Worst Swimming Pool Tiles: What Tiles NOT to Use for Your Pool

Choosing the right tiles for your swimming pool might seem like just another item on your to-do list, but believe me, it's a big deal. The wrong choice can lead to headaches, heartbreak, and a whole lot of extra cash spent on repairs. If you're building a pool in sunny California, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the swimming pool tiles you should NEVER, EVER, EVER use, and then we’ll swim over to the best ones you should consider.

Why Picking the Right Swimming Pool Tile Matters

When it comes to building a pool, not all tiles are created equal. The tiles you choose need to withstand the elements, look great for years, and keep everyone safe when things get wet and wild. Get it wrong, and you might find yourself with a pool that's more trouble than it's worth.

So, what’s at stake?

• Durability: Some tiles might look good at first, but if they can’t handle water, chlorine, and the hot California sun, you’re in for a maintenance nightmare.

• Aesthetics: The right tiles can make your pool a stunning centerpiece. The wrong ones? Not so much.

• Safety: Slippery tiles are a recipe for disaster, especially when kids are involved.

Now that we know why it matters, let's talk about the worst offenders.

The Worst Swimming Pool Tiles: What NOT to Use

1. Slate: A Recipe for Disaster

• What’s the Deal? Slate is basically compacted mud. Sure, it looks rustic and cool, but when it’s exposed to water 24/7, it starts to fall apart. Slate tiles are prone to flaking and chipping, especially when they’re submerged in a chlorinated pool environment. Over time, this leads to a surface that’s uneven, rough, and just plain unpleasant to walk on.

• Why It’s a Problem: Slate is notorious for soaking up water, which can lead to expansion, cracking, and ultimately, failure. Plus, once it starts to deteriorate, the mess it creates can be a real pain to clean up.

• The Bottom Line: Slate might be great for a cozy fireplace, but for your pool? Hard pass.

  
  

2. Tiles on a Net Mesh Backing: Weak and Unreliable

• What’s the Deal? These tiles come on a net backing, which might seem like a time-saver during installation. But here’s the catch: that mesh makes for a weak bond. Over time, water can seep through the mesh, weakening the adhesive and causing the tiles to pop off. Imagine looking down at your pool to see random tiles floating around—that’s not a good look.

• Durability Issues: Water infiltration can cause the mesh backing to degrade, and once that happens, the tiles are at risk of detaching. This not only ruins the appearance of your pool but also creates a safety hazard.

• Long-Term Costs: The initial savings on these tiles are quickly overshadowed by the cost of constant repairs and re-tiling.

• The Bottom Line: Skip the mesh-backed tiles unless you enjoy spending your weekends re-tiling your pool.

  
  

3. Black Tiles: Aesthetic and Practical Concerns

• What’s the Deal? Black tiles might seem sleek and modern, but they have a dark side (pun intended). Black tiles absorb a lot of heat, making them almost unbearable to walk on during a hot California day. They also fade fast, showing signs of wear and tear much sooner than lighter-colored tiles. And let’s not forget about those water spots and calcium deposits—on black tiles, they stick out like a sore thumb.

• Visual Impact: While black tiles might look great initially, they tend to make your pool water appear darker and murkier, which can be off-putting. Instead of a refreshing oasis, your pool could end up looking more like a swamp.

• Maintenance Nightmare: Keeping black tiles looking good is a full-time job. You’ll need to clean them constantly to keep them from looking dingy, and even then, they’ll never quite shine the way you want them to.

• The Bottom Line: Unless you’re going for a gothic pool vibe, steer clear of black tiles.

  
  

4. Natural Stone Tiles: High Maintenance and High Risk

• What’s the Deal? Natural stone tiles, like travertine or limestone, might seem like a luxurious option for your pool. They’re beautiful, no doubt, but they’re also porous and prone to staining. These stones absorb water, which can lead to mold and mildew growth—something no pool owner wants to deal with.

• Durability Issues: Over time, the constant exposure to water and pool chemicals can cause natural stone tiles to break down, leading to cracks and chips. Plus, because they’re natural, these tiles can have weak spots that aren’t apparent until after installation, causing unexpected and costly problems.

• Maintenance Requirements: Natural stone requires regular sealing to protect it from water damage, which means more upkeep and higher long-term costs. If you’re not willing to commit to a rigorous maintenance schedule, natural stone tiles will quickly become a regret.

• The Bottom Line: Natural stone tiles might be tempting, but the high maintenance and risk of damage make them a poor choice for most pools.

  
  

5. Terracotta Tiles: Beautiful but Fragile

• What’s the Deal? Terracotta tiles have a warm, rustic charm that makes them popular in many outdoor settings. However, when it comes to pools, they’re more trouble than they’re worth. Terracotta is highly porous, which means it soaks up water like a sponge. This leads to discoloration, cracks, and a general loss of integrity over time.

• Durability Issues: The constant wet-dry cycle that comes with being in a pool environment causes terracotta to deteriorate rapidly. You’ll find yourself replacing tiles far more often than you’d like.

• Safety Concerns: When wet, terracotta tiles can become incredibly slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls around your pool.

• The Bottom Line: Terracotta may look charming, but its fragility and maintenance needs make it a poor choice for pool use.

The Best Tiles for Your Swimming Pool

Now that you know what to avoid, let’s talk about the best tiles that will keep your pool looking amazing for years to come.

1. Porcelain Tiles: The Gold Standard