TILE FOR A FIBERGLASS POOL

Swimming pool tile is not the same as bath or kitchen tile. Pool tile is made from a ceramic material that is kiln fired to make it non porous. This keeps water from penetrating the surface of the tile. Because bath tile is slightly porous and will allow some moisture in, it can not hold up to freeze thaw cycles. Not only is tile a very attractive addition to a fiberglass pool, it also helps to eliminate the “bath tub” ring that forms over time at the waterline of a pool without tile.

The smooth non porous surface of a fiberglass pool makes it impossible to use normal tile adhesives and grout to apply and finish tile. There is silicone adhesive and silicone grout that work very well for fiberglass pools. The good thing about silicone is that it is non porous and is unaffected by chemicals. It will flex with the pool and it will stand up to freezing conditions. Most fiberglass pool manufacturers offer tile as an option. It is well worth the cost. If you want to install tile on a fiberglass pool but don’t how, there is a company that will send you a kit which includes all the materials and supplies that you will need. They also include instructions to get you started. In some areas of the country they are even available to install it for you. The company is Flex-tile at www.flextile.com. You can get their tile with the order or select your own. If you select your own, be sure it is pool tile.