The Best Tiles for Swimming Pools: A Complete Guide

21 Jul.,2025

 

The Best Tiles for Swimming Pools: A Complete Guide

The Best Tiles for Swimming Pools: A Complete Guide

What are the best tiles for swimming pools?

  • Durable and Stylish: Pool tiles are designed to withstand water, chemicals, and weather while offering stunning aesthetics.
  • Tile Types: Popular choices include mosaic for custom designs, glass for sparkle, porcelain for versatility, and stone for a natural look.
  • Creative Ideas: Add vibrant borders, custom murals, or textured accents to elevate your pool’s design.
  • Practical Tips: Choose frost-resistant, slip-proof, and easy-to-maintain tiles for long-lasting performance.
  • Merola Expertise: With 30+ years of experience and a wide selection, Merola Tile ensures quality and style for every pool project.

There’s something magical about a swimming pool that truly reflects your personality. Whether it’s the shimmering blues of a tranquil retreat or a bold design that sets the scene for summer fun, the right tiles can transform your pool into the ultimate showpiece of your outdoor space. Since , we at Merola Tile have been helping homeowners, designers, and contractors turn their creative visions into reality. From mosaic masterpieces to durable porcelain options, our expertise is all about blending stunning aesthetics with the lasting quality your pool needs. Let me guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the best swimming pool tiles—because the perfect pool starts with the perfect tile.

Goto Ralart Mosaic to know more.

Recycle Hex River Blue

Country Beige

What Sets Swimming Pool Tiles Apart?

Swimming pool tiles are specifically engineered to handle the demands of a pool environment. Constant exposure to water, chemicals, and shifting temperatures requires a higher level of durability compared to standard tiles. However, functionality doesn’t mean sacrificing visual appeal. Modern pool tiles blend practicality with sophisticated design, making it easy to achieve both form and function.

Key characteristics of swimming pool tiles include:

  • Waterproofing: Essential to maintain the integrity of the pool’s structure by preventing water damage.
  • Slip Resistance: A crucial safety feature, particularly for edges, steps, and surrounding areas.
  • Durability: Designed to resist harsh pool chemicals, sunlight, and wear, ensuring longevity.

Popular Types of Swimming Pool Tiles

Pool tiles come in a variety of materials and styles, making it easy to find options that suit your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.

Mosaic Pool Tiles

Mosaic tiles are a timeless choice, known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors. These tiles allow for stunning custom designs, whether you prefer shimmering underwater scenes or bold geometric layouts. Mosaics are ideal for creating focal points, adding artistic flair, or infusing your pool with personality.

Glass Tiles

Glass tiles bring a sleek, contemporary feel to swimming pools. Their reflective surfaces enhance the water’s natural beauty, creating a dynamic, sparkling effect. Hygienic and non-porous, glass tiles are easy to maintain and work well for both pools and spas.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are versatile staples in pool design. They are available in a broad range of colors, finishes, and textures, making them suitable for diverse design styles, from rustic to modern. Porcelain, in particular, can mimic the look of natural stone while offering easier maintenance and greater durability.

Natural Stone Tiles

For a classic, earthy aesthetic, natural stone tiles like travertine, slate, and granite are excellent options. These tiles add warmth and texture, making them ideal for blending the pool area with surrounding landscaping. Stone is also a popular choice for pool decks due to its slip-resistant surface and timeless appeal.

Faenza Azul

Creative Poolside Tile Ideas

Your swimming pool can become a showpiece with thoughtful design elements and creative tile applications. Consider these ideas to elevate your pool’s aesthetic:

  • Vibrant Borders: Use colorful tiles along the waterline to add personality. Shades of blue, green, and metallics are popular for creating a refreshing, eye-catching look.
  • Custom Patterns or Murals: Showcase your individuality with custom designs, such as ocean motifs, floral patterns, or abstract art. Mosaic tiles work particularly well for detailed murals.
  • Textured Accents: Mix glossy and matte finishes or incorporate raised textures to add depth and interest.
  • Seamless Aesthetics: Extend the pool’s design to surrounding areas by using complementary tiles on decks and patios for a cohesive appearance.
  • Statement Features: Create a centerpiece with mosaic medallions at the bottom of the pool or a tiled waterfall feature for a touch of luxury.

