Technology of facing the pool with ceramic tiles. Choose a tile for the pool

Such a design as the pool can be internal and external. Almost always the tiling of the pool is done.
  All this is due to the fact that the tile has excellent characteristics.

To date, the pools that are on the countryside can be functional or decorative. Their forms are quite diverse, as are their sizes.
Features and characteristics:

• They are made, as a rule, a monolith or with the help of a brick laying. Sometimes other building material is used.
• If the pool is of decorative purpose, then it can be lined with any modern finishing materials. If there is water in it, it is imperative that they are moisture resistant.
• If the pool is functioning, then during its construction, all safety standards must be observed. The depth can be any.
    Only it should be taken into account that materials for facing such a structure must be strong, reliable and moisture resistant.

Council. For the lining of the pool, preference is always given to those materials that are resistant to the effects of various kinds of chemical and cleaning substances.

The most common way - tiling the pool.

Types of tiles for finishing the pool and their characteristics

Tiles for can be ceramic.
In turn, it is divided into:

• Clinker.
• Porcelain stoneware.
• Mosaic.

More about the materials:

• All these materials are made on the basis of clay dough, only they pass different stages of production.
• Ceramic tiles for the lining of pools by technology passes one or two firing. The tiles with double firing are of high strength, as the structure becomes denser.
• By its size it can be different. From this the name of the tile "mosaic" appeared.

Folding the surface of small ceramic tiles, the size of which can be:

• 10x10 mm.
• 20x20 mm.
• 30x30 mm.

Note. There are variants of such material, when a certain number of small tiles are attached to special grids and already in this form the material is mounted on the surface.

The size in this case can be:

• 20x30 cm.
• 30x30 cm.

All these are standard sizes of simple ceramic tiles.
The clinker and ceramic granite tiles in their properties are quite similar:

• If the clinker consists of clay dough with various special additives and dyes, in addition to all this in the production process, feldspar adds to the ceramic granite, which gives the material high strength. It participates in the formation of natural granite, which has similar characteristics as porcelain stoneware.
• Dimensions of such tiles can be as small (20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, 60x30 cm) and rather large size (60x60 cm, 70x50 cm, 90x90 cm). The last version of the parameters of the tile is often used for finishing the bottom of the basin chalice.

The swimming pool tile may have a surface:

• Steady or structural.
• Relief or rough.
• Matte, glazed or glossy.

Read more:

• On the surface itself there can be imitations of other finishing materials or simply images that, with a certain amount of tiles, are added to large panels.
• The color range of ceramic tiles is quite interesting. There are neutral shades of the surface, and there are also very bright, which, as a rule, occur on the surface of the mosaic.
• It is rather difficult to mount a mosaic, since each element on the surface should be set exactly, so as not to spoil all the design of the structure. The simplest and fastest installation are standard ceramic tiles - 20x20 cm or 30x20 cm, 30x30 cm.

How to choose a ceramic tile for finishing the pool

For the lining of the pool by production technology should go with rounded corners.
  Unfortunately, not all modern manufacturers know this process of manufacturing the material. For this reason, the tiles have even angles.

Council. In order to use the pool was safe, it is better to give preference to tiles with rounded corners, since it will not be dangerous in the event of a blow about it due to the absence of sharp corners.

To lining ceramic tiles of pools was high-quality, there are a number of criteria for choosing a material:

• Be sure to tile should be a single lot, because in case of its lack of tiles from other parties may have differences in the shade of the surface.
• All corners of the material must be in the same plane. If this is not the case, then it will not be possible to perform a quality tile installation.
• The thickness and dimensions of the tiles should be as described on the packaging.
• The storage of the material must be in the proper conditions (it depends only on the seller).
• The surface of the tiles should be free from cracks and visible deformation of the design.
• On the tile on the edges there should be no splits and other defects.
• Well, the main criterion is the price. On clinker and porcelain tiles it is quite high. The most accessible are simple ceramic tiles or mosaic.

Council. When buying a tile, the seller should ask for certificates for the products in order to make sure of the authenticity of the material.

