Here I am. Thanks for calling, Kim!
Ryukin, welcome to TFP!
And hello to my Cypress neighbor!
I have glass tile in several places in my pool completed July of 2015. I used it for the waterline in my spa, to cover the spa benches, on the spa spillway, for step markers, and on the raised walls under 2 sheer descents. As Kim said, I've got you covered!
I love my glass tile! My experience has been mixed. The glass used in places that are both wet and dry definitely takes more maintenance. In my next pool, I won't use glass tile on any walls behind or below sheer descents. That's where I get the worst yucky build-up and hazing. It sneaks up on me especially over winter when it's harder to maintain (working outside the pool rather than in the freezing water). I haven't found a sure-fire way to get the build up completely off the tile, and I've tried all the highly recommended chemicals, sprays, powders, and even a few mystery solutions from the traveling salesman. Lol!!!
The waterline area isn't nearly the problem as glass behind the sheer descents, but I'm glad it's only on the waterline of my spa and not the entire pool waterline. I used a porcelain travertine-look tile for my pool area waterline, and I love it! It still requires regular brushing, but it is much more forgiving than glass. I can scrub my porcelain tile with a good stiff brush and not worry about scratching it like on the glass. My porcelain tile is a matte, non-smooth surface. Granted, there probably is some build up on the porcelain tile that I don't completely remove. The key with it is that I can't SEE it. Maintaining the glass waterline tile in the spa is not a huge issue, but it would be a headache if it was all around the entire pool.
Where I will use glass tile again would be in the 100% underwater applications. Omg, I love it covering my spa benches and as step markers. It's beautiful all the time, day or night and requires NO maintenance. In those areas, it still looks brand new. And when the sun is overhead, the glass is stunning!!
I've used the TFP method of water maintenance since day one. Also the experts here have helped me adjust my water chemical levels to do what I can to prevent the buildup on the glass. I feel I've been very conscientious about the tile with the exception of cleaning it weekly during the winter. One more note... The water in my MUD district is very soft since we no longer draw from only underground water sources, so I can't blame hard water.
I'm sorry if I've burst any bubbles, but I wanted to share what I've learned. Glass tile is expensive stuff, right?! So I'm thrilled with most of it, but I could have saved some big bucks if I hadn't used it in those areas I mentioned that require lots of maintenance with disappointing results.
You can click on the link in my signature below for my pool build thread if you want to see pictures.
Now, have you started your pool build thread? I can't wait to see it! And again, we're so glad you found TFP! It's the best place for all things pool!!
Take care,
Suz
