Introduction

Up until recently, the idea of installing glass tiles in a swimming pool was unheard of. But when pool owners began appreciating the versatility and the touch of elegance that glass tiles add to a swimming pool, the trend of installing such tiles in a swimming pool has been on the rise.

But Why Choose Glass Tiles For A Swimming Pool?

The very obvious reason is the elegance glass tiles add to your swimming pool. Unlike traditional porcelain or ceramic tiles, glass tiles have this elegant touch that add to the overall appeal of your pool. Secondly, with glass tiles in your swimming pool, you will be looking at less maintenance cost. This is because the tiles neither fade nor warp. As such, not only will they require minimal maintenance, but there will also be less likelihood for replacement, making it a sound financial decision in the long run. Last but not least, glass tiles have a remarkable kind of luster. Their ability to reflect light not only adds an extra flair to your swimming pool, but also keeps it brighter even when the ambience is already a bit dark. You will find this feature to be key especially when you want to take a dip in the wee hours of the morning or right after twilight.

Procedure For Installing Glass Tiles In A Swimming Pool

What You Will Need For The Procedure

• Bush hammer

• Garden hose

• Light chipping hammer

• Pressure nozzle

• Elastomeric membrane

• Hydraulic cement

• Glass mosaic tile-adhesive

• Rubber grout-float

• 4mm notched trowel

• Utility knife

• Sponge

• Pool cover

• Epoxy grout

• Water

• Clean piece of clothing

• Caulk and a caulking gun

The Steps:

1. Draining The Pool

Draining the pool is paramount as it ensures you are working on a much visible and clearer surface.

In order to do this, you will need to grind or chip away high-spots along the pool’s liner. When done, use a light chipping-hammer to chip away the debris that may be clogging the lights and the pipes.

2. Clean The Pool Surface

The next step involves cleaning the pool surface. For this, you will need a garden hose. So as to ensure the pressure emanating from the hose is high enough to clear all remaining debris from the pool surface, you will need to fit a pressure nozzle to your garden hose.

Once done, allow your pool to dry partially – the surface should be damp though there should not be moisture lingering on it.

3. Fill In Areas Around The Light Fixtures And Pipe Penetrations

Here, you will need tightly-packed hydraulic cement for the simple reason that it is waterproof. Once you are done filling in these two areas, use the same cement quality to fill any large cracks and spaces so that you achieve a level wall and floor. Lastly, you will need to let the surface cure – usually takes around one week.

4. Installation Of An Elastomeric Membrane

The main purpose of an elastomeric membrane is to prevent unpredictable fluctuations of temperature conditions from affecting the glass once it is installed. The membrane acts as a buffer, ensuring extreme weather conditions are neutralized so that they have no adverse effects on the glass tiles.

It usually takes around 6 days to have the membrane installed and cured. But perhaps a disclaimer here would be to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter.

5. Dampen The Pool Surface

The surface of the pool will need to be dampened again. Then, take your glass tiles and wipe their dark sides. This ensures any dust or dirt that could be attached to it from the manufacturing processes are removed.

6. Create A Mixture Of Glass-mosaic Tile-adhesive With Water

The tile adhesive cannot be used in its raw form because its viscosity would not work will with the glass tiles. As such, you must add water to it to make it less viscous and more effective in gelling the tiles to the concrete. The recommended ratio of the adhesive to water is 3:1. However, you can use your best judgment to ensure the mixture is consistent enough.

Stir it gently and then allow it to stand for about 5 minutes, before stirring again. As soon as it is consistent enough, use it immediately. It is important to remember that the tile adhesive is highly volatile and as such, always work with a mixture that you can use up for 15 minutes. This is because after this timeline, its consistency will be grossly affected and you might just waste whatever remains of it.

7. Spread The Mixture

Using a notched towel, spread the adhesive-mixture over the surface of the pool and then install a sheet of tile over the surface before gently hammering the tile by use of a rubber-grout float. Install another tile sheet in the same manner to ensure the two tiles are level. Continue in a similar manner until you have installed all the tiles.

NOTE: After installing each tile sheet, score the material that is holding the tiles in place [could be a plastic sheeting, paper or mesh] using a utility knife. This should be repeated each time you install a glass tile and after allowing the tile to cure [about 20 minutes].

8. Cover The Pool

Cover the pool to allow the adhesive time to cure. This should be done according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It is important to not embark on any grouting of the tiles until the adhesive is fully cured.

Once it is cured, moisten your tiles using a damp sponge and then grout them using a mixture of epoxy grout and a rubber-grout float. To achieve a maximum level, ensure you hold the float at an angle of 45 degrees. When done, hold the float diagonally and scrape any remaining grout from the surface.

9. Scrubbing and Shooting Caulk

After a period of 45 minutes, use the scrubber that comes along with epoxy grout to scrub the tile surface. Next, rub the tile surface using a clean clothing material to remove remaining residue. After 24 hours of curing, rinse the grout with water so as to rid it of any haze.

After rinsing, use a caulking gun to shoot caulk in the expansion joints. While at it, ensure the joints are carefully filled and that any caulk remaining on the surface is immediately wiped off.

10. Fill The Pool

The last step is filling your pool with water. This should happen when all the surfaces have been fully cured, usually after around 3 weeks. Also, fill the pool slowly and diligently. Experts recommend an inch per hour.

Looking Out For The Best

Renown as one of the best glass tile manufacturers in China, our aim is to ensure that our clients get good value for all their purchases. We understand that projects such as glass tile installation around a swimming pool require, not only expertise but also high-quality glass material.

 As such, we never disappoint when it comes to supplying glass tiles that will stand the test of time as well as the cruelties of the elements. Reach out to us through our website for more information on these amazing offers.