Tips for Selecting the Right Pool Tile

Choosing the best tile for your swimming pool requires careful consideration of both form and function. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Adapt to Climate: In regions with freezing winters, frost-resistant tiles are essential to prevent cracking from freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Safety First: Prioritize slip-resistant tiles for steps, edges, and pool decks to reduce the risk of accidents.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Opt for tiles that are easy to clean and maintain, such as glass or porcelain, especially in high-use areas.
  • Invest in Quality: Durable, high-quality tiles may cost more initially but will save you time and money in the long run by resisting wear and fading.
  • Stick to a Theme: Consistent colors and textures across the pool and its surrounding areas ensure a polished, harmonious look.

Matter Canvas Bone Blue

Sentier des Ocres Deco

Pool Renovation Ideas to Refresh Your Space

If your existing pool feels outdated, a tile renovation can bring it back to life. Updating the tiles offers a cost-effective way to enhance both the style and functionality of your pool.

Consider these renovation ideas:

  • Replace older tiles with modern designs, such as iridescent glass or polished porcelain.
  • Add a decorative border to define the waterline and create visual interest.
  • Incorporate custom tiles to personalize your pool area.
  • Refresh the pool deck with durable, slip-resistant tiles that complement the pool’s design.
  • Use mosaic tiles to create detailed medallions or murals for an artistic upgrade.

Why Choose Merola Tile?

At Merola Tile, we bring over three decades of expertise to every project. Our extensive catalog includes over 1,600 product designs, offering a vast selection of tiles that balance style, durability, and functionality. From colorful mosaics to versatile porcelain options, we provide the tools to make your vision a reality.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond products. With 10 million square feet of tile in stock and distribution across all 50 states, we ensure timely delivery without compromising on excellence. Whether you’re designing a new pool or renovating an existing one, our dedicated team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Terre Rosso

Start Your Pool Project Today

Ready to transform your pool into a centerpiece for relaxation and entertainment? Explore Merola Tile’s selection of swimming pool tiles to find the perfect match for your design and performance needs.

Whether you’re looking to create a tranquil oasis or a dynamic, colorful space, our expert team can help bring your ideas to life. Let’s make your pool the highlight of every summer gathering.

FAQ

What makes swimming pool tiles different from regular tiles?

Swimming pool tiles are waterproof, chemical-resistant, and designed to withstand varying temperatures and constant exposure to water.

What types of tiles are best for pool safety?

Slip-resistant tiles are ideal for steps, edges, and pool decks to reduce the risk of accidents.

How do I choose pool tiles that last in freezing climates?

Opt for frost-resistant tiles to prevent cracking from freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring durability in colder regions.

For more information, please visit Pool Mosaic Tiles.

Can I use glass tiles for my entire pool?

Yes, glass tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and add a sparkling effect, making them ideal for pool interiors and accents.

Why choose Merola Tile for pool projects?

Merola Tile offers 30+ years of expertise, a wide range of high-quality tiles, and personalized support to help bring your pool design vision to life.

How to choose pool tile: the only tips you need

Pool tiles are the foundation of the swimming pool. They create beautiful designs to make you feel like you’re at a spa, sitting next to the ocean, or help you express your artistic creativity. However, if you have never picked out tile before, it might feel overwhelming. 

If you are installing a new pool, renovating an old one or you are trying to design the perfect backyard oasis but don’t know where to start, here we break down the different factors you need to consider before choosing the right pool tile to make your decision easier.

How to choose the right pool tile

Shiny glass or natural stone? Vibrant colors or soft neutrals? Eccentric mosaics or elegant monochromy? There are many different factors you need to consider when picking the right pool tile, but the three most important ones are: safety, durability and attractiveness. 


These are a great starting point to ensure your swimming pool will be a happy and joyful place for the years to come. Once you’ve got this figured out, then you can get creative with all the different colors, designs, styles, and finishes available.

 1.Determine the part of the pool you want to tile: waterline, underwater or both

There are two places tiles go in your pool, either the waterline or underwater: 

  • Waterline tiles run along the waterline of your pool and serve as the finishing touch. They are a good design element and make your pool complete. Typically, three inches of the waterline is underwater and three inches are above water. 
  • Inlaid tiles are underwater and recessed in the pool mold. This is so the tiles are equal to the pool’s surface. You will find these tiles on seats, steps, floors, and walls of pools. 

