Glass Tile

Install Glass Tile in Swimming Pools

To glass tile retailers, the largest customers are always the people tiling their pools.  They opt for glass tile because of its shimmering beauty - especially when submerged. The vibrant colors that glisten from beneath the crystal clear water never fails to captivate homeowners or their guests. It is this superior appearance of glass tile that entices people to undertake these large projects. As you can probably tell, these customers are making a huge investment in their properties; they expect their tile installation to be flawless and long lasting. In order to satisfy these demanding clients, sales staffs have had to become well versed in the intricacies of glass tile installation.

While glass tile has its own, inherent quirks when it comes to installation, an exterior application, such as a swimming pool, requires even more specialized attention and materials. The main challenge for installing glass tile outdoors is glass' relatively high expansion coefficient. What that means is, glass expands and contracts at a greater rate than other materials someone might use in their pool, e.g. ceramic or stone. Since the tile is adhered to the bottom of the pool while it's expanding and contracting, it can easily crack and break if the cement it's laid into doesn't stretch with it. Therefore, the question often heard from customers is, "How do I install glass tile in my pool without having to repair the broken tiles year after year?" The answer has not always been an easy one. However, with advances in technology and contractors' growing experience installing glass tile, we are now able to provide customers with the right recommendations so that their pool installation experiences minimal problems.

The most important step in putting glass tile in a swimming pool is choosing the right installation materials. To reiterate, the high rate of expansion and contraction of glass caused by temperature changes is the leading cause of cracks and damage to installed tiles. In order to compensate for this, special thin-set adhesives and additives have been developed that expand and contract with the glass. The leading manufacturer of glass-specific tile adhesive systems is MAPEI, and their Adesilex P10 thin-set and Keraply additive can be combined into an installation system that is specifically designed for applications where the glass tiles are completely submerged. The elasticity of the Adesilex P10/Keraply combination allows the glass tiles to stretch without breaking, and MAPEI is so confident in this installation solution's ability to provide lasting results that they offer a 5-year warranty on materials and labor. With a guarantee like that, it's no wonder that so many tile contractors and retailers stand behind MAPEI's products as the best in the industry.

Whether you are installing glass tile on the exterior of your home, as an accent in the garden, or on the bottom of your swimming pool, you need to take into account the unique challenges that comes with using glass tile outdoors. These challenges are not insurmountable as long as you take care to use the proper installation materials. If you do this, then there is no reason why your swimming pool project can't leave the whole neighborhood green with envy for years to come.

About the Author

Michael Payne is the first employee hired by Wholesalers USA, Inc., an Internet retailer, and their resident glass tile installation expert.

Wholesalers USA, Inc. offers a wide variety of premium Giorbello glass tiles and installation materials. Their website is: http://www.WholesalersUSAInc.com/.

5000 Tile Cutting Blade $134.95 For the mosaic and tile artist use Diamond Tech and 39;s 6mm stainless steel diamond coated blade. It and 39;s specifically made for cutting tile, stone and marble, but will also cut glass. Fits Diamond Laser 4000 and 5000 bandsaw models.

3/4 Glass Tile Blue Mix - 1 Lb. $7.95 Mix it up with this great glass tile mix. All tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Sold in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Colors may vary slightly from image. Artist Brenda Pokorny of Chagrin Falls, OH added color to a terra cotta bird with a variety of stained glass and glass tiles.

Tile Grid - 3/4 $13.95 Tile grids are a huge time saver. Create mosaic designs with perfect grout lines. Use grid with 3/4 tile to keep your pattern in line and looking good. Companion item to Mosaic Tile Creator software (item 7060D, sold separately). Overall size 13-1/2. Creates a 12-1/2 design.

Tile Grid - 3/8 $9.95 Tile grids are a huge time saver. Create mosaic designs with perfect grout lines. Use grid with 3/8 tile to keep your pattern in line and looking good. Companion item to Mosaic Tile Creator software (item 7060D, sold separately). Overall size 13-1/2. Creates a 12-1/2 design.

Republican Elephant Casting Tile $19.93 The perfect casting tile for the politics junkie. Mold measures 7 x 7 x 1-3/4, inside dimensions 6 x 6. Use a fine paintbrush to maneuver glass frit into place.

Tiger Casting Tile $31.95 7 x 7 x 1-3/4 casting tile. Inside dimensions 6 x 6. Use a fine paintbrush to maneuver glass frit into place. Images courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

American Eagle Casting Tile $31.95 7 x 7 x 1-3/4 casting tile. Inside dimensions 6 x 6. Use a fine paintbrush to maneuver glass frit into place. Images courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

7000 Tile Blade $224.95 Use this blade to cut many types of tile materials on the Diamond Laser 7000 Bandsaw. 8mm - Cuts through marble, granite and tile up to 1 1/2 thick with ease.

