Glass Tile Pool Finishes: Benefits, Cost & Installation
The combination of decorative tile and artificial water bodies traces back to ancient times. From the opulent pools and spas of early Greek and Roman civilizations to contemporary designs, intricate tile applications have transformed water features into stunning artistic displays.
Despite its rich historical heritage, tiles in swimming pools were often viewed as an exotic luxury until relatively recently. In the mid-20th century, as backyard pools become commonplace in American homes, the application of tiles was primarily limited to basic waterline bands, which helped with cleaning and prevented cracks typical of wet/dry transitions. The available tile options during this period were fairly basic and affordable, offering limited aesthetic choices for pool contractors and their clients.
However, those days are now a thing of the past as glass tiles have drastically changed the landscape of pool and spa finishes. With an endless array of elaborate designs and shimmering colors, glass tiles have become increasingly popular among homeowners who aim to create something breathtaking in their outdoor environments. Today, the design options for glass tile swimming pools are in high demand.
Versatile Beauty
Constructed from silicate glass materials, glass tiles come in a range of products from various manufacturers. Typically smaller than their ceramic or stone counterparts—commonly measuring two square inches or less—these petite tiles offer a stunning variety of colors, textures, and levels of transparency.
When installed correctly, glass tiles tend to be the most durable surface option for swimming pools and spas. They resist chemical corrosion and damage much better than other surface materials, such as plaster, exposed aggregate, or fiberglass, which generally last between five and 25 years. In stark contrast, glass tile surfaces can maintain their appearance and structural integrity for decades.
While durability is an advantage, it’s the visual appeal of glass tile that primarily attracts homeowners. Commonly used as a waterline treatment, glass can also serve as the main finish for pool interiors. It’s versatile enough to be applied to steps, benches, raised walls, or shallow lounging areas, making it a focal point in many designs. Glass tiles can create uniform colors or expertly mixed subtle hues, adding unique artistic aspects that are hard to replicate with other materials. In some of the most striking installations, glass tiles are artistically arranged to form vivid mosaic images.
As David Tisherman, a designer who extensively incorporates glass tile into his pool projects, states, “Glass tile can mimic the exquisite mosaics of ancient pools and reflecting ponds in Greece, Rome, and Turkey. For those who seek something exceptional, glass tile is frequently integral to the design. Nothing matches it in terms of creative potential.”
Sparkling Results
Tisherman often combines three or more colors of tile to build custom mosaics in his pool designs. When viewed closely, the individual colors of the tiles are distinct, but when submerged in water, they merge visually to produce a breathtaking spectrum of hues.
Tisherman likens this effect to Pointillism employed by Impressionist artists, where each tile acts as a distinct dot that, when combined with others, yields a unified blended color. Depending on their placement, some tiles will be partially visible on walls while others are submerged, influencing how they reflect and project light, resulting in a constantly evolving visual display.
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Professionals and designers, like Tisherman, find that homeowners often develop a deep emotional attachment to their glass tile finishes. Many describe it as the most treasured aspect of their outdoor spaces. This reaction is believed to stem from the material’s iridescent qualities, leading manufacturers to develop glass tiles with varying internal colors and reflective qualities, drawing comparisons to gemstones.
As David Knox, founder of Lightstreams Glass Tile, explains, “Looking at a cut diamond reveals a complex optical system where light enters and reflects through its facets. Glass tiles operate similarly in terms of light interaction, creating profound emotional responses. The way the visual effect alters with changes in light and water depth contributes to an ever-fresh aesthetic appeal.” He continues, “Each tile is unique, akin to natural stones, making it the only manufactured material with such subtle variations.”
How Much Does Glass Tile Cost?
Glass tile is still viewed as a luxury choice for pools and spas, a quality that enhances its desirability. Pricing can vary based on the product and installation complexity, often ranging from $75 to $100+ per square foot installed.
The associated costs can make some pool builders hesitant to recommend glass tile to clients, while others encourage clients to explore a wide range of options, glass tile included, before finalizing their decisions. With numerous suppliers across the globe providing an array of products, the competitive landscape offers homeowners many aesthetic choices.
Kate Wiseman, a landscape architect and design director for Verdant Custom Outdoors, emphasizes, “You don’t really need to sell glass tile to a client. When they see and touch it, they find their reasons to love it. The spectrum of glass tile types makes it almost unjust to group them all together. I strive to deliver a diverse array of choices that my clients wouldn't have otherwise considered.”
Glass Tile: What You Should Know
If you’re considering glass tile for your next project, keep these points in mind:
- Durability While glass tile is one of the most durable materials for pool and spa finishes, it is vulnerable to cracking and chipping when exposed to rapid temperature changes. These issues typically arise from subpar product quality. It’s essential to research your manufacturer and seek recommendations from designers and installers about trustworthy products.
- Rough edges The manufacturing process can lead to sharp edges on some glass tiles. While qualified installers can smooth these out post-installation, it’s crucial to discuss this potential concern with your designer and installer beforehand.
- Quality installation Installing glass tiles can be more challenging than other tile types. It’s essential to have experienced tile setters complete the work to avoid uneven grout lines and the risk of tiles dislodging shortly after installation.
Photo courtesy of David Tisherman’s Visuals, Inc.
Eric Herman is editor of the professional journal, WaterShapes. He has reported on the artistic use of water in landscapes for nearly two decades.
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