A beautifully tiled pool is a great way to add elegance and style to your backyard. However, you might overlook cleaning them with all the fun and excitement of swimming. Worn and damaged tiles can lead to water leaks, safety hazards, and expensive repairs—how long should your pool tile last? Let’s dive into what you need to know about pool tile durability and how to take care of your investment.
Types of Pool Tiles
Before discussing how long pool tiles last, it’s essential to know the types of tiles in pools. The three primary types of pool tiles—ceramic, natural stone, and glass—offer different visual appeal and durability.
Ceramic pool tiles are the most common because they are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain. Natural stone tiles, on the other hand, are more expensive and require more maintenance to ensure their longevity but give a rustic look to your pool. Glass tiles provide a modern and sophisticated look, but they are more costly than other tile types and are prone to breakage.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Tiles
When determining how long your pool tile should last, there’s no definite number—it depends on the type of tile. Ceramic tiles can last for decades if they are installed correctly and maintained regularly. Glass tiles and natural stone tiles have a lifespan of about 10 years. However, these numbers can change depending on a number of external factors, including exposure to chemicals, weather elements, and the level of maintenance you perform.
Regular cleaning and sealing can extend the lifespan of your tiles by reducing the risk of staining and damage caused by exposure to chemicals. Also, ensuring safe water chemistry levels can protect your tiles and prevent premature wear and tear.
How To Maintain Your Pool Tiles
To ensure your pool tiles last as long as possible, you should develop a regular maintenance routine. Perform regular cleaning using a pH-neutral pool tile cleaner and a soft brush to remove any grime. Sealing your tiles can also protect them from damage caused by exposure to water treatment chemicals. Additionally, you should monitor your pool water chemistry to ensure it’s balanced and won’t corrode your tiles.
Signs Your Tiles Need Replacement
Even with proper care and maintenance, pool tiles will show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, chips, loose tiles, and discoloration. These signs make your pool look unappealing and create safety hazards if shards fall into the water. They can also block the pool filter and cause serious damage.
If your pool is in need of tile replacement or could use an upgrade, leave the job to us at Limitless Custom Pools and Backyards Inc. We offer an array of pool restoration services to get your pool back to looking its best or give it the makeover you’ve been dreaming of!
