A Beginner's Guide to Installing Pool Tiles

Transforming your swimming pool into a dazzling oasis with beautiful new tiles can significantly enhance your outdoor living space. While it might seem like a daunting task, installing pool tiles is a rewarding DIY project for those with a keen eye for detail and a bit of patience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps for a successful pool tile installation, ensuring your outdoor pool tiles not only look stunning but also stand the test of time.

Why Choose Tiles for Your Pool? 

Before diving into the installation process, it's worth understanding why tiles are a superior choice for pools. Tiles offer unmatched durability, resistance to chemicals and UV rays, and an aesthetic appeal that paints or liners simply cannot match. They allow for intricate designs, vibrant colours, and unique textures, turning your pool into a true work of art. Plus, with the right installation, they provide a long-lasting, low-maintenance surface.

Essential Tools and Materials for Pool Tile Installation 

A successful installation begins with having all the right tools and materials at hand. Before you start, gather the following:

• Pool Tiles: Choose high-quality pool tiles specifically designed for submerged applications.

• Tile Adhesive: Use a waterproof, polymer-modified thin-set mortar suitable for pools.

• Grout: Opt for a high-performance, water-resistant grout designed for wet areas. Epoxy grout is often recommended for superior durability and stain resistance in pools.

• Notched Trowel: The size of the notches will depend on your tile size.

• Grout Float: For applying and spreading grout.

• Tile Cutter/Wet Saw: Essential for precise cuts.

• Spacers: To ensure consistent grout lines.

• Level: To ensure an even surface.

• Tape Measure and Marking Tools: For accurate layout.

• Buckets and Sponges: For mixing and cleaning.

• Safety Gear: Gloves, knee pads, and safety glasses are crucial.

• Rubber Mallet: For gently tapping tiles into place.

• Sealer: For natural stone tiles or if using a porous grout.

• Cleaning Supplies: Acid wash (if necessary) and mild cleaners.

Step-by-Step Pool Tile Installation Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Pool Surface 

Thorough preparation is key to a lasting pool tile installation.

• Drain and Clean: Ensure the pool is completely drained and thoroughly cleaned. Remove any dirt, debris, algae, or loose paint. A pressure washer can be effective here.

• Inspect and Repair: Carefully inspect the pool's surface for cracks, uneven spots, or damage. All imperfections must be repaired and allowed to cure completely before tiling begins. The surface must be structurally sound, clean, and dry.

• Ensure Proper Curing: If new concrete has been poured or major repairs done, allow adequate time for it to cure fully, usually 28 days, to prevent future issues.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout 

A well-planned layout minimises cuts and ensures a symmetrical finish.

• Measure Accurately: Measure the total area to be tiled, including the floor and walls.

• Dry Layout: Before applying adhesive, perform a dry layout of your tiles, especially for intricate designs or patterns. This helps visualise the final look and identify where cuts will be needed.

• Find Your Starting Point: Typically, start tiling from the deepest point of the pool floor, working your way up the walls. For walls, find the centre point and work outwards to ensure symmetrical cuts at the edges. Mark your reference lines with a chalk line.

Step 3: Apply Tile Adhesive 

This is where the actual tiling begins.

• Mix Adhesive: Mix your polymer-modified thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it has a smooth, consistent, lump-free consistency.

• Trowel Application: Using your notched trowel, spread a thin, even layer of adhesive onto a small section of the pool surface. Don't cover too large an area at once, as the adhesive can dry.

• Back-Butter Tiles (Optional but Recommended): For larger tiles or extra adhesion, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each tile before placing it. This is called back-buttering and helps ensure full coverage and prevent hollow spots.

Step 4: Lay the Tiles 

Precision and consistency are paramount here.

• Place Tiles: Firmly press each tile into the adhesive, gently twisting it to ensure good contact.

• Use Spacers: Insert tile spacers between each tile to maintain uniform grout lines.

• Check for Levelness: Periodically check your work with a level to ensure tiles are perfectly aligned and flat. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap down any high spots.

• Clean Excess Adhesive: As you go, wipe away any excess adhesive that squeezes through the grout lines or onto the tile surface with a damp sponge. This is much harder to remove once dry.

• Work in Sections: Continue tiling in small, manageable sections, adhering to your planned layout.

Step 5: Grout the Tiles 

Once all tiles are laid and the adhesive has fully cured (usually 24-48 hours, check adhesive instructions), it's time to grout.

• Mix Grout: Mix the pool-specific grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Apply Grout: Use a rubber grout float to spread the grout diagonally across the tile surfaces, pressing it firmly into the grout lines to ensure they are fully packed.

• Remove Excess: After applying grout to a section, use the grout float held at a 45-degree angle to scrape off as much excess grout as possible from the tile surface.

• Clean with Sponge: Wait approximately 15-30 minutes (check grout instructions), then use a damp sponge to carefully wipe away grout haze from the tile surface. Rinse your sponge frequently. You may need to do this in multiple passes.

• Buff Haze: After the grout has dried completely, a slight haze might remain. Buff this off with a clean, dry cloth. For stubborn haze, a mild acid wash might be necessary (follow product instructions carefully).

Step 6: Curing and Filling the Pool 

Patience is crucial for this final stage.

• Cure Time: Allow the grout to cure fully before filling the pool. This typically takes 7-10 days, but always refer to the grout manufacturer's recommendations. Prematurely filling the pool can lead to grout failure and efflorescence.

• Fill Slowly: Once cured, fill the pool slowly to prevent stress on the newly installed tiles and grout.

Maintenance Tips for Tiled Pools 

Proper maintenance will keep your outdoor pool tiles looking pristine.

• Regular Cleaning: Regularly brush and clean your pool tiles to prevent algae and mineral build-up.

• Chemical Balance: Maintain proper pool chemical levels. Imbalanced chemicals can damage grout and tile surfaces.

• Inspect Regularly: Periodically inspect grout lines for cracks or deterioration and repair promptly to prevent water ingress.

Installing your own pool tiles can be a rewarding project, resulting in a beautiful and durable addition to your home. By following these steps and choosing high-quality materials, you'll be enjoying your newly tiled pool for years to come.

For a wider selection of pool tiles, including the vibrant options from the CoCo & Breezy Series, the natural tones of the Earth Story Series, or the unique designs in our Hidden Gem Series, visit our main Pool tiles collection.