The tiles I chose have a blend of turquoise and deep blue and every tile is different (some have more blue, some have more turquoise). I'm happy with my selection; however, I'm not happy with the placement of the tiles. We're having them replace about 7 of them to create a more cohesive look in one section where the tiles all look the same. If I could do it again, I would have gone through the boxes and placed them in the order I wanted them installed. Seriously...
Here’s the tile.
Yes, this, exactly.And to reiterate what Kim said above, when the time comes you'll want to be all over the installation. Be sure you don't get a batch that doesn't actually match your selection. Color lots can vary wildly with stone. That happens a lot. They may even ask you to sign a release about it, in advance. Be careful of how that might read. Don't give up your right of refusal. Sort out the ugly ones. The installers might not care to do that. I've advised some, who were like me and hypercritical, to actually set out the stones around the pool in the way they want them installed. Making sure two together don't look weird, or variants in colors aren't bunched together, etc. Putting the nicest looking ones in the high-vis areas, and the lesser ones where they won't be seen as much, etc. A craftsman setter would be doing all that for you, but that's not likely what you'll get now-a-days. It's a lost art now that profit is king. Don't be shy. Make sure they do it the way you like. Ignore the dirty looks you might get. Ply them with snacks and drinks: "Keep the talent happy." Remember, they'll be done and gone and forget about their workmanship, good or bad, about five minutes down the road. You'll have to live with their work for years and years. That one ugly stone they might slip in will drive you nuts forever!! (Sorry, I'm projecting!)
When I had my pool redone, I picked out all the little step markers. Rejected all the ones I didn't like, and worked right next to the setter, placing each one, one by one, exactly how I wanted them. I was super polite, and he was nice enough about it. I kinda had a feeling he appreciated at least some of what I was doing, because I couldn't later come back and complain, and it alleviated him from the decision making process. Plus, it was fun having a hand in my pool resurface design!
It's supposed to be fun, by the way!!
I’m right here with you! Like Dirk suggested, I’ve asked for things to be changed. I’m always polite, but the foreman knows I’m not taking no for an answer. We’re spending way too much money for it to have flaws that will bother us every time we look at it. I’m having them replace tile for the second time because I don’t like the placement. I tried to ignore it and my husband tried convincing me that it wasn’t a big deal, but it is a big deal to me. If I ever build a pool again, I will do what Dirk did and be more hands on when tile and stone is being installed.
Thank you so much. I was just feeling like I should settle and leave it, but I think it would be worth it to switch out about 7 tiles already done. ALSO: I have been wondering how significant the tile below the waterline will be. This is helpful. You read my mind! I am doing a white bottom pool, as light as they offer, Arctic White in Pebble Sheen, so I have felt that it will likely hide fewer issues than even a moderately blue pool, and that it also made my tile selection in general much more crucial. There are many more tiles I’d have considered had I done even a light blue pool, but as white as they come feels like there is more perceived “pressure.” Does knowing that change anything about what you said regarding waterline? Thanks so much! I can’t believe how helpful you all are- I am so grateful. Off to jump on school Zoom and work more sheets.
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The tiles I chose have a blend of turquoise and deep blue and every tile is different (some have more blue, some have more turquoise). I'm happy with my selection; however, I'm not happy with the placement of the tiles. We're having them replace about 7 of them to create a more cohesive look in one section where the tiles all look the same. If I could do it again, I would have gone through the boxes and placed them in the order I wanted them installed. Seriously...
Hmm, sorry no. I always caution folks, though, not to try to pick out colors from a printed chart or online. That's a sure fire way to get stung. Especially on a computer monitor. I design on a computer and I've spared no expense to color-calibrate my monitors. I even work in a totally grey environment to minimize the influence any surrounding colors would have on my eyes. And even then I only get an approximation. Most computer monitor colors are off a little, some by quite a lot. When I was picking my pebble color, I went to my contractor's show room. This after she came to my pool with color samples (I was redoing existing plaster.) They had a dozen pools and each of those had an assortment of finishes. Very cool. The woman helping me with color selection brought even more samples outside, by the water, and wetted them down (that's where I learned that trick), but it was still a struggle. In frustration we both gave up, she goes "I know what you want." and I left it at that! And she nailed it. Which is a long lead in to the only other advice I can offer: find a pro that understands some or all of the concepts I've been sharing: about the way color is affected by surroundings and conditions and let that pro help you translate your vision into your back yard. They're supposed to know how to do that, after all. To others I've suggested bringing to such a person some objects that convey your vision. It might be a photo, or a magazine page, or a fabric or whatever. You hand it over and say "Make my pool feel like that!" You might get a blank stare, but you might find someone that really knows their stuff and can help you decide. That worked for me.
This is the second time I’ve had them change out tiles. They’ve been great about it both times. I’m sure they’re talking about me behind my back but that’s ok. I’ll give them a case of beer next week.
And what finishes you decided on! 