Hi there, I'm in Southwest Florida in the process of having a pool built. I'm trying to pick a waterline tile. I really like Aquabella Rhodes 2x4 glass tile.OD-2445 - RHODES 2X4. It's neutral with clear and translucent tiles and some sparkle. Does anyone have experience with translucent glass tile? I'm hoping to gather pros and cons to make a decision.
Glass Waterline Tile
- Thread starter Taylorbunch
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,530
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Welcome to TFP.
With translucent tiles you have to be concerned with the color thinset being used and that the thinset is applied evenly as it will show through the tile. You need an experienced tile installer who can ensure it looks good.
Think about what will show through the translucent tile. I would rather have tiles where the tile look is not so variable.
@kimkats is the Queen of Bling here and can be of help.
With translucent tiles you have to be concerned with the color thinset being used and that the thinset is applied evenly as it will show through the tile. You need an experienced tile installer who can ensure it looks good.
Think about what will show through the translucent tile. I would rather have tiles where the tile look is not so variable.
@kimkats is the Queen of Bling here and can be of help.
My two cents is I personally wouldn't take a chance with it. It would drive me nuts if the plaster behind showed through in an uneven, spotty way or so that I'm seeing the "fork" lines of the trowel when the tile or wall is buttered.
Hi and LOVE the BLING! I also worry about your tile setters skill set. If they are not top notch you could have some problems.
You play with the different color of thin set by getting some paint sample cards in off white, lightest gray, a bit darker gray. Put the tile on top of each one outside where the pool is going and see what you think of each one. I would ask the tile setters if they have done tile like this before. If they say yes ask them to show you the first set of tile done. IF they do a good job let them keep going BUT bring them goodies every once in a while AKA check on their progress and skills in the name of yummies.
Now think about what color of grout you want to use. White will allow the tiles to blend together. A light gray will allow them to pop out a bit. A darker color could make each tile pop out. They should have grout sticks for you to play with to see which color you like the best.
Man,oh man I hope they have the skill to do this tile!
You play with the different color of thin set by getting some paint sample cards in off white, lightest gray, a bit darker gray. Put the tile on top of each one outside where the pool is going and see what you think of each one. I would ask the tile setters if they have done tile like this before. If they say yes ask them to show you the first set of tile done. IF they do a good job let them keep going BUT bring them goodies every once in a while AKA check on their progress and skills in the name of yummies.
Now think about what color of grout you want to use. White will allow the tiles to blend together. A light gray will allow them to pop out a bit. A darker color could make each tile pop out. They should have grout sticks for you to play with to see which color you like the best.
Man,oh man I hope they have the skill to do this tile!
It may not be worth the aggravation if it doesn't end up being top notch. There's plenty to choose from with lesser outcome issues. Just my 2 cents.
Taylor,
Just because it is pretty, does not make it functional...
In my mind, a million miles of grout lines is just a million miles of trouble..
I suggest that you go look at pools that are 5 or 10 years old..
Thanks,
Jim R.
Just because it is pretty, does not make it functional...
In my mind, a million miles of grout lines is just a million miles of trouble..
I suggest that you go look at pools that are 5 or 10 years old..
Thanks,
Jim R.
+1. Having a friend helps make scrubbing it with a tooth brush twice as quick. Plus the friendly convos help pass the time.In my mind, a million miles of grout lines is just a million miles of trouble..
Dude,
In 1964, when I enlisted in the Air Force, I was sent to Lowery AFB for tech school. Lived in old WWII barracks with a large "latrine" with small tiles on the floor.. Several of us got in trouble for something I no longer remember, but we all had to clean the latrine floor with toothbrushes, just like in your pic...
I knew I hated small tiles for a reason...
Thanks,
Jim R.
In 1964, when I enlisted in the Air Force, I was sent to Lowery AFB for tech school. Lived in old WWII barracks with a large "latrine" with small tiles on the floor.. Several of us got in trouble for something I no longer remember, but we all had to clean the latrine floor with toothbrushes, just like in your pic...
I knew I hated small tiles for a reason...
Thanks,
Jim R.