Getting the Waterline Right Before the Pool Is Filled
The waterline is a narrow band of tile doing a disproportionate amount of work: it is the visual line of the pool, it takes the chemical load at the surface, and it is inspected from a metre away every single day.
How It Actually Runs
Five stages, in the order they happen, with the decisions that belong at each one.
Decide the band height
Waterline bands are usually set by the tile format. A 6" x 6" porcelain gives a single-course band; 1" x 2" or 2" x 3" glass gives a finer band and more flexibility at a radius.
Take off in sheets not metres
Convert linear metres to sheets using the sheet size published for the item, then add for cuts at steps, returns and the skimmer.
Choose the material for the position
Full-immersion areas favour crystal glass for colour depth. Steps and surrounds favour porcelain with a non-slip surface. Many builds use both, which is why they appear on the same catalogue.
Check the colour wet
Hold the sample under water before approving. Iridescent and crystal finishes shift noticeably once submerged.
Order the surround with the waterline
Deck pavers, coping and step tile come from the same shipment so the finishing trades are not waiting on a second booking.
Typical Items in This Process
Neon Tetra Series Glass Pool Mosaic Tile
A smooth, clear glass mosaic with a light, transparent quality across the blend, developed f…
Goelia Glass Mosaic Tile
This elegant surface glass tile brings subtle textures and impressive classicism. Goelia is …
Lantern Irregular Pool Glass Mosaic Tile
This lantern irregular with its dynamic pattern, shapes and colors, the Lantern line is a ne…
Mermaid Series Pool Glass Mosaic
The surface makes the mosaic texture as smooth and lithesome as the air, which presents a se…
Hot Melting Glass Dot-Mounting Series
The Hot Melting Glass Dot-Mounting Mosaic Series featuring rich colors and textured finishes…
Neon Tetra Series Glass Pool Mosaic Tile
A smooth, clear glass mosaic with a light, transparent quality across the blend, developed f…
Goelia Glass Mosaic Tile
This elegant surface glass tile brings subtle textures and impressive classicism. Goelia is …
Lantern Irregular Pool Glass Mosaic Tile
This lantern irregular with its dynamic pattern, shapes and colors, the Lantern line is a ne…
Buyers Who Use This Most
Pool Waterline and Finishing — Questions
Which sizes are used most for waterlines?
In this catalogue the common waterline formats are 1" x 2", 2" x 2", 2" x 3" and 6" x 6". Each has its own format page listing every item published in that size.
Is glass or porcelain better for a pool?
Glass gives depth of colour under water and suits full-immersion and waterline bands. Porcelain, especially in a non-slip surface, suits steps, surrounds and heavy-traffic decks. The guide on glass versus porcelain pool tile covers the trade-off in detail.
How much extra should be ordered for cuts?
That depends on the pool geometry — a rectangular pool wastes very little, a freeform pool with steps and a beach entry wastes a great deal more. Send the pool drawing and we will sanity-check the take-off with you.
Start With Pool Waterline and Finishing
One e-mail with the reference, the quantities or the drawing is enough to begin. We will tell you what is realistic before anything is committed.