Properties and technical parameters of ceramic tiles

The most important technical indicator of ceramic tiles will be its moisture resistance. It is free to withstand the effects of moisture.
Also it is peculiar to:

• Practical, as the surface does not absorb dirt. On the tile of various kinds of pollution and bacteria can only remain on the surface and not penetrate into the structure of the material.
    It is cleaned quite quickly and simply with the use of cleaning or chlorine-containing products.
• Durability, as it is able to withstand fairly high loads and yet not deform under the mass of water that fills the pool.
• Durability. Tiles can be used for 30 years. In some cases, the life of this material reaches 50 years.
• Wear resistance. Throughout the life of the finish with ceramic tiles and various influences on it, the external design does not change, and the properties remain the same.
• It does not burn and freely tolerates very high and very low temperature regimes. She is not afraid of temperature changes. The only thing is, it gets warm for a long time, but then it cools too long.
• Has an attractive appearance and affordable price.
• Due to the fact that the cladding of pools with ceramic tiles, it also has similar technical characteristics.

The installation of ceramic tiles is quite simple and easy to do with their own hands. For this, one does not need to have special knowledge, only it is necessary to prepare the surface.

Preparation of the surface for the installation of ceramic tiles

To lined the pool with ceramic tiles was quality and lasted a fairly long period of time, it is necessary to prepare the surface.

Council. Mount the tile only on a flat surface. All this is due to the flat back side of the material, which is fixed during the installation.

In the preparatory process:

• Surface cleaning.
• Aligning it.
• Padding.
• Only after this, the pools are tiled with tiles.

Carrying out of works:

• It is necessary to clean the surface of old layers of plaster or other means. If there is paint on it, then it must be removed with the help of a special tool.
    Then the surface is well cleaned. In some cases, professionals advise to wash it with soft cleaners.

Council. After such work, the surface must completely dry out.

• The surface is leveled using a moisture resistant plaster or mortar of concrete. You can use both, and then the tool.
    Only applying layers of plaster will be much easier, since in the case of surface defects after such work, they are fairly simply eliminated by sandpaper.
• With a solution of concrete, such work will not work, since it has a more dense structure, which can not be treated with sandpaper.

Then it is primed. For proper use of such a tool there is an instruction on the packaging.
  Used for such work rollers or brushes. Surfaces should be given time so that it absorbs the agent.
  It is necessary for a stronger installation of ceramic tiles, as it provides a reliable binding of the adhesive solution and the surface itself.

Installation of ceramic tiles

Facing the tiles of pools is carried out with the help of:

• A special adhesive solution that is free to withstand the effects of moisture.
• A tile cutter, which cuts the tile if necessary.

Council. With these jobs, you must always follow safety precautions. A mask or respirator is put on the face, which will protect the respiratory tract from getting dust when cutting material.

• Construction level in order to ensure a smooth installation of each ceramic tile.
• Roulette and pencil.
• A spatula or other tool for applying glue solution.

The installation of ceramic tiles is shown in the video. Upon completion of work all the seams of the masonry are smeared with a special agent - putty.
  It should harmonize in color with the design of the surface of the tile. As a rule, neutral is a putty of white color.

Facing (finishing) of the concrete pool serves two purposes: aesthetic and waterproofing. Indeed, the pool, lined with porcelain tiles or glass mosaic has a beautiful appearance and, at the same time, reliably holds water while observing the technology.

Decoration of pools with tiles (porcelain tiles for cladding)

Tiles for swimming pools, designed for cladding a bowl, should have increased strength and a water absorption coefficient of not more than 0.14%. To produce it, special materials are used, baked at high temperature. Such a tile has practically zero water absorption, withstands multitone water pressure and large temperature differences, has high resistance to abrasion and the influence of ultraviolet rays, chlorine and other aggressive influences that water can possess.

The set of porcelain tiles may include additional elements used for decorating corners, edges and sides of basins, overflowing troughs, bowl elements, etc. The pool finish tile is wall-mounted with a smooth glazed surface and a floor with an anti-slip surface. The back side usually has longitudinal grooves, which serve for a deeper penetration of the glue into the interior of the tile, which contributes to its strong adhesion to the concrete base.

Requirements for the tiling of the pool basin with tiles

When facing (finishing) the pool bowl with porcelain tiles, several requirements must be met.

