A swimming pool may be one of summer's most enjoyable ways to cool down. Bringing pleasure to our days and beauty to gardens, pools are enduring focal points in holiday developments, private homes, hotels and thermal spas. But how should pool tiles be selected and installed?
Personal taste and requirements matter when choosing tiles for a pool or its surroundings, and designs may differ between residential and commercial settings. Wherever they are used, however, certain criteria are important.
Ceramic or porcelain pool tiles should be practical to use and protect the pool against scratches, stains and other damage. Tiles should be:
This value indicates a material's ability to absorb moisture. For pools, it should not exceed 6%. Why does it matter? A material with high water absorption can quickly become saturated during prolonged contact with water, leading to internal damage, possible deformation under water pressure and premature cracking. Porcelain tiles are an option because they absorb less water.
Chlorine-based cleaning products are used to clean and disinfect pools. Tile surfaces should not react with these substances or lose their original appearance.
Slip resistance is essential for safe pool use. Pay particular attention to steps, entry points and the surrounding areas that are frequently wet. Choose textured or rough surfaces for wet areas rather than smooth, glossy glazed tiles.
It may sound unusual, but tiles need a degree of flexibility. Excessive water pressure should not create internal stresses within the material. Flexibility helps provide longer-lasting performance.
Porous surfaces offer a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. Once this happens, surfaces may become very slippery and can also pose a health risk.
Make sure the reinforced-concrete or rendered surface is clean, dry and sound, with no residue that could prevent adhesion. Use suitable repair mortars to address irregularities in the substrate or structural cracks in the surface. On highly absorbent surfaces, apply 4505 Kalekim Primer before the waterproofing material.
For waterproofing beneath swimming-pool tiles, apply a cement-based, two-component, highly flexible waterproofing material. Reinforce floor-to-wall joints and corners. Once the surface has dried, allow at least 7 days for full curing, then carry out a 24-hour watertightness test.
When fixing ceramic tiles over flexible waterproofing, use a material specially developed for pools whose high polymer content contributes to water resistance. For the joints, choose a high-performance, flexible grout designed specifically for pools.
