To add essential elements like style, definition, and, most importantly, durability, tiles are an excellent option for fibreglass pools.
Installing tiles in a fibreglass pool is no rocket science, and with little research, you would be able to do it. Tiling fibreglass pools are not very different from tiling a standard pool. With the right tools and good knowledge about the procedure, you can achieve the desired results in no time.
Suppose you plan to use a DIY project to tile a fibreglass pool; remember that you need extra help for the grouting process. To know more, keep reading!
Types Of Tiling For Fibreglass Pools
If you own a fibreglass pool, there are mainly three techniques that people opt for when tiling. Let’s quickly take a look at what they are.
1. Inlay (Over The Lip) Tiling
When opting for this method, you will have to create recesses for the tiles, and each tile will be cut precisely to fit the recess. Many people prefer this technique as it comes with a set of advantages.
When using over-the-lip tiling, there is no need to wax the exposed fibreglass lips separately. It is also super convenient to clean the grout and the tiles. You can use a wet cloth or sponge for the purpose, and rest assured; the grout will not crack, stain, or get dislodged.
The best part is that you can select the materials and colours to match your sense of aesthetics. The tiles will fit your deck and pool perfectly if you go for this installation process.
However, it is essential to remember that getting a new custom-fit tile can be pretty costly if a tile comes out.
2. Water-Line Tiling
If you want to tile your entire pool, this method is the one. For this, you will have to put a few rows of tiles where the water line of your pool will be.
There are certainly some significant advantages that you can enjoy if you opt for this method. To begin with, it will enhance the beauty of your pool and add great definition to it. And the best part is that you will have a range of colour and style options that you can choose from.
Also, once installed, it will make maintenance much more straightforward.
3. Custom Tiling
To give your pool the touch of ultimate luxury and durability, you should go for custom tiling. It can turn the dull bottom of your fibreglass swimming pool into something beautiful. To embark on this project, you would first need to get your hands on a few things:
- Silicone rubber grout
- Epoxy grout float
- Acetone
- Pool tile sheets
- Bucket
- Dish soap sponges
- Nylon scrubbing pad
- Someone to help with grouting
- Silicone tile adhesive
To find the best custom tile fit, follow these steps:
1. Prepare The Pool
The first thing to remember when installing tiles in your fibreglass pool is not to do it when there is water. For that, you would need to drain the pool properly and use a wet vacuum or a dry cloth to ensure that the pool is not at all moist.
Once it is dried, sand the bottom of the pool and remove all unwanted dust and debris before cleaning the surface with acetone. Let the pool dry out properly before proceeding to the next step.
2. Taking The Tile Measurements
To accomplish the project, you need to figure out the number of tiles you would need to cover the area. If you are using glass tiles, they usually come in sheets, and it is crucial that you know their sizes properly.
To get a rough estimate, you can begin by measuring the width of the pool. This will give you a fair idea about the number of tiles you need. Make sure that all the tiles are of the same size so that your layout looks even.
If some are not even, you can use a wet saw to make them uniform.
3. Applying The Adhesive
Generally, for all the other techniques, you need to apply the glue directly to the floor of the pool. However, you would have to apply a thin layer of silicone adhesive to each tile in this case. It would be best if you used a spatula to ensure that the adhesive layer is uniform.
Do not forget to spread the glue evenly at the back of the tile so that installation becomes simple.
4. Installing The Tile
Assess the pool area properly to determine where to start putting the tiles. Once you have the measurements right, place the tiles horizontally and apply a bit of pressure to ensure that they stick to the bottom of the pool.
5. Grouting
For this step, you first need to find a grout mix of your choice. And when the adhesive has completely dried up, you can apply the grout mix between the tiles using a putty knife.
To give the project a final touch, do not forget to use some detergent and scrub the excess grout off. Then, rinse with clean water, dry with a wet vacuum, and you are good to go.
Tiling Your Fibreglass Pool
That’s all we have for you, folks! We hope you had a great time learning about the methods you can employ to tile a fibreglass swimming pool.
Always choose a technique keeping in mind the resources you have at your disposal. With suitable tiles, your fibreglass pool can undoubtedly get a complete makeover, so all you have to do is follow these steps.
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Until next time, adios!