Mosaic Tile Scorer/breaker $14.95 A powerful multi-purpose tool. For scoring, cutting and snapping ceramic tile up to 6 across and 3/8 thick. Perfect for mosaics.

3/8 Glass Tile Desert Mix - 1/2 Lb. $7.95 A beautiful assortment of 3/8 Venetian glass tiles in earth tones are included in this mix. A great convenience and value, tile mix is ready to be mosaiced onto any surface for a mosaic makeover or use with one of our items to mosaic for a fast and fun mosaic project. Each 1/2 lb. bag contains approximately 300 tiles that will cover an area about 50 square inches. The convenient 3/8 size of the tiles is excellent for small, easy projects or detailed or curved mosaic work. Colors may vary slightly from image.

3/8 Glass Tile Fire Mix - 1/2 Lb. $8.95 A beautiful assortment of 3/8 Venetian glass tiles in fall colors are included in this mix. A great convenience and value, tile mix is ready to be mosaiced onto any surface for a mosaic makeover or use with one of our items to mosaic for a fast and fun mosaic project. Each 1/2 lb. bag contains approximately 300 tiles that will cover an area about 50 square inches. The convenient 3/8 small size of the tiles is excellent small, fun projects or for detailed or curved mosaic work. Colors may vary slightly from image.

Dragon Tile Casting Mold $32.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Create elegant custom glass tiles, coasters and fused pieces to incorporate into larger glass art projects. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, table top or more. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Measures 6 x 6 x 1-1/2.

3/8 Glass Tile Denim Mix - 1/2 Lb. $7.95 A beautiful assortment of 3/8 Venetian glass tiles in sky and water colors are included in this mix. A great convenience and value, tile mix is ready to be mosaiced onto any project for a mosaic makeover or use with one of our items to mosaic for a fast and fun mosaic project. Each 1/2 lb. bag contains approximately 300 tiles that will cover an area about 50 square inches. The convenient small 3/8 size of the tiles is excellent for quick and easy project or detailed or curved mosaic work. Colors may vary slightly from image. Project shown below created by artist Brenda Pokorny.

Basket Weave Texture Tile Mold $14.95 Add detail to your design with reusable basket weave texture tile. Simply fire glass on mold to imprint texture, and once fired, use as a personalized tile or slump into another mold for fun dishes. Kiln wash before use. Measures 5-1/2 square. Project courtesy IMD Ceramics.

Large Basketweave Texture Tile Mold $39.95 Add detail to your design with reusable basket weave texture tile. Simply fire glass on mold to imprint texture, and once fired, use as a personalized tile or slump into another mold for fun dishes. Kiln wash before use. Measures 11 square.

Butterfly Tile Casting Mold $31.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Create elegant custom glass tiles, coasters and fused pieces to incorporate into larger glass art projects. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, tabletop or more. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Kiln wash before use. Measures 6 x 6. For instructions and helpful hints click on View User Manual to download a free techniques sheet. Images courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

Celtic Tile Casting Mold $38.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Create elegant custom glass tiles, coasters and fused pieces to incorporate into larger glass art projects. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, table top or more. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Measures 5-5/8 x 5-5/8 x 5/8. First image shown courtesy of IMD Ceramics, second image by artist Jeannette Woodard.

Iris Tile Casting Mold $22.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Create elegant custom glass tiles, coasters and fused pieces to incorporate into larger glass art projects. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, tabletop or more. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Kiln wash before use. Measures 4-1/4 x 4-1/4. For instructions and helpful hints click on View User Manual to download a free techniques sheet.

Hummingbird Tile Casting Mold $22.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Create elegant custom glass tiles, coasters and fused pieces to incorporate into larger glass art projects. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, tabletop or more. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Kiln wash before use. Measures 4-1/4 x 4-1/4. For instructions and helpful hints click on View User Manual to download a free techniques sheet.

Dressage Horse Tile Mold $32.95 Dressage Horse Tile Mold is designed to make spectacular tiles and plaques. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels or metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. You can also use it like a texture mold by firing sheet glass on it to imprint texture. Then, once fired you can slump it, texture side up, to create bowls and plates with amazing detail. Must kiln wash before use. Measures 5-3/4 x 7-3/4 x 1-1/4 deep. Project by artist Kayleigh McGrath.

