Pool tiling built for full immersion, not just completion day
A pool is the most demanding tiled surface there is: constant water pressure, chlorine or salt, heat and cold, structural movement. We build the whole system, membrane to grout, so it performs season after season.
What proper pool tiling actually requires
Around Auckland we regularly see pools where tiles debond, grout breaks down or water gets in behind the surface. The cause is almost always the same: poor preparation and products that were never rated for a fully submerged environment.
Our installs are built in layers that work together:
- Structural assessment first - the shell must be fully cured, stable and free of movement risk before anything goes on. Skipping this is the biggest single cause of tile failure.
- Immersion-rated waterproofing - standard wet-area membranes are not enough. We install Ardex systems rated for constant submersion, applied by PS3-registered installers with documentation supplied.
- Pool-rated adhesives and grout - chemical-resistant products that hold their bond under permanent water pressure, chlorine and salt.
- Planned layout - with mosaics especially, symmetry, step transitions and clean finishes around fittings are set out before the first tile is fixed.
Waterline to surrounds, one crew
We tile the complete pool as one coordinated system, so every edge and junction works together:
- Pool interiors in glass mosaic, porcelain and large-format tile
- Waterlines and feature bands
- Coping, edge detailing and slip-rated surrounds
- Steps, ledges, seating and integrated features
- Infinity edges and overflow detailing, levelled for correct water flow
We also retile existing pools, and we are straight about what that involves: it is usually a renovation-scale rebuild, old tiles off, substrate corrected, new immersion-rated waterproofing, then retiling to modern standards. Cosmetic patch-ups over a failed system do not last, so we do not sell them.
Pricing depends on pool size and shape, tile choice, surface preparation and edge detailing. You get a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what you are paying for before work begins.
Before you book
What is the best tile for a swimming pool?
Glass mosaics and porcelain are the two proven choices. Mosaics handle curves and give the classic shimmering finish; porcelain offers strength, larger formats and slip resistance on steps and surrounds. The right pick depends on the design and whether the pool runs salt or chlorine.
Do pool tiles need special waterproofing?
Yes. A pool is permanently submerged, so it needs a membrane system rated for constant immersion, not standard bathroom waterproofing. Without it, water works in behind the tiles and the whole surface eventually fails.
Can you retile an existing pool?
Yes, as a proper rebuild: strip the old tiles, repair and correct the substrate, reapply immersion-rated waterproofing, then retile. We assess the pool first and tell you honestly what condition the shell is in.
How long does pool tiling last?
Installed correctly over the right waterproofing, 15 to 25 years or more. Failures are almost always down to preparation or product choice rather than the tiles themselves, which is why the layers under the tile get most of our attention.
How much does pool tiling cost in Auckland?
It varies widely with pool size, tile type, preparation and detailing. A mosaic interior with an infinity edge is a different job from a porcelain-lined plunge pool. We quote each pool individually, itemised, so the numbers are clear before you commit.
Planning a pool, or rescuing one?
Free site visit and a clear, itemised quote for interiors, coping and surrounds. Call 021 818 013.