The first is to perfectly maintain the geometric dimensions of the bowl when concreting and plastering. After all, the finishing makes even the smallest deviations in geometric dimensions noticeable.

The second is to use only high-quality materials. It must be remembered that the pool as an engineering system is constantly experiencing colossal loads. The mass of water primarily affects the facing layer, especially when filling and draining the water. In addition, chemically disinfected water itself is an aggressive environment for facing materials, glue and grout.

The third is the calibration of the finishing materials. Even to the layman it is clear that if all the elements of pool finishing do not have strictly the same geometric dimensions, high quality is impossible.

The fourth one is the high professionalism of the performers, beginning with the preparatory ones and ending with commissioning works.

The choice of the color palette of the tile depends on the chosen design of the pool bowl, but for interior decoration (facing) it is better to take a tile of dark tones, since the dark color absorbs the sun's radiation well, and the water will be warmed up better.

Choice of tiles for finishing the surfaces of the bowl

The dimensions of the tiles intended for the basin lining can vary within very wide limits. Basins of rectangular shape can be faced with tiles of large size, and for the configuration, when decorating panels and mosaics use smaller ceramic products. A wide color palette of modern facing tiles allows you to fulfill any design intentions from a monophonic surface to complex mosaic panels with various subjects.

Separately, you should stay on the tile intended for the floor of the room in which the pool is built. The fact is that on the floors of such rooms water can accumulate, so there is a risk of slipping. Anti-slip tiles can be glazed and unglazed and have a structured, relief or profiled surface. A special classification has been developed for its characterization. According to the classification, anti-slip tiles are divided into three categories:

The categories "A" correspond to tiles, the surface of which is resistant to slipping at angles of inclination not exceeding 12 g. These are quite dry areas, which include locker rooms and other utility rooms near the pool;

The category "B" includes a tile, the surface of which is kept sliding up to a slope angle of 18 g. Such premises - showers, bypass paths of pools, inclined sides and approaches to them;

From the given data it is visible: selection of a porcelain tile for furnish of pool is not such simple task as it can seem at first sight. A certain interest for places where water can collect is tiles with a profiled surface. The upper plane of such tiles is always dry due to protruding profiles, which provide drainage of water.

Facing the basin with a mosaic (glass mosaic for decoration)

The decoration of pools with mosaic is very widespread. This kind of facing is by no means to be identified with ceramic mosaic, which is often used for finishing in bathrooms, kitchens and toilets. Not suitable for finishing the pool and facade ceramics is neither domestic nor foreign production. Outwardly, they are very similar to each other and the layman is easily deceived, because the ceramic is no different from the glass mosaic for swimming pools.

Glass mosaic is produced especially for baths, since everything should be basin, all attempts to replace them with cheaper options are doomed to failure and invariably lead to alteration, which affects the cost of work.

The merit of finishing the pools with glass mosaic

The main advantage of glass mosaic for the pool is its price, which is lower than the price of its porcelain counterpart. The glass from which the mosaic is cast should have an increased hardness, unlike conventional glass. Great glass strength and less brittleness at impact are provided by special mineral inclusions. The shape of the glass mosaic tiles, which is a truncated pyramid, is of interest. Therefore, with the correct laying of tiles, the glue on which they are attached completely fills the interlining seams and never falls out of them, even with mechanical failure.

The mosaic in the elite basins is laid in the form of art panels on the bottom, on the inner walls and even on the ceilings of the rooms in which they are built. For an art set of a mosaic use special technologies in which the picture is first drawn by the artist, and only after that perform computer processing. Each manufacturer has its own set of colors and colors, so after computer processing the mosaic is typed and pasted to a sheet of paper in the form of a panel or its individual elements.

Especially important is the size of the mosaic tiles when facing the conical or spherical surfaces of the pool bowl, where manual placement of each element is required separately. In some cases, the mosaic has even to be cut to avoid large and asymmetrical seams. After cutting the mosaic tiles, its edges should be blunted. Do not recommend using cut tiles to decorate the panel on the floor of the pool, as this can lead to cuts of the feet of the bathing.

Facing the concrete pool serves two purposes: aesthetic and waterproofing. Indeed, the pool, lined with ceramic tiles, has a beautiful appearance and, at the same time, reliably retains water while observing the technology of facing (Figure 11).

