simicrintz said:
Be very careful of the glass tile you choose, if you go that route. It requires a whole different set of parameters to install (may require white thinset as opposed to gray for example.) and must be suitable for pool use. I have seen glass tile discolor from behind when the water gets behind the glass and erodes the backing. Certain companies (Oceanside Glasstile, for example:
http://www.glasstile.com/) are very competent at pool tile, and understand the chemistry of pools and installation practices required to do this correctly.
Glass Tile is absolutely gorgeous, when done correctly! Please post up pics if you decide to go that route!
Jason and Simicrintz are right...glass tile can be sharp in places depending where you put it. AND significantly more expensive to buy and install. I used Oceanside Glass Tile (see link in Simicrintz's post above and also in my pool build link). We had to hire specialty tile people to install it - not the in-house pool tile guys. It's hard to install. The prep alone to install in a pool is daunting. Even then I had to watch like a hawk to make sure it was right, and it was. We had to let it cure for 21 days at least before putting any water in the pool, so it's a consideration. Not a DIY project at all. Would I do it again? Oh, you betcha!
It's really beautiful stuff (I chose the Oceanside Coppertone Blend), and when the sun hits it, especially in the late afternoon, it's heart-stopping! I budgeted for the extra expense and hassle, and haven't been sorry for one moment I put this special stuff in. I keep my water chemistry as perfect as possible, and have no deposits on it at all, except 2 constant wet/dry areas on the spa spillover. Those scrape off easily with a plastic knife. I also looked at and seriously considered Lightstreams glass tile. OMG. If I were near the ocean, I would have gone with those colors. Still have the samples they sent...beyond gorgeous and fascinating tile!
http://lightstreamsglasstile.com/glass_tile_pools.aspx