Pool Tile Grout
Pool Tile Grout: Does It Prevent Water From Getting Behind the Tile? One of the most common questions we receive […]
CERAMIC CONCEPTS Hand-glazed tiles
..the finishing touches
· Browse By Room
· Latest News ·
Are Waterline Tiles Necessary?
Pool Owners’ Guide Are Waterline Tiles Necessary? Short answer: for most pools, yes—if you care about long‑term appearance, easier cleaning, […]
The Islamic Tile Art Collection
At Ceramic Concepts, we see these patterns and color palettes not only as historical treasures, but also as sources of […]
Not many online retailers can make the claim that they’ve been in business for 25+ years. But Ceramic Concepts, a word-of-mouth business offering exclusive custom-designed tiles and tile murals to an exclusive clientele, has created and found success with its collection of decorative tiles, handmade, including some California tiles, Moroccan tiles, Modern and other tile art designs; With an extensive collection of field tiles and trims to match or create a story.
The Ceramic Studio
The Ceramic Concepts studio was established in 1992 and was located at the heart of Venice Beach, California. The rich golden light of Southern California and the relaxed beach lifestyle made it the perfect creative environment for many years. The Studio played an important role within the Venice community, serving as a venue for children’s education programs such as ‘Dreamteam’, ‘The Arts Mecca’ and ‘Social Point’.
Now the Studio is located in the artsy “burbs” of Los Angeles, in Echo Park where the old and the new meet creating a culture potpourri that is at once enlivening and creatively energetic.
Contact us for help with your project today or just drop us a line and say “HI!”
Portfolio- Fireplaces- stair risers
Pool Owners’ Guide
Are Waterline Tiles Necessary?
Short answer: for most pools, yes—if you care about long‑term appearance, easier cleaning, and protecting your finish. Here’s the practical breakdown plus real‑world experiences from pool owners and pros.
Easier to Clean
Protects Plaster
Freeze/Thaw Ready
Custom Colors & Patterns
Protects Plaster
Freeze/Thaw Ready
Custom Colors & Patterns
Why Tile at the Waterline?
- ✓ Cleaning: Oils, pollen & calcium collect at the surface. Tile’s non‑porous face scrubs clean; plaster absorbs stains.
- ✓ Finish Protection: Plaster/pebble is meant to stay submerged. Exposed edges dry, discolor, and age differently.
- ✓ Durability: Quality tile + epoxy/high‑performance grout can last decades with minimal upkeep.
- ✓ Style: Create a seamless band that matches coping/stone—or make a design statement.
What If I Skip Tile?
- ✗ Visible scum/calcium ring that’s hard to remove on plaster.
- ✗ Finish above water may craze or discolor faster.
- ✗ Possible warranty issues—many plaster installers expect full submersion.
Best‑Practice Specs
- Height: ~1–2″ below skimmer up to the underside of coping.
- Material: Porcelain (freeze/frost rated) or glass; ceramic ok in warm climates.
- Grout: Epoxy or premium cementitious with sealer.
- Finish: Gloss is easiest to clean in pools.
From the Community
What Pool Owners Say
- “When we drained the pool, the dry plaster looked ugly—tile would’ve spared the eyesore.”
- “We get a calcium line every season. On tile it wipes off; on plaster it won’t.”
- “Our waterline tile is 25+ years old. Repointed with epoxy grout and it still looks great.”
- “We matched the tile to our travertine coping for a clean, seamless look—no bright blue ring.”
- “If budget allowed, we’d tile the entire pool like commercial facilities—no replastering.”
Summarized from homeowner discussions (Reddit). Individual experiences vary by climate, chemistry, and upkeep.
Design Tips
Make It Look Seamless
- Color‑match to coping/stone for a natural band.
- Choose porcelain in freeze/thaw zones; glass for a high‑gloss accent.
- Prefer smooth faces (easiest to clean) at the waterline; textured tiles can hold residue.
- Consider darker tones if you want to hide minor waterline shifts and scuffs.
Ceramic Concepts
Shop Waterline Tiles
Hand‑glazed in Palm Desert, CA with custom color matching (Felix is our glaze master). Quarry bisque or porcelain options; gloss recommended for pools.
Custom Colors
Porcelain for Frost
Gloss / Satin
Made to Order
Porcelain for Frost
Gloss / Satin
Made to Order
Popular Looks
- Seamless travertine‑match porcelain band
- Classic Malibu blue gloss liner
- Modern black/white geometric accent
- Glass mosaic shimmer strip
Get a Sample
Order a 6″×6″ sample tile or a swatch deck to test against your coping and water color.
Maintenance
Keep the Line Clean
- Use a soft pad and pool‑safe descaler for calcium. Avoid harsh abrasives.
- Keep water chemistry balanced—especially calcium hardness and pH.
- Consider a robot skimmer to reduce surface grime.
- Seal cementitious grout; epoxy grout needs less maintenance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked
- Are waterline tiles required by code?
- Not usually. They’re a long‑term maintenance and appearance upgrade rather than a code requirement.
- Will pebble finish hold up above water?
- It may, but owners report faster cosmetic aging and harder‑to‑clean rings versus tile.
- What about vinyl‑liner pools?
- You can still add a tile band above the liner for easier cleaning and a premium look.
- How long do waterline tiles last?
- With proper install and chemistry, decades. We see bands going strong after 20–25+ years.
For Contractors
Spec & Install Notes
- Substrate prep: clean, true bond surface; follow ANSI A108/118/136 standards.
- Use thin‑set and grout rated for permanent immersion.
- Movement joints per EJ171; address sun‑exposed banding and thermal swing.
- Confirm freeze‑thaw rating and absorption spec for porcelain in cold climates.
Free Design Help
Color‑Match My Coping
Email a photo of your coping/stone (in shade and sun) and we’ll suggest matching glaze swatches.
Ready to choose your waterline tile?
Custom color matching • Porcelain for frost zones • Hand‑glazed in Palm Desert, CA
No testimonial found