White Platinum Series Tile $12.95 These transparent and semi-transparent glass tiles feature a special reflective surface, bringing dazzling color and light to any home. Please Note Variations in color, shade, and size are inherent in all fired glass products. Tile Size 9/16 x 9/16 Thickness 1/8 Mounting Paper-front Mounted Units Sold by the Sheet Sheet Size 12.5 x 12.5

Green Platinum Series Tile $12.95 These transparent and semi-transparent glass tiles feature a special reflective surface, bringing dazzling color and light to any home. Please Note Variations in color, shade, and size are inherent in all fired glass products. Tile Size 9/16 x 9/16 Thickness 1/8 Mounting Paper-front Mounted Units Sold by the Sheet Sheet Size 12.5 x 12.5

Blue Platinum Series Tile $12.95 These transparent and semi-transparent glass tiles feature a special reflective surface, bringing dazzling color and light to any home. Please Note Variations in color, shade, and size are inherent in all fired glass products. Tile Size 9/16 x 9/16 Thickness 1/8 Mounting Paper-front Mounted Units Sold by the Sheet Sheet Size 12.5 x 12.5

Gray Platinum Series Tile $12.95 These transparent and semi-transparent glass tiles feature a special reflective surface, bringing dazzling color and light to any home. Please Note Variations in color, shade, and size are inherent in all fired glass products. Tile Size 9/16 x 9/16 Thickness 1/8 Mounting Paper-front Mounted Units Sold by the Sheet Sheet Size 12.5 x 12.5

Beige Platinum Series Tile $12.95 These transparent and semi-transparent glass tiles feature a special reflective surface, bringing dazzling color and light to any home. Please Note Variations in color, shade, and size are inherent in all fired glass products. Tile Size 9/16 x 9/16 Thickness 1/8 Mounting Paper-front Mounted Units Sold by the Sheet Sheet Size 12.5 x 12.5

Griffin Tile Set Casting Mold $24.95 Create Cast Glass Tile in Your Kiln Make complementing tiles or a matched set to complete a mosaic backsplash, table top or more. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. This sturdy ceramic mold is designed to last through many firings. Measures 5 x 2-1/4 x 1. Use with Griffin Shield tile mold 92393 to create a unique three piece tile set as shown below. First image shown courtesy of IMD Ceramics, second image by artist Jeannette Woodard.

Kitchen Cabinets, Windows & Tile $16.95 Great Ideas for Your Cabinets and Windows Give your kitchen an upgrade with art glass windows, tiles and cabinet doors. Anna Verbsky Sagami brings you exciting new ideas for the kitchen, featuring simple and elegant designs. Themes range from Contemporary to Prairie to Southwest to Victorian. Patterns will show you how to create wonderful effects with textured, beveled, fused, etched, and painted glass elements. There and 39;s even a section on designing your own tile borders, great for kitchen back splashes. This book is a best seller. Images from book. Artist and author Anna Verbsky Sagami. Song bird cabinet door by artist Michelle McDowell.

Running Horses Tile Mold $38.95 Running thoroughbred horses tile mold is designed to make spectacular tiles and plaques. Simply fill the mold with fusible glass, frit, enamels and metal inclusions to make your own unique designs. You can also use it like a texture mold by firing sheet glass on it to imprint texture. Then, once fired you can slump it, texture side up, to create bowls and plates with amazing detail. Must kiln wash before use. Measures 5-1/4 x 10-3/4 x 1-3/4. Project image courtesy of IMD Ceramics.

6 Round Tile Plate $12.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6-3/4 in diameter. Inside circle measure 4-3/4 in diameter. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item C. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

8 Round Tile Plate $16.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so simple to create custom home decor. Finished project makes a great gift. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 8 in diameter. Inner circle measures 6 in diameter. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item D. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408.

8-3/4 Square Tile Plate $16.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 8-3/4 square. Inner square measures 6. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item B. Mold A is the 6-3/4 square tile plate 81048. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

6-3/4 Square Tile Plate $14.95 High quality ceramic mold offers a fun shape that will accentuate any design, is easy to use and durable for countless firings. It and 39;s never been so easy to create custom home decor. Finished plate adds to the presentation of your favorite meals and snacks, and also makes great gifts. Pre-drilled; always remember to elevate molds for proper air circulation. Can be fired many times. Apply kiln wash before use. Measures 6-3/4 square. Inner square measures 4-3/4. Mold is 1 deep. In image above, this mold is item A. Mold B is the 8-3/4 square tile plate 81069. Mold C is the 6-3/4 round tile plate 810408. Mold D is the 8 round tile plate 810417.

3/4 White Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Colors may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Yellow Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Color may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Light Orange Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Color may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Red Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Color may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Dark Gray Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Colors may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Ocean Blue Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Colors may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Blue Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Colors may vary slightly from image.

3/4 Sky Blue Glass Tile - 1 Lb. $7.95 These stunning glass tiles are durable, strong, and beautiful. Glass tiles have shimmery translucent highlights that will add sparkle to your designs and are perfect for keepsakes projects and gifts. Squares measure 3/4 and are about 1/8 thick. Packaged in one pound bags containing about 144 tiles. Covers approximately 96 square inches. Color may vary slightly from image.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 1st, 2006 at 2:34 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.