When it comes to creating the perfect pool, every detail counts, with the choice of tile playing a pivotal role in both aesthetics and functionality.
When selecting a luxury pool tile, it's crucial to consider where it will be installed and how it will meet specific criteria.
"The first thing you should ask is when choosing tile is ‘Can you provide the documentation that says this is recommended for installation in a pool,” said David Fatula, Director of Technical Services at Island Stone. “You'd be surprised at how many products are specified for use in those applications, then they don't belong there.”
Poolside environments can be quite harsh given the exposure to chemicals and the changing weather. The tiles should:
- Be able withstand continuous submersion in water, exposure to sunlight, and pool chemicals.
- Have a P4-P5 slip rating, depending on the application.
- Have a high wear rating.
Fatula also recommends asking for test data and installation instructions before making the commitment. You want tile like those from Island Stone that are recognized for their high quality and durability. They should be designed to withstand the rigors of pool environments, including exposure to water, chemicals, and varying weather conditions. This durability ensures a long-lasting, beautiful pool surface with minimal maintenance. And even though high quality tiles may cost more upfront, they cost less in the long run, because their durability and low-maintenance nature help keep your expenses low.
"Approximately 80% of our product offering can go in pools,” said Fatula. Let’s take a closer look at two of those tile collections engineered for pool use: Sukabumi Select and Lava Glass.
Island Stone’s Sukabumi Select Collection
Sukabumi Select: The Crown Jewel of Our Pool Stone Collection
This exquisite stone is not just a material; it's a statement of luxury and elegance, chosen by the world's top high-end resorts and five-star villas for its unparalleled lagoon-like allure. Predominantly found in the serene settings of Southeast Asia, Sukabumi Select has become synonymous with opulent pool designs.
What sets Sukabumi Select apart is its meticulous engineering and calibration. Each stone undergoes a rigorous selection process, ensuring only the finest quality. We handpick specific tones from the native Balinese stone, creating a perfect blend that simplifies both design and installation. This attention to detail means that every tile you receive meets the highest standards of excellence.
At the heart of Sukabumi Select's charm is Island Stone’s dedication to curating an exquisite color palette. We blend the most coveted hues to guarantee a naturally varied yet cohesive look, ideal for creating luxurious poolscapes. The surface of each tile is honed to perfection, offering a soft texture that is not only pleasing to the touch but also easy to maintain.
Understanding the diverse needs of our clients, Sukabumi Select is offered in various sizes to cater to different design requirements. Whether you're envisioning a classic pool look or a more intricate mosaic pattern, our range of sizes including 4"x 4", 4"x 8", and 6"x 6" tiles, along with 1.25"x 1.25" mosaics, provides the flexibility to bring any pool design to life.
Sukabumi Select Tiles and Mosaics
Incorporating Sukabumi Select into your pool project means choosing a blend of luxury, quality, and ease of installation. It's not just a pool stone; it's a centerpiece that elevates your outdoor oasis to a realm of sophistication and tranquility.
Island Stone’s Lava Glass Collection
The Lava Glass Collection: A Fresh Wave of Innovation
Island Stone's Lava Glass Collection embodies a groundbreaking journey in glass tile development. Unlike traditional approaches that start with design, the inception of Lava Glass began with a radical idea: to engineer a tile from the ground up, specifically tailored for the rigorous demands of pool environments.
Lava Glass was conceived to thrive in the most challenging conditions. Pools, being robust and hostile environments, subject tiles to extremes—heat, cold, moisture, and constant pressure. Recognizing this, our team embarked on an ambitious mission: to create a tile that not only withstands these trials but excels in them. The result? A product undergoing 150 different cycles of testing, setting a new benchmark in durability. Lava Glass pool tiles are crafted to meet and exceed the stringent requirements of exterior freeze-thaw environments and submerged applications, as outlined in ANSI A137.2. This high durability ensures that the beauty of your pool or spa is not just temporary but a lasting luxury.
"What we're really trying to do with Lava Glass is have a really high-end look, that is a little bit more accessible to more people,” said Fatula.
The collection’s nine colors evoke the serene blues and greens of island waters, offering a soothing aesthetic. The three newest blends further enrich this palette, providing even more options to create your perfect aquatic escape.
Lava Glass tiles are designed with versatility in mind. Available in 1″ x 1″ straight set and 1” x 2” offset mosaics, along with a corresponding 1” x 2” V-Cap trim, these tiles are ideal for a variety of applications. From interior walls and kitchen backsplashes to fireplace walls (excluding firebox), shower walls, exterior walls, pools, spas, and water features—Lava Glass adapts to your design needs.
While Lava Glass shines in pool and spa settings, its versatility extends beyond. Imagine these iridescent tiles as a backsplash in your kitchen, adding a splash of island charm, or as an accent on your fireplace wall, creating a captivating focal point in your living space. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Transforming Your Pool with Island Stone
Choosing the right pool tile is more than just a design decision; it's about creating a lasting, enjoyable, and safe aquatic environment. With Island Stone's innovative products, from the natural elegance of Sukabumi Select to the sophisticated Lava Glass blends, you're equipped to make an informed choice that will bring your pool design dreams to life. Choosing Island Stone for a pool project means investing in quality, durability, safety, and aesthetic excellence, backed by a company that is committed to innovation and customer satisfaction.