FAQ
Friquently Ask Questions
Why fully tiled?
A fully tiled swimming pool is the gold standard for durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. With an extensive choice of colours and finishes, it provides a sleek and sophisticated look that lasts. Unlike other pool surfaces, tiles offer resistance to chemical wear, stains, and fading, ensuring your pool maintains its pristine appearance for years to come.
When installed correctly, glass or ceramic mosaics provide an incredibly smooth finish, making them not just beautiful but practical as well. Unlike fibreglass or epoxy-painted concrete, which can discolour or degrade over time, fully tiled pools retain their colour and integrity, even under harsh Australian weather conditions.
One of the biggest advantages is maintenance—glass mosaics are non-porous, meaning algae and stains struggle to take hold. This makes cleaning a breeze, reducing the time and cost required to keep your pool in top condition. With epoxy grout, maintenance is even easier, as the non-porous surface prevents staining and keeps your water chemistry stable.
Is It Worth the Price?
While the upfront cost of fully tiling a pool is higher than other finishes, the long-term benefits make it a sound investment. Unlike pebblecrete or painted concrete, which require frequent upkeep and eventual resurfacing, fully tiled pools retain their look with minimal maintenance. Epoxy grout ensures there’s no porous surface for algae or stains to adhere to, leading to lower cleaning costs and better water quality over time.
What’s Involved in Tiling a Pool?
- Pool Shell Construction – The pool builder or owner constructs the shell.
- Site Inspection & Quotation – We assess the shell for cracks, water penetration, or steel exposure and provide a detailed quote, covering waterproofing, materials, labour, and adhesives.
- Preparation Work – Cleaning, acid-washing, sealing pipes, and repairing any issues before tiling begins.
- Rendering & Bedding – Preparing the surface to ensure a smooth, even application.
- Waterproofing – Recommended for certain pools, especially those with raised walls, infinity edges, or previous signs of deterioration.
- Tiling & Grouting – Precision tiling followed by grout application for a seamless, durable finish.
- Final Clean & Pool Filling – Once complete, the pool is polished, filled, and chemically balanced.
Can You Tile Over Pebblecrete or Marblesheen?
Absolutely. Many older pools can be easily renovated with tiling, making them look brand new. Since older concrete shells have fully cured, any potential faults are already visible, meaning fewer surprises down the track. Minor repairs are straightforward, and even significant delamination can be fixed efficiently. The end result? A completely transformed pool with a modern, high-end finish.
Why Choose Epoxy Grout?
Epoxy grout is the ultimate choice for those who want top-tier performance. Here’s why:
- Non-Porous – Prevents staining and makes cleaning effortless.
- Flexible – Can withstand temperature fluctuations and environmental stresses.
- Consistent Colour – Won’t discolour or patchy over time like cement-based grout.
- Better Bonding – Cures stronger, ensuring long-term durability.
- Antimicrobial Properties – Inhibits bacterial and algae growth for healthier water.
While epoxy grout comes at a higher cost and requires experienced tilers, it outperforms cement-based alternatives in every way. Weather conditions and pool design will also affect the timeline.
Is Waterproofing Necessary?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended in certain cases. Pools with exposed walls, infinity edges, raised spas, or previous signs of leaks benefit greatly from waterproofing. It helps prevent:
- Water loss through the concrete shell.
- Calcium build-up and efflorescence stains.
- Damage caused by fluctuating pH and water hardness levels.
- Structural issues due to steel exposure and rust.
For pools in extreme conditions, waterproofing also improves the adhesion and longevity of tiles, ensuring a more seamless finish.
What Type of Mosaic is Best for Pools?
Not all mosaics are suitable for pool use. Avoid those with mesh backing, as they don’t bond well underwater. Instead, opt for mosaics with dot-mounted or paper-face backing for a secure, long-lasting installation. Small-format mosaics also provide a superior aesthetic, following the pool’s curves smoothly for a refined look.
Glass vs Ceramic Mosaic – Which is Better?
- Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles – Durable and commonly used in public pools. These tiles are fired at high temperatures, making them highly water-resistant. However, they lack the vibrant colour range of glass mosaics.
- Glass Mosaic Tiles – Offer a stunning, high-end look with rich, lasting colours. Their reflective properties enhance light and create a shimmering effect, especially under LED lighting.
Glass mosaics are the preferred choice for residential pools due to their luxurious appearance and ability to maintain their brilliance over time.