Ceramic tile, intended for facing the pool, should have increased strength and a water absorption coefficient of not more than 0.14%. For its production, a special fine porous ceramic is used, which is baked at high temperature. Such a tile has practically zero water absorption, withstands multitone water pressure and large temperature differences, has a high resistance to abrasion and the influence of ultraviolet rays, chlorine and other aggressive influences that may have water in the pool. The release of tiles for the basin lining is occupied by many ceramics producers, among which the products of the Italian company BISAZZA and the Portuguese company Pavigres are of great quality. Tiles of these firms, despite the considerable cost, possess a number of advantages before the whole list of tiles of other firms. Of course, the price of such a tile is adequate to its quality, but significant reserves have also appeared in this area. For example, the joint Russian-Italian company Kerma, created in Orel, successfully competes in quality with many foreign manufacturers. When in 1998 this enterprise was created, from the very beginning the goal of competition with elite imported products was set. The fact is that the factory in Orel use a unique clay from local quarries, which allows you to produce a real analogue of Italian tiles, using modern technology and equipment for this. This is evidenced by domestic certificates of conformity to GOSTs and certificates of the International Center of Ceramics in Bologna (Italy). But with similar technical characteristics and excellent decorative qualities, Russian tiles are twice cheaper than Italian tiles.

In a set of ceramic tiles can also include additional elements used to decorate corners, edges and sides of pools, overflow troughs, etc. The tile is walled with a smooth glazed surface and a floor with an anti-slip surface. The back of the tile usually has longitudinal grooves, which serve for a deeper penetration of the glue into the interior of the tile, which contributes to its strong adhesion to the concrete base.

Fig. eleven.

Fig. 11. Facing the pool with ceramic tiles: 1 - ceramic tiles; 2 - waterproof thin-layer glue; 3 - waterproof membrane; 4 - water repellent stucco mixture.

When facing the pool with ceramic tiles, several requirements must be met.

The first - Immaculately withstand the geometric dimensions of the bowl when concreting and plastering the pool. After all, the facing makes even the smallest deviations in geometric dimensions noticeable.
The second   - Use only high-quality materials. It must be remembered that the pool as an engineering system is constantly experiencing colossal loads. The mass of water primarily affects the facing layer, especially when filling and draining the water. In addition, chemically disinfected water itself is an aggressive environment for facing materials, glue and grout.
The third   - calibration of finishing materials. Even to the layman it is clear that if all elements of the finish are not strictly of the same geometric dimensions, high quality is impossible.
Fourth   - High professionalism of performers, from preparatory and finishing commissioning.

The choice of the color palette of the tile depends on the chosen design, but for interior finishing it is better to take a tile of dark tones, since the dark color absorbs the sun's radiation well, and the water will be warmed up better.

The dimensions of the tiles intended for the basin lining can vary within very wide limits. Basins of rectangular shape can be faced with tiles of large size (12.5x25x7.4: 15x15x7.4, etc.), and for pools of complex configuration, when decorating panels and mosaics are used, smaller ceramic products (2x2, 2.5x5, 5x5, 10x10 mm ). A wide color palette of modern facing tiles allows you to fulfill any design intentions from a monophonic surface to complex mosaic panels with various subjects.

Separately, you should stay on the tile intended for the floor of the room in which the pool is built. The fact is that on the floors of such rooms water can accumulate, so there is a risk of slipping. And according to the statistics of German insurance companies, the main cause of injuries associated with a fall are slippery surfaces of the sexes. That is why the tiles for the floor of the swimming pools and the premises in which they are located are covered by the European Union directive on building materials 93/68 / EGW, which sets standards for anti-slip flooring. Anti-slip tiles can be glazed and unglazed and have a structured, relief or profiled surface. A special classification has been developed for its characterization. In particular, for tiles intended for wet rooms where barefoot walk, the standard DIN 51097 is provided, under which the floors of baths, pools, showers, etc. fall.

