22 Nov 2024

DIY Pool Tile Installation Guide: Lay a Strong Foundation for Your Swimming Pool

Gone are the days when a swimming pool in the backyard was for mere luxury. Nowadays, it’s almost a necessity! And with the summer coming to greet us in person super soon, it is high time that we build a pool for ourselves to beat the heat in style. While creating a pool project involves many elements, installing the right pool tiles is one of the initial things you need to be mindful of.

Wondering how? Worry not! We have come up with a simple yet amazing step-by-step guide on how to install pool tiles. For starters, pool tiles are the foundation of your swimming pool. Therefore, knowing the correct steps to install them becomes of utmost importance as the tiles have a significant impact on your pool’s aesthetics and functionality.

So, before you start Googling “where can I find top-quality pool tiles near me” (and mind you, you should be aiming for quality!), make sure to see the swimming pool tile installation instructions that we have to share with you to help you lay a strong and aesthetic foundation for your pool.

No matter if you are a DIY maverick or someone who is doing it for the first time, installing swimming pool tiles could be quite a satisfying and wholesome experience.

Having said that, let’s get into it! Shall we?

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Install Pool Tiles

Before we begin, it is important to note that there are several steps involved in installing the pool tiles. Every stage, from planning to the final installation and even post-installation inspection has its own significance.

So, if you are doing it for the first time, here’s what you need:

1. Swimming pool tiles (make sure they work well when submerged)
2. Hammer and chisel (this is optional)
3. Adhesive for tiles
4. A suitable notched trowel
5. Grout
6. Rubber float
7. Spacers for tiles
8. A wet saw
9. Grout float
10. A sponge
11. Some water in a bucket
12. Sealer for the tiles (this is optional)
13. Goggles and gloves for safety

Once you are done sorting the materials, you are all set to start the installation process. Here are the swimming pool tile installation instructions you need to follow:

Step 1: Ready the Surface

The very first thing you need to do is make sure that the surface of the pool is clean and smooth. To add, there shouldn’t be any debris, oil or grease. You can also pressure wash the pool’s surface to get rid of the dirt and other matter. In case there are already existing tiles, you need to remove them too by using a hammer and chisel.

Step 2: Decide on The Plan and Overall Layout

To make sure that your pool tiles are correctly installed, start by making a layout of the tiles on the land (when it’s dry) before you begin the installation process. Doing this will allow you to have a broader picture and envision the pattern to achieve the perfect look. Begin from the centre and gradually work your way outward to get a balanced look.

Step 3: Use The Adhesive for The Tiles

The third step in this how to install pool tiles guide includes the application of the tile adhesive. With the help of the notched shovel, apply a layer of glue (the one for your tiles) over the surface of the pool prepared by you. Don’t apply the adhesive in large sections. Instead, make sure that the sections you are working in are small. This will prevent the adhesive from drying up before you even place the tiles. Holding the notched shovel at a specific angle (45 degrees) can help you make ridges in the glue.

Step 4: Time to Position Your Tiles

This step in the pool tile installation guide is especially fun. All you have to do is place each tile over the adhesive and press firmly. You can even twist them slightly so that they set. Make sure to add the spacers for tiles between the tiles so that the spacing is even. Similarly, place all the other tiles.

Note: If you want some inspiration on modern pool tiles, then you can check out our Almeria pool tiles and Andalucia pool tiles. These are aesthetic, durable, offer superior traction and are built to keep up with the harsh environment of the pool (just like how top-quality pool tiles are supposed to be).

Step 5: Cut the Tiles Wherever Applicable

With the help of a wet saw, give the pool tiles a trim so that they fit your swimming pool's corners and sides. Remember to use your safety goggles and gloves as you work with the saw and make sure that you are careful. If you’ve planned your area well and purchased the right sizes from us, this trimming step may not be necessary.

Step 6: Use Grout

Remove the spacers used for the swimming pool tiles after assessing whether the adhesive has dried up or not. This usually takes up to 24 hours. Now, make the grout as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. With the help of a rubber float, the binder should be pressed at a 45-degree angle into the spaces that are between the tiles.

Step 7: Remove the Extra Grout Via Cleaning

The 7th step of our pool tile installation guide is all about removing the extra grout. Now, once you see that the grout has been set (usually 15-20 minutes), take a sponge, damp it and remove the extra sand from the surface of the pool tiles. Make sure you rinse your sponge consistently and don’t apply a lot of pressure while cleaning. The same will ensure that the grout doesn’t get removed from the joints.

Step 8: Make Sure to Cure and Seal

Let the binder cure as per the time that is advised before you fill your swimming pool. Depending on the pool tile material, if needed, you can use a sealer to secure your swimming pool tiles from getting stained and increase their lifespan. However, the same is not needed when you are using materials such as glass mosaic pool tiles.

Step 9: Inspect After You are Done with the Installation Process

The last step of your swimming pool tile installation instructions revolves around inspection. Carefully check if the pool tiles, especially around the corners, have been installed correctly or not. In general, inspecting your pool every now and then helps increase its lifespan.

To Wrap Up

Pool tiles are of great importance because largely affect the appearance and usability of your pool. Thus, it is important to understand the proper steps on how to install pool tiles. From readying the surface to making sure that you are done with the installation, each step is unique and important in its own sense. So, whether you are a DIY champ or someone who is doing it for the first time, you now know how to lay a strong and aesthetic foundation for your pool by installing the swimming pool tiles correctly.

FAQs

Q: How are pool tiles installed?

There are several steps that you need to follow to correctly install your pool tiles. Refer to our swimming pool tile installation instructions to get a better idea.

Q: What is the life expectancy of pool tile?

Generally, if taken care of and maintained well, your swimming pool tiles will last for years to come.

Q: What adhesive do you use for pool tiles?

You use a waterproof epoxy adhesive is usually used for the same.

Q: Can you tile over old pool tiles?

It is not recommended to tile over old pool tiles as the same is not a friendly option as it won’t stay for long.