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Fiberglass Pool - Any Thoughts on Waterline Tile?

14 years ago

We're in the early stages of putting in a fiberglass pool (Leisure's Moroccan 34X15)with a gelcoat finish. DH and I are debating waterline tile. He likes the look of not having any waterline tile. I've heard that gelcoating can fade above the waterline and tile above the waterline obviates that problem.

Any experiences?

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Comments (4)

jimcufsem
14 years ago
Ive had a fiberglass pool for 3 years now with no waterline tile. When I winterize and drop the water level down a bit you can see a slight difference in the color around the waterline. Im not sure if its fading OR the chlorine in the water. When the pool is full you can see NO difference. Our pool guy told us he could always add the tile later if we changed our minds. I have no regrets about not getting tile.
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alysenlynn
14 years ago
novahomesick - hey! We are hoping to have that same pool installed at our home if we can find a builder. where are you located? I am debating the tile as well due to the potential fading. My hubby is against it as he wants a dark color that looks like a lagoon and he thinks the tile takes away from the look. What color is your pool and what color tile are you considering?
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novahomesick
Original Author
14 years ago
Hey alysenlynn - We're in Northern Virginia but had to go 70 miles south to find a fiberglass pool builder. They do come to our area for consultations and servicing once the pool is in. We had a hard time locating FBG pool builders. We looked at the pool manufacturers' sites, found a pool we liked, and located the dealer through the manufacturer, Leisure.

We liked the Moroccan 34 and have chosen the Australian Blue. There is a big part of me that likes the lagoon look but my hub really loves the blue. I'm not sure of the tile names but there is a gray one that looks like stone that appealed to me.

Our builder has a great website and we really like him so far. The website is full of information and little instructional videos so it's a terrific tutorial on fiberglass pools. I recommend it to anyone thinking of a fiberglass pool. I've learned a lot.

Have you figured out coping and decking?

Here is a link that might be useful: River Pools and Spas
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kamacdaddy
14 years ago
novahomesick,

Have you had your pool installed yet? We too are in NoVa and I have been researching fiberglass for quite some time. We met with Marcus the other day and I felt like I already knew him from the videos and DVD I had watched. I'm sold on fiberglass and sold on the companies that I think offer the best finishes and finish warranties. Those being Leisure Pools, Trilogy Pools and Barrier Reef Pools. Marcus recommended the 34' Moroccan for us as well, but I'm not there yet. I've been looking at freeform and built in spa models for too long to make the switch overnight.

Please let me know your thoughts on your decision and progress.
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