According to the classification, anti-slip tiles are divided into three categories:
  - Category A corresponds tiles, the surface of which is resistant to slipping at angles of inclination not more than 12 °. This is a fairly dry zone, which can include razdalov¬ki and other outbuildings;
  - category B refers to a tile whose surface is kept slipping up to an inclination angle of 18 °. Such premises - showers, bypass paths of pools, inclined sides and approaches to them;
  - Category C provides an inclination angle of up to 24 °, this is the plane of the ladder and the inclined surfaces that go under the water.

From the given data it is visible: selection of a ceramic tile is not such a simple task as it may seem at first glance. A certain interest for places where water can accumulate is represented by slabs with a profiled surface. The upper plane of such tiles is always dry due to protruding profiles, which provide drainage of water. Profiled tiles are divided into classes, according to the volume of profiles. The class is denoted by the letter V and a digit that indicates the ratio of the volume of the profile to the surface area. The higher the class, the deeper the profile and the greater the probability that the surface of the profiled tile will remain dry.

Mosaic decoration of swimming pools   is very widespread. This kind of decoration can in no case be identified with ceramic mosaic, which is often used for cladding in bathrooms, kitchens and toilets.

To maximize the requirements of the client, the choice of professionals who are able to properly perform the most important stage of the work - laying the mosaic - plays an important role.
  A quick guide to laying by all the rules is presented below:

INSTALLATION OF MOSAIC FORMAT 20x20 mm ON NETWORK

INSPECTION OF MATERIAL (1a)

  Before starting work, it is recommended to check the packages containing mosaic sheets and make sure there is enough material to complete the work. Each box contains the production lot number, color, order number and other information allowing you to order the material from the same lot if necessary.

GRINDING THE SURFACE (2a)

  (picture)
  This operation is performed to obtain a completely smooth and white surface of the base (the base of the other color worsens the appearance of the mosaic). If there is cement plaster, use LITOPLUS K55 glue. In the case of a gypsum board base, before applying the glue to the surface of the wall, it is necessary to apply a layer of special sealant. After preparation of the adhesive, apply it evenly with a flat spatula. Allow to dry for at least 12 hours.

PREPARATION FOR STARTING (3a)

  (picture)
  Before starting laying, draw lines on the surface to be coated to help position the sheets correctly. After spreading the sheets on the floor, measure the total size of the three adjacent sheets stacked so that the distance between them is equal to the distance between the individual pieces of the mosaic. Transfer this size to the facing surface both horizontally and vertically so that, using a plumb and level, you can apply a grid. The wall will be divided into several squares, each of which corresponds to nine sheets of the mosaic.

PREPARATION OF ADHESIVE (4a)

  Prepare the glue and apply it on the previously prepared for laying the first nine mosaic sheets of the wall, using a notched trowel with 3.5 mm teeth. Apply the first, thicker layer with a flat side of the spatula, then apply and gently "comb" the second layer of the adhesive, using the serrated side of the spatula. Now the surface is ready for stacking sheets.

STACKING (5a)

  (picture)
  The sheets have a mesh base, which must be laid directly on the adhesive layer, so pay attention to the fact that the wider weave lines are in an upright position.
Attention: The distance between two adjacent sheets should be equal to the distance between adjacent pieces of the mosaic, so that all the seams are the same.

RELIABLE APPLICATION (5.1a)

  (picture)
  When you have finished laying, tap the pieces of the mosaic with a spatula to ensure complete gluing of the mesh backing.

FIXING SEAM (6a)

  (picture)
  At the end of laying and before the beginning of the process of setting the glue with the mesh base, it is possible to adjust the distance between the adjacent pieces so that all the seams are uniform. This operation is performed after cutting the mesh with a torch, with a barely noticeable change in the distance between the pieces of the mosaic in the direction of decreasing or increasing with the help of a trowel. The above operation is one of the most important during the laying process and can significantly improve the quality of the work performed.

SHAFT CUTTING (7a)

  Before beginning the grouting, clean the seams from all adhesive residues with a cutter. Prepare the LITOCHROM epoxy grout 1-6. Apply the grout using the spatula with the tool moving from top to bottom and diagonally towards the pieces of the mosaic, and then back along the wall, paying attention to filling the seams all the way in, leaving no excess grout. Use proper personal protective equipment.

