When it comes to enhancing an outdoor space, incorporating a swimming pool is one of the best things to do. Especially if the availability of space is not an issue, this luxurious addition can take the charm of your outdoor area to a whole new level. However, this is not just about constructing a pool and filling it with water. Designing and maintaining the surrounding area is equally important. Poolside tiles play a major role in enhancing the aesthetics as well as the durability of your swimming pool. These tiles are usually textured and provide a non-slip surface. This can help in preventing any kind of injuries that can be caused by slipping on wet surfaces. Apart from this, these tiles also keep the poolside area clean, contributing to the overall visual appeal of the space.
How to Select the Right Poolside Tiles
Nowadays, there is a plethora of options available in the market for poolside tiles, and making a choice can be a little difficult. Here are a few important factors that need to be taken into consideration while selecting tiles for your swimming pool’s deck area:
Strength and Durability: Outdoor areas like your pool deck are constantly exposed to moisture, sunlight and various other weather elements. To ensure that you don’t have to go through the hassle of frequent repairs or replacements, it is important to choose high-quality poolside tiles. Always go for materials that can endure lots of extreme weather and do not experience any significant damage. This not only maximises the convenience but also proves to be a cost-effective decision in the long run.
Water Resistance: Water resistance is another crucial factor to consider when choosing tiles for a swimming pool’s surrounding area. It is always recommended to go for tiles that come with an extra layer of coating to prevent water absorption. Higher water resistance contributes to the overall strength and durability of tiles and helps them sustain constant water exposure. In addition to this, this also prevents slip hazards and minimises the risk of any injuries that often occur on wet surfaces.
Chemical Resistance: Nowadays, various harsh chemicals like chlorine, acids, etc., are used to maintain the quality of water. When the deck area is frequently exposed to these chemicals, it can lead to significant damage that often results in scratches, colour fading or chipping. To eliminate this challenge, it is best to choose high-quality tiles that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and also offer good chemical resistance. This way, you can ensure the longevity of your pool deck and reduce the need for any kind of repairs or replacements.
Freezing Resistance: Apart from harsh sunlight and atmospheric moisture, temperature fluctuations can also damage the tiles used on your pool deck. One major impact of these fluctuations is the chipping or cracking of tiles. Especially in areas with extremely cold winters, the moisture can seep into the tiles, causing cracking or any other kind of damage. To avoid this, it is best to choose poolside tiles that offer good freeze resistance as well and can last for years without needing frequent repairs.
Anti-Skid: Safety is one of the top priorities when choosing tiles for your poolside. Due to constant water exposure, this is an area that is prone to slipping. The only practical solution to this problem is to use textured poolside tiles with anti-skid properties. These tiles are known to offer better grip and minimise the risk of falling. This helps in ensuring the safety of people who’ll be using the swimming pool without having to compromise on appearance.
Design Flexibility: This is another important consideration when choosing poolside tiles. Currently, these tiles are available in various colours, designs, finishes, and sizes. To ensure a visually appealing pool area, it is important to choose tiles that match your functional and aesthetic requirements.
Easy Maintenance: While making a selection for poolside tiles, ease of maintenance is also a crucial factor to consider. Due to constant water exposure, pool decks can easily accumulate dirt and moisture that eventually lead to mould and algae growth. This is why it is important to go for tiles that are resistant to staining and can be cleaned with minimal effort.
Top Choices for Poolside Tiles
The material you choose for your poolside tiles plays a significant role in determining their appearance, durability and maintenance requirements. While there are several different options available to choose from these days, some of the most popular ones are:
Ceramic Tiles: Primarily known for their exceptional durability, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for poolside areas for various other reasons. These tiles are non-porous, which contributes to higher resistance to water absorption and any kind of staining. Apart from this, it also helps in preventing mould and mildew growth, which is otherwise very common in areas surrounding swimming pools. At Hindware Italian Tiles, you can find a wide range of ceramic poolside tiles in various sizes, colours, and designs.
Porcelain Tiles: Just like ceramic tiles, this is another ideal flooring option for poolside areas. Porcelain tiles are known for being lightweight, but they can easily withstand extreme amounts of pressure due to heavy footfall. They also offer higher resistance to chipping, fading, etc., and do not experience any significant wear and tear from constant use. Porcelain pool tiles are available with textured surfaces that provide better traction and offer slip resistance.
Glass Mosaic Tiles: If you want to create a stunning visual effect on the area surrounding your swimming pool, these tiles can be a great choice. Available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, glass mosaic tiles can elevate the overall look of your pool deck. Apart from aesthetic benefits, these tiles are also known for their durability. They can withstand the harsh chemicals used for maintaining the pool, and their appearance does not deteriorate over time. Additionally, the smooth surface of these tiles not only prevents algae growth but also contributes to ease of maintenance.
Natural Stone Tiles: The best way to add a rustic charm to your pool area is to choose natural stone tiles. These tiles mimic the appearance of real stone and can easily add a touch of elegance to your pool area. Apart from this, they can also withstand harsh weather elements such as direct sunlight, rainwater, etc. Another good thing about choosing natural stone tiles is that they are highly resistant to moisture and do not require any extra effort for cleaning.
Given the number of options available these days, choosing floor tiles for your pool area can be a real struggle. But if you keep a few important factors in mind, you can easily make the right choice. At Hindware Italian Tiles, we offer an extensive collection of reasonably priced tiles for the swimming pool’s surrounding area. You can browse our range of poolside tiles online and make a selection as per your specific requirements.