We just finished installing natural quartzite (sockeye) for our waterline tile and coping. We will be using Black Onyx Pebble Sheen for the pool finish and flagstone decking in some areas. We wanted a natural look all around and so far we are very pleased.

I agree with japb. Most pools in Fla. have a cantilever deck that sits on the beam of the pool. The joint is commonly called a stegmeier joint but other terms have been used. This joint is usually filled with a product specifically designed for this type of joint. Do not use the self leveling products here, they will run down the tile and make a mess. This should not be a grouted joint. Good Luck!

I had the same problem. I did find NPT tile I liked for the waterline but not for the accent pieces on my spillway wall and along the step edges. For the spillway I used Sonoma Tilemakers Tantrum Raffia 2x2 and for the steps & swimouts O used AFI Navajo Sienna 2x2 (the picture shows 6x6). Neither was "pool tile" but were rated for such use by the manufacturers on their web sites and in their printed info. I purchased them from the same supplier that I bought all the tile from for my house and I evidently was one of many that could not find suitable "pool tile" You could easily do the same for waterline tile, but if you are in an area that gets cold (I am in FL) make sure the tile can handle the freeze cycles.

Finding photos of particular looks can be difficult. Sometimes one lucks out, but often the search just doesn't find anything helpful. All I can say is try different search engines. Bring up another tab and type in a different from what you usually use search engine name. I have used Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Ask.com, and Yahoo. Wikipedia has a LIST of others. After the search page opens type in a simple search like pool tile selections or pool waterline and stair trim tile. Then choose Images to get photos. I can't guarantee this will get what you are looking for. Sometimes you have to play with the wording. Also, companies that sell tile sometimes have a Gallery where they show off pools with their tile. Here is ONE and here is ANOTHER. I noticed that some pools had tile set into underwater steps to highlight them. Perhaps you can do something like that to your entry/exit points that set them off and still work with the rest of your tile. Good Luck.