Pool Build -- Annapolis, MD

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Thanks, guys! Inspector Murphy has an appointment with his groomer on Tuesday. He's a muddy, crusty mess right now, LOL.

I just lovingly watered my newest baby, the pool. Next time, I am bringing a broom and removing the crumbly cement bits and pieces!
 
Helen203 said:
Thank, Suz -- your amazing steps inspired me! I really like that I can rest my hand on the outside pool edge as I go up and down, it feels very safe and comfortable, 'cause I'm a little clumsy.
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I'm so glad my steps gave you an idea. But oh my, YOURS take it a 'step' further! :laughblue: (couldn't help myself!)

I've never seen any like yours - and trust me, I looked all over the internet! Funny, I've seen that idea for decks and other applications, but it never entered my mind to use that style inside a pool.

Isn't it great not to need hand rails?! Yes, I'm "clumsy" also. In fact, I'm still using one hand to hold on to the edge of the spa and one to hold on to the sun shelf. I'll know I've progressed when I don't need both sides. I think I've said it before.... But it tickles me that all ages love using my steps. It makes them feel less like steps for the age-ed (me).

I hope it's as beautiful up your way as it is here today!
Suz.
 
Are glass accent tiles on ledges and steps a bad idea this far north? What to do?!?!

We went to the PB to hunt for smaller waterline tiles because the 6" tiles we originally picked are too big for the pool curves, gah, not sure what to do here, and they tried to talk us out of the glass accent tiles we planned. HEre's a picture (because pictures make everything better!):

 
Helen what does "this far North" have to do with them holding up? Are they worried the freezing will make them "pop" out/off?

I really don't think it should be a problem. they will be seated in the plaster with grout all around them. BUT that is me living in Florida.

I LOVE what you want to do so REALLY would like to see you do it!

Oh I know! Start a new thread with a title like "Plaster pool with tile accents on steps/benches in the frozen North. Can it work?' kind of title. See what real world people say.

I BET he does not want to do it because it will be harder to do to get it right.

Kim
 

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BUT you DO need to worry! This is a LOT of money AND you want it to be pretty and correct! Have to make sure it is done in such a way that it will last a LONG time!

Kim (I wonder if there is a way to search by area ?)
 
I think I found my answer in another thread:

Pool Defects Expert said:
...
Secondly -
Materials expand and contact in the presence of heat and cold. Glass tiles on a vanishing edge or wet wall will expand in the sun, until they are doused with cool water when the pump activates. Suddenly the glass contracts. Thermal expansion cracking, is what led to the development of the ANSI 137.2 Thermal Shock standard and classifications. Glass is rather brittle and does not handle thermal shock well. This is why glass tiles works well as a kitchen back splash and poorly in a shower or steam bath.
...
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If it is questionable in a shower, a pool must be even worse!
 
I love the pic of the glass tiles on the risers! Great way to define them! I think you should google it and see what you can find. Also, call several tile stores and see what they have to say. Yes, I know they are going to want to sell you tile, but maybe you can get an answer from them. Don't give up on it yet is all I'm trying to say.

Just my 2 cents...
 
Helen203 said:
I think I found my answer in another thread:



If it is questionable in a shower, a pool must be even worse!
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The reason that is a problem though is because in a shower they go through drastic temperature changes. It is the same thing why you don't want to put a hot glass coffee pot in ice water. If you do it will shatter. If you slowly bring it down to holding cold water it is fine.

Your glass tiles will be in water the entire time and it will take a significant amount of time for the water to temperature swing. Think weeks. The tile should be fine. I don't think comparing to a shower application really is apples/apples. Now you think it would be riskier to put the tile above the water line and I have seen lots of glass tiles above the water line on pools here that are in the northern states. That is more at risk than glass in the steps. In reality will the water on your pool ever freeze because I would think movement from the pump will prevent that anyway.
 
A few notes, it will freeze potentially in MD and the top step will be exposed all winter after the pool is pumped down to the proper level when closed. That said I have no idea on the ability of glass tiles to withstand such changes. We don't have any glass tile.
 
Progress continues!

Today, electricians came and set up second panel for us, as our main panel is getting kind of cramped and we need 6 new slots -- two 240s (pump, chlorinator), two 120s (lights, future robot) -- and we re-gounded the house because the old ground went to an old well that we removed. Also added outlets by the patio for whatever we may need down the road.

We also finalized our tile and trim selections, and picked out stone for the waterfall at a local stone yard. We are going to move forward with glass accent tiles on the horizontal shelves, thanks to all for your advice on this. I did momentarily consider glass tile behind the waterfalls, but all of the anti-glass arguments the PB has made seem reasonable when we apply them to this area not not below water).

Hoorah! Progress!!

I don't have the heart to take a picture of my backyard or an electrical panel (haha). I know we all have different images of perfect poolside seating, but here's an image I found on the interwebs that floats my boat

 
Helen203 said:
We also finalized our tile and trim selections, and picked out stone for the waterfall at a local stone yard. We are going to move forward with glass accent tiles on the horizontal shelves
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Helen.................I thought we taught you better! You tell us THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^^ and you do not SHOW us????? or at least say the names! :whip: LOL

Kim
 
That's very pretty Helen. That design would "float my boat" too. I do, however, have to agree with Kim above. Stop teasing us lol. It's kinda of like bait and switch, or Bait and then...... lol Just kidding. Post them when you can or when you want too, we'll be here. :)
 
No bait and switch, its the same tile I've posted before, except that we had to find a different but very similar waterline tile in 2x2's because of the pool's curves. The raised bond beam with double sheer waterfalls will be stacked ledgestone, bluestone, and the coping will be tumbled bluestone. In the process of pulling the trigger, we got distracted again by all of the pretty tiles in the store, but then we ended up right where we started. I'm like the bride that tries on 50 dresses and then buys the first one she tried on :)

 

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