CLEANING (8a)

  (picture)
  Before the grout has hardened, perform cleaning with LITONET - a liquid cleaning concentrate for degreasing, removing stains and wax coatings and other impurities from the ceramic lining.

LITONET is used, both in concentrated and diluted form. When LITONET is diluted with water in a proportion of 1:20 to 1:30, it is ideal for regular and frequent cleaning of tiled surfaces against persistent dirt.

When LITONET is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 3 to 1: 5, water-based wax is removed from the surfaces of the "cotto" tile and natural stone.

When diluting LITONET with water in a 1:10 ratio, removes the residue of epoxy grout within the first 12-24 hours after the termination of the trowel.

In concentrated form, LITONET is used as a stain remover for porcelain tiles. Cleaning solution LITONET, prepared in the required concentration, is applied to the surface to be treated and left to act for 15-30 minutes. After that, the surface is treated with a monofilament with abrasive nozzles, a brush with a felt nozzle or an abrasive sponge.

After cleaning, collect the liquid from the surface of the tile with a vacuum cleaner or rags, then thoroughly wash the surface with clean water, at least 2 times.

INSTALLATION OF MOSAIC FORMAT 20 x 20 mm ON PAPER BASIS

  This type of mosaic differs from the previous one in that special paper is used as a basis, requiring special operations when laying. Starting with the operation of leveling (grinding) and before applying glue, the laying is carried out in the same way as for a mosaic on a mesh basis. In this regard, the description of the procedure for laying the mosaic begins with step number 5.

STACKING (5a)

  To ensure convenient and correct laying on paper, there are lines that, as a rule, should be kept in the same direction (in the vertical direction when laying the mosaic on the wall). The sheets should be glued so that the side with the paper is facing the worker. It is important to make sure that the distance between two adjacent sheets is equal to the distance between adjacent pieces of the mosaic, so that all the seams are the same. At the end of the laying, tap the sheets with a spatula and correct the alignment defects to ensure reliable gluing of the pieces and a smooth surface of the mosaic.

REMOVING PAPER (6a)

  To remove paper, wipe it with a sponge dampened with water. Repeat this operation until you notice that the paper is easily detached from the mosaic. Work with caution, since the glue has not yet solidified at this stage. Remove the paper by slowly moving it diagonally from bottom to top, trying not to displace the pieces of the mosaic.

FIXING SEAM (7a)

  At the end of laying and before the beginning of the process of setting the glue, it is possible to adjust the distance between the adjacent pieces so that all the seams are uniform. This operation is performed using a wizard to increase or decrease the distance between pieces of the mosaic. The above operation is one of the most important during the laying process and can significantly improve the quality of the work performed.

PREPARATION FOR SUTURES (8a)

  After 24 hours, remove excess glue from the seams using a torch and rinse the mosaic with a sponge moistened with warm water to remove any adhesive residues from the paper. Repeat this operation several times to ensure absolute cleanliness of the pieces of the mosaic. Pay attention to the fact that the water used for cleaning does not remain in the seams, the grouting of which has not yet been carried out. Start the grouting and cleaning operations, which are carried out in the same way as in the case of mosaic on a mesh basis.

INSTALLATION OF MOSAIC FORMAT 10 x 10 mm ON PAPER BASIS

  The main difference between this type of mosaic and the previous one lies in the size of the pieces, which in this case is less than one quarter. Beginning with the check of the material and before the glue preparation operation, the laying is carried out in the same way as for the mosaic on a grid basis from stage 1 to step 4. Therefore, the laying procedure begins with step 5.

STACKING (5a)

  All operations, from smoothing to cleaning, are performed as described in the previous pages. However, please pay attention to the following points: LITOPLUS K55 adhesive must be applied with special care to prevent its release from the gaps between the pieces; Remove paper slowly with great care, after wetting it.

FIXING SEAM (6a)

  Stitching with a trowel will also require you to be more careful. After gently washing the mosaic pieces with a sponge moistened with warm water to remove the glue residue of the paper backing, be very careful not to leave water in the mosaic seams. For a description of the grouting operation (step 7) and cleaning (step 8), see the paragraph describing similar operations when laying a mosaic on a mesh basis.

