Q&A Waterline Tile on Fiberglass Pools

If you are considering the purchase of an inground fiberglass pool you probably have some questions about perimeter waterline tile. The purpose of this article is to answer the 6 most common questions we receive regarding tile on fiberglass pools:

What type of tile is used?
Essentially, the same tile is used on fiberglass pools as on concrete pools. Frost-proof ceramic tile is commonly used and glass tile is becoming more popular.

How is the tile installed on the pool?
The tile is applied to the surface of the fiberglass shell using silicone based adhesive and grout. Silicone products are used to allow the tile to flex and move with the pool. The silicone grout is significantly more resistant to staining than the cement based grout used on concrete pools.

How long will tile on a fiberglass pool last?
The life expectancy of perimeter tile on any pool is directly related to how well the pool owner keeps their water balanced. But on average pool tile will last eight to fourteen years.

How much does waterline tile cost?
The initial cost of waterline tile is typically $1,500 to $2,500. Tile replacement is normally approximately double the initial cost.

Can waterline tile be added later?
Although it is possible to install perimeter tile on a fiberglass pool at any time, it is very difficult to do it in a way that looks professional if done after the coping of the pool has been installed. It is essentially something that needs to be done when the pool is initially installed.

Does having waterline tile add significantly to the maintenance of a composite pool?
No. You may have to clean the grout lines between the tile once or twice a year for a total of one to two hours of additional maintenance per season.

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