Get It Right the First Time

Tile can completely elevate the look of your pool. But if you choose the wrong materials or skip essential steps, you could end up with a surface that fades, cracks, or fails prematurely.

At Unity Tile and Design, we’ve seen our share of pool tile mistakes. If you’re investing in a tile installation for your pool, here are five common errors to avoid—and what to do instead.

1. Choosing the Wrong Tile for a Wet Environment

Not all tile is rated for constant water exposure. Glass, porcelain, and properly sealed stone can all work well, but avoid materials not intended for submersion. We guide our clients toward tiles that are designed to hold up in chlorinated water and direct sunlight.

2. Ignoring Slip Resistance

The area around your pool should be safe to walk on, even when wet. Too often, people select a tile that looks great but becomes slick and dangerous. We recommend textured finishes or anti-slip coatings to keep safety a priority without sacrificing style.

3. Overlooking Grout and Adhesive Compatibility

Waterproof grout and the right bonding materials are essential for long-term durability. Standard thinset and basic grout may not hold up under pool conditions. We always use premium materials rated for pool installations.

4. Poor Surface Prep

Even the best tile can fail if the surface isn’t properly prepared. Pool tile requires careful leveling, waterproofing, and float coat applications. Unity Tile and Design takes prep work seriously—we never skip the steps that make your tile last.

5. Not Hiring a Tile Specialist

Pools are specialized environments. Hiring a general contractor or handyman may lead to issues that cost more down the road. Unity Tile and Design has installed hundreds of pool and spa tile projects throughout Santa Barbara and understands the unique challenges of this work.

Client Review

“Kerry’s team tiled our entire pool and spa, and it’s absolutely perfect. He helped us avoid some big design mistakes, and everything was done with total precision. Highly recommend.” – Google Review

Avoid Pool Tile Mistakes—Hire a Specialist

When you’re tiling a pool, the details matter. Unity Tile and Design brings years of experience, the right materials, and clean, professional installation to every job.

Call Kerry at 805-951-0226 or visit this link to schedule your pool tile consultation.