INSTALLATION OF THE FORMAT SHREDDER 20 x 20 mm ON A NETWORK BASIS

Stretching consists of a series of modules with gradually changing color tonality, supplied in ready-made form. Each module consists of eight sheets, numbered from 1 to 8, from lighter to darker.

Together with the packaging, a stowage scheme is supplied, which we recommend reading before proceeding to work.

Laying is similar to laying a mosaic format 20x20 with a mesh base.

Once a swim in the pool could be in sports complexes, hotels, and now in one form or another it is available from many house owners. Undoubtedly, such artificial reservoirs must meet a number of requirements, including an aesthetic appearance. For this, different facing materials are used for finishing the pool.

When selecting tiles for pool finishing, a number of rules should be followed. So, the facing material must meet certain requirements that arise in connection with the specifics of the structure. The main criteria for choosing a tile in general terms can be considered comfort in operation and an attractive appearance.

Comfort in use implies such characteristics of the material that will allow it to be used for many years.

• Water Absorption

One of the most important characteristics is considered to be the degree of water absorption. The tiles for swimming pools intended for facing should have a minimum water absorption. Otherwise, the material, which is constantly in the water, would begin to absorb moisture and lose its attractive appearance, performance properties.

Facing tile for the pool combines technical and aesthetic advantages

• Strength

Another requirement for the tile for the lining of the pool is its strength. It must withstand the enormous load created by the water column in the bowl. In this case, the quality of the tile determines not only the durability of the finishing of the hydraulic structure, but also the safety during its operation.

• Absence of pores

The third requirement that tiles for a swimming pool must meet is the absence of even minimal pores and voids in it. If they are present, under the constant destructive effect of moisture, the material will begin to blur. In addition, voids can become a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. This contributes to the appearance of mucus on the pool walls, which is not only unhygienic, but also dangerous. It is also desirable that the pool tile has an anti-slip effect.

• Ease of care

Among other things, the tile should be easy to clean and clean. It is for this reason that it is recommended to choose the facing material without roughness and roughness. If the tile for a street pool or its closed analogue is smooth, this will save a lot of money, time and nerves, which will be spent on cleaning the pool.

Types of facing tiles

There are several classifications of tiles for swimming pools, each of which is carried out on the basis of various criteria. So, the facing material can be used for decoration of street or interior pools. In addition, the tiles can be subdivided according to the place of its laying: tile for the pool walls, for the floor, for the steps.

As a rule, the tiling of the pool with tiles is carried out according to European standards, according to which the tile is divided into several classes, depending on the anti-slip properties.

• A class. This tile, the main purpose of which is the finishing of the ancillary facilities of the pool.
• B class. Such a facing tile is suitable for decorating the descent into the pool and finishing the bottom of its bowl.
• C class. This tile is most often finished steps for descent.

Types of cladding tiles for pool finishes

In addition, finishing the pool with tiles involves an attentive approach to the surface of the product. So, the tile can have a rough or smooth surface, in addition, it can be matte, semi-matt and glossy. Especially spectacular is a mosaic tile, with which the finish of the basin can be a real work of art.

The most popular was the tile "glazed clinker". Due to the fact that the degree of its water absorption is only 3%, and the surface, covered with glaze, allows to ensure the absence of the smallest pores in the tile.

Order of cladding

Laying tiles in the pool is carried out with the help of special tools designed for operation in the aquatic environment. That's why it's important to choose the right adhesive for the facing material. It must be frost-resistant, elastic and moisture resistant.

The adhesive intended for mounting the tile material may be different. His choice depends on many factors, in particular, on the characteristics of the tile itself. Apply the adhesive to the pool tile using a special notched trowel on the pre-laid waterproofing layer.

Laying tiles in the pool requires the use of special binding materials

The amount of applied adhesive should allow you to adjust the position of the tile when it is applied. Pressing on the tile during laying should be strong enough to ensure a reliable grip on the base. Correctly selected adhesive for tiles in the pool will ensure its attractive appearance for many years. In addition, the secure attachment of the lining material will ensure an adequate degree of safety when operating the pool. It is worth noting that the aesthetic appearance of the hydraulic structure helps to impart and grout for tiles in the pool. As a rule, it is selected in tone to the facing material.