Pool tile question on whether to run horizontally or diagonal or both?

7 years ago

We are resurfacing our pool and are not sure how to have the tile run. It was previously done with plaster and the tile on the waterline and raised spa wall done in slate that was installed diagonally on the waterline in a mosaic and larger slate tile placed diagonally on the spa wall.

The surface of the pool will be a sand pebble aggregate and the waterline and spa wall tile are NPT Ridgeline Multicolor. Our preference was to run a six inch tile horizontally at the waterline, install larger tiles in the same finish on the diagonal on the spa wall and then use two inch tiles on the edge of the shelf and stairs.

Unfortunately, the Ridgeline only comes in six inch tiles. The contractor is going to cut the tiles into two inch squares for the shelf and stair lines.

I'm uncertain whether to install the waterline and spa wall all running horizontally, or to have them do the spa wall on the diagonal.

I've attached photos of the before, the pool after demo and the tile we have chosen.

Would appreciate any feedback. Thank you in advance.

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Comments (4)

PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
7 years ago
MInd you, this is just my opinion. The pool shape is classic shape, with clean lines. I think the tile should run horizontal to compliment the classic shape. At an angle it's too busy and too different to the pool shape.

I did notice one detail on your home that could allow the pool to tie in. The columns on the porch appear to be wrapped in natural stone.

Consider this. Face the raised portion on the with the same stone or something very similar. Run it below the water line and have the remaining perimeter tile join at it's ends.

Don't run the perimeter tile below the stone-to me, it looks cheesy. Stone below the water looks better. There are natural veneer stones available. Do not use a pre-cast, fake stone. It will fade and get destroyed by the pool chemicals.

Glass tile is another consideration-very beautiful with multiple colors at different times during the day.

Just a thought.
Deborah Jarman
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you for your detailed response. The reason we chose the Ridgeline tile is that it is a very close match to the stone detail on the house and thought it would tie the two together. Here is a photo of the tile next to the house stone. I like the idea of natural stone on the spa wall, but I think this tile is organic and a close enough match to pull it off. Tiling starts tomorrow and will run everything horizontal. Thank you again!
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Deborah Jarman
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks again Mystic Pools! They just finished setting the tile and I'm very happy that we had it set horizontally.
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
7 years ago
You are welcome. Looks nice.