Swimming Pool Material Selections

Swimming Pool Materials

Georgia Classic Pool can design and install the perfect landscaping around your pool area or entire yard.

~~~ Waterline Pool Tile ~~~
Due to the wide array of style and color choices, you can create almost any look desired with pool tiles. Located at the waterline, pool tiles are a decorative barrier on the pool wall that is partially submerged and withstands environmental elements. Repeating patterns, small square tiles, decorative borders, and custom mosaics are some of the many opportunities with pool tiles.

Popular Pool Tiles:

• Mosaic glass tiles (1"x1")
• Square stone tiles (3"x3" or 6"x6")

When selecting tiles for your pool they must be acid resistant and frost proof. If they are not acid resistant, the chemicals which are used to keep your pool water clean could damage the surface of the tiles. If they are not frost proof the tiles will likely crack in the winter.

Glass, stone or porcelain tiles can be a crucial part of your pool design. Simple geometric patterns lend themselves well to creating Grecian or Roman style baths. Tiles are commonly incorporated on pool steps as a safety feature to make changes in depth more noticeable. You can also create stunning mosaic backdrops for water features that pour into the pool. Specialty tiles such as depth markers or hand holds are also available

~~~ Pool Coping ~~~

Coping is the material (often stone or concrete) that separates the pool shell from the adjacent patio or pool deck area. Pool coping is either the same material or a complementary material to the pool decking which can include concrete, natural stone, tile, or pavers.

Natural materials

Natural stone or brick can be used as the coping and offers a unique rugged and organic look. These materials, which can include granite, limestone, etc., are beautiful and long-lasting. The coping thickness can vary when using natural materials which should be monitored when the stones are installed. Because natural stone can be expensive, oftentimes it is used just for the pool coping to set off the pool area and it complements poured concrete or some other material for the rest of the pool deck.

Flagstone Brown Limestone

Travertine

Cast-in-place concrete
One aesthetically appealing option with coping is to use poured concrete. This allows the coping to be one unit with the pool deck. The coping is incorporated with the pour of the concrete pool deck and provides a seamless finish up to the edge of the pool. This often creates the illusion that the pool deck area is much larger and is more appealing because there are no sharp breaks or lines around the perimeter of the pool. There are a variety of edge forms in multiple shapes for cantilevered pool coping.

~~~ Pool Deck ~~~ Click
While there are certain pool deck materials that are more conducive to the environment around pools (slip-resistant, heat-reflective, etc.), the pool deck surface you choose will need to match your design desires and your budget. Some of the factors that you should consider include complementing the surrounding landscape, space availability, people traffic, care and upkeep.

Some materials are more flexible than others regarding maintenance and long-term life. Lighter colored surfaces will tend to be the most heat-reflective. Consider using two or more materials to achieve a desired look if your budget doesn't allow for your entire pool deck to be created in one type of material. Use the list below to see the various advantages and disadvantages of each type of pool deck surface.

Natural Stone
Flagstone is one of the most popular pool deck surfacing materials because it is organic looking, long-lasting, and provides a rough texture for a nonslip surface. Flagstone is large, flat stones in various shapes that encompass sandstone, limestone, and slate. Flagstone can be pricier than other pool deck materials because of the labor involved in placing each stone individually and because it is a natural material. Flagstone can also become uncomfortably warm to walk on in extreme heat.

Pavers
Pavers are the darling of the surfacing world because of the rich texture and diversity they provide. Available in multiple patterns and colors, they can adapt to any design theme. They fit together creating a beautiful, strong and durable surface. Read more about pool deck pavers.

~~~ Pool Interior Finish ~~~

Pebble Tec - Click for details