ideal for wet environments. Glass mosaic tiles that are designed specifically for swimming pools are non-permeable and water resistant. This means that the glass mosaic isn’t just a decorative covering, it acts as an extra layer of sealant for the swimming pool. This provides an additional level of security against water leaking inside the pool.
The absence of pores in the tiles means that there is no space for microbial and fungal growth.
Thermal Shock Resistant
If you take a glass out of the freezer and pour warm water in it, the glass would shatter. This happens due to a phenomenon called Thermal Shock. The glass tiles for pool mosaics are especially designed to not be affected by any temperature fluctuations, gradual or sudden. Glass mosaics are thermal shock resistant, they don’t crackle from heat or cold. Pool mosaic tiles are UV resistant, heat proof as well as frost resistant. The pool mosaic tiles must be able to withstand sunlight and weather changes. Thermal shock resistant properties make glass mosaic tile safe for swimming pools, averting risks of injury or water seeping through cracks.
Durable, Easy to Clean & Chemical Resistant
Swimming pools add to the value of the house and choosing the right tile material along with good quality installation can significantly add to the life of the swimming pool. Glass mosaic tile art is more than just what meets the eye, it improves the durability of the pool and makes it easier to clean. Glass mosaic has a smooth non porous surface, which means that you will not have to worry about hard to clean dirt deposits.
Glass mosaic is resistant to corrosion from chemical cleaners and pool disinfectants. Glass mosaic colors are not affected from chemicals, temperature changes and humidity. Since the color and surface remains unaffected by external factors, glass mosaic art can be extended beyond the pool itself. The submerged tiles would not visually differ from the surfaces outside the water. Being able to continue the same glass mosaic pattern to water features, vanishing edges and exterior parts of the pool opens up a whole world of design possibilities. In short, glass mosaic pool tiles, when installed properly, are low-maintenance and can last you a lifetime.
Things to Remember
Not all glass mosaics are suitable for swimming pools, so make sure you check the specifications and ask the tile store. Make sure they are safe for water submerged areas and are non-slip for extra safety.
Check the technical specifications of the glass mosaic tiles to see if they meet industry standards for glass tiles. ANSI A137.2 is a standard established for glass tiles. Check to see if the tiles used for a pool mosaic design complies with these specifications, before placing an order.
How the mosaic sheets are mounted is crucial when choosing glass mosaic art for swimming pools. Mosaics come mounted in two main forms, mesh back and paper face. White mesh back mosaic sheets are easier to install, they are not suitable for swimming pools. Mesh decreases the surface area of the tiles that comes in contact with the laying and adhesive material. Tile might start getting loose and falling off within a few weeks of installation if the mosaic has a mesh back. Paper face mounted glass mosaic is recommended for pools. Paper face mosaic provides health benefits because it doesn’t let any mold build up underneath the mosaic tiles. Glue holding the mosaic tiles to the mesh might be water-soluble, it washes off, creating gaps which results in microbial growth and mold. Avoid mesh back mosaics for swimming pools at all costs.
Picking the right laying and grouting materials is paramount for durability and safety or mosaic adorned swimming pool and water features. Grout used for regular tiles in dry areas is not suitable for submerged areas. Epoxy grout is ideal, it is waterproof and flexible. Ask your tile supplier for other high quality pool-specific adhesive and grout recommendations.
Adorning swimming pools with glass mosaic art is an investment. Maximize the value and durability of the mosaic by choosing a tile installer or contractor that knows that they are doing. Get a professional tile setter that has experience with glass mosaic pool laying and fixing. An eye for detail is important, sheets will need to be evenly spaced for a seamless pool mosaic design. Rough edges, if any, need to be buffed at the time of installation. The installer might suggest movement joints based on your pool design and materials used.
Swimming Pool Season & COVID-19 Concerns
The pool season is upon us but what does that mean for swimming amidst a global pandemic. Everyone has health concerns regarding COVID-19 and rightfully so. Fortunately, swimming pools are safe to use with standard amounts of disinfectant. According to the CDC, there has been no evidence of spread of the coronavirus to humans through treated swimming pool water. However, the risk still remains outside of the swimming pool. It could spread to the dry areas around the pool itself. So while, swimming in a residential pool of your own might be safe, avoiding gatherings like backyard pool parties is recommended in light of the current situations (at the time of publication of this article May 2020). Stay safe and enjoy your summer!