While your backyard pool is meant for relaxation and refuge from the heat, it is also a major piece of your property that, with the right style and upkeep, will garner the compliments of neighbors and friends! Though there are many aspects of your pool that you cannot change once it is built, one very simple way to update your pool’s appearance is the creative use of pool tile. Tile is a trending home décor tool right now that can truly set your pool’s style apart from the others using a large variety of shapes, textures, and colors.

It’s important to understand why tiles are so indispensable to the design of a swimming pool. As water reflects light, pool tiles capture and reflect gorgeous colors and tints that lend pools their signature gloss. Therefore, the right tiles can transform any pool into a visual work of art.

Standard pool tiles are ceramic or porcelain, but glass tile is growing in popularity. Regardless of which material you choose, the creative applications of tile are endless. Take, for example, the idea of mosaic designs using ceramic tile. Ceramic mosaics are incredibly artistic with smaller pieces connected with grout lines, so you can essentially create any design you want- even the initial of your last name or an image of a turtle on the bottom of the pool! Some very imaginative swimmers used mosaic tiles to create flip flops and a bikini on the steps of their pool.

Tiles made of glass are also quite an aquatic luxury. The dramatic effect of glass tile gradient or mosaic blend can transform your pool before your very eyes. You can take more of a risk with tile in your pool than you would with tile in your kitchen or bathroom, so be bold and have some fun! While glass tiles can certainly remain classic and more standard, they can also create exotic prints in fun geometric shapes and gorgeous iridescent hues that make your pool stand apart from any other in your neighborhood.

Without a doubt, tile is the best way to renovate your outdoor pool and make a statement of style.