If you want to make an existing pool more attractive and inviting, you can achieve this by refreshing the waterline with new tiles. Mosaic tiles with eye-catching designs work wonderfully to add an extra touch of style to your swimming pool.

If it’s the entire pool that you are looking to tile, remember that waterline and inlaid tiles don’t have to be the same color. For example, you can accent the inlaid tiles with a complementing waterline tile, creating a stunning effect.

 2.Decide your budget

Choosing the right tile for your swimming pool also depends on your overall budget. If you are planning on tiling a larger pool for example, then going for more affordable options such as ceramic pool tiles, might sound like a better option. 

 3.Put safety first

A beautifully colored, glossy tile might be attractive but safety comes first. Opting for anti-slip pool tiles is the best option to ensure your family, friends or clients can enjoy the swimming pool without worrying about accidents.

 4.Prioritize tile quality and durability over cost

When it comes to choosing the right pool tile, it’s important to focus on quality instead of price. High-quality tiles are worth the upfront cost because they are durable and low-maintenance, thus they will make your swimming pool last longer and will save you money in the long run.

5.Compare different pool tile types and materials

The best tiles for swimming pools are those that are made from ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Each one of these materials has its pros and cons:

Ceramic pool tile

It’s strong, affordable and comes in every color, texture, and design you can imagine, which is why it has grown to be so popular over the years. If you are trying to stay within a budget, ceramic tiles are a great option. However, they do not reflect light as much as glass tiles.

Porcelain pool tile

It’s durable and can mimic any look you want. If you are after a natural, stone look but don’t want to splurge on stone tile, porcelain can do that for you. If you choose porcelain tiles, make sure that they are rated for full submersion in a pool.

Stone pool tile

Stone will give a natural Mediterranean or Classical feel to your swimming pool. It’s slip-resistant and durable, but also an expensive option.

Glass pool tile

Glass tile is classy, luxurious and shimmering, creating dazzling reflections in the water. Although it’s on the pricey side, it’s totally worth the investment because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. 

6.Choose the right tile size for your pool

Size matters when it comes to choosing pool tiles. Larger tiles can cover up more space but are less stable and may crack over time due to temperature changes. Smaller tiles on the other hand are more break-resistant and can last longer.

 7. Be creative with the pool tile color

Choosing the right tile color will make a big difference in your swimming pool. Bright-colored tiles will make the pool more inviting and vibrant. If you are after a luxury look go for white mosaic tiles that make the pool appear larger and the water look sky blue. Blue is another popular choice; dark blue tiles will turn the water a deep ocean color whereas aqua tiles will give a playful and cheerful vibe to your swimming pool. 

8.Add character with mosaic pool tile 

Mosaic tiles can give your pool character. They can be used as accent pieces or on the entire pool for a dramatic and alluring effect. You can find them in glossy, iridescent and matte finishes, as well as vibrant color combinations.

 9. Learn about maintenance requirements

Your swimming pool might require more maintenance depending on which tile type you choose. Ask an expert about the different tile materials, learn which one is low maintenance and which one needs special care and determine what you are willing to commit to and pay for over time. That will help you make an informed decision, save money, and ensure a longer lifespan for your pool.

 10. Look for tile samples

Asking for samples or visiting a trustworthy pool tile supplier near you is an efficient way to get an idea of how different tiles will look in your backyard. This can be particularly helpful when looking to decide which colors and styles will match best with the rest of your outdoor space.

 11. Ask for installation information

An important step when choosing the right pool tile is asking an expert about how long it will take to install your new tiles and how much it will cost. Although it is possible to turn pool tiling into a DIY project and avoid the extra installation costs, hiring a professional can save you from potential mistakes that can cost you a lot of money to repair later on.

Create a stunning swimming pool with Oasis Tile

Whether you want a natural, stone look or a bright, light-reflecting look, Oasis Tile has everything you need. Think about the look you want, how inviting you want the pool to feel, and the overall decor of your backyard. This will help you narrow down your choices so you find the perfect tile for your project.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Mosaic Bathroom Tile. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Find what speaks to you and let out your inner artist. Shop Oasis Tile and see all the swimming pool tiles available for your pool!