skip to main content

Stained Glass & Mosaics

Making a pool mosaic

15 years ago

Hello All,

First time here. I have a question I could not find in the archives.

We are builing a pool. On one seat in the grotto, I wanted to put a mosaic but I have not found what I like in the pool mosaics that can be purchased.

So, being a DIYer of sorts, I was wondering if I could make my own. My pattern is a very simple one of a frog outline like you were looking down on it. The body is broken up by a little band and some small diamonds. I have a lot of tatavera pottery so was going to use coordinating colors.

Is there a different process for tile that would be underwater? Or certain types of tile? It would go on the edge of a seat if I go this diretion.

The other pattern I have is the Texas Longhorn logo and was thinking about doing it orange tiles that varied in tone/color. It would be larger, like 11 inches end to end and go in the middle of the seat.

Is this too complicated a process for underwater? I am familiar with countertop/floor etc tile installation, if that helps. I am currently building our own outdoor island for our grill/entertaining. Tile, cultured rock & stucco.

Any advise appreciated

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Mermaid
15 years ago
Zoo,

We had mosaics put in our pool before I was into this art, so I didn't watch as closely as I should have, but the concrete was poured, then the mosaic folks put our mosaics and then the marcite was poured after the mosaics were layed on the concrete.

We love our sea turtles going down our steps, and then 3D dolphin in the center. IT looks like he is swimming when you look down. I believe the mosaics were on mesh but I can't be certain. I would think any kind of tile that is rated for underwater, like pool tiles would work.

IF you decide to do this, please take pix. I now wish I would have put more in our pool. I couldn't find a pix of when they put the mosaics down, but here they are when finished
flagtruck
15 years ago
I see nothing wrong with you doing it yourself. Please do not use the Talavera tile as it is not rated for outdoors, much less underwater. Use porcelain tile and thinset that will hold up underwater. Do your mosaic on fiberglass mesh and then adhere it to the pool surface. Grout with thinset. Hope this helps. Try a google search for pool mosaics and maybe you can get more info.
Carol
Related Discussions
How Do You Cover Mosaics & Accent Tiles Before Pool Finish?
Q
Comments (5)
Hi Space Man-- I haven't decided if edging/accent tile on the steps would be the right look for my pool design, so I was hoping I could play around with it after the concrete stage before making a final decision. I also had no idea what the PB would charge per linear foot to add trim tile. I thought if I paid for it (tile and labor ahead of time) I would be stuck going ahead with it. I have known people who didn't put it in at the start and then added it later. You could see the difference in the finish when this was done--so I know its best to do this the first time around. However, I have not seen the newer pebble finishes with step/trim tile so don't know if it is harder or easier to see steps and bench edges with a pebble-type finish or not. Anyone whose had experience with both types (plain white/solid color vs. pebble) who can speak from experience? Spacemen, I remember looking at your build thread several times. Very, very, nice. I love the natural look, but we can't get away with some of the stone materials like the beautiful slates and I am also hesitant about faux rock holding up here in the Northeast (though I have seen it done). Maybe next time if we move south. However, I am trying to incorporate natural rock materials in the coping and spa facing part of the design. Thanks for the advice.
...See More
Mosaics & Pool Finishes
Q
Comments (1)
NPT, aka National Pool Tile, has mosaics. Another option is to Google "Pool mosaics" to find more options. Quartz Scapes are now known as Color Quartz Crystals and are added on site. They don't cause mottling (that's a set of separate potential issues) but there can be some variations when mixing more than one batch of plaster and or different lot numbers. It's still better than plain plaster and if it gives you the color you want, there is nothing wrong with it when used correctly by an experienced crew. Scott
...See More
Pool Mosaic with stained and fusible glass
Q
Comments (1)
I don't know the answer, but I am interested in hearing things to keep in mind!
...See More
mosaic tile around edging of pool .. or not?
Q
Comments (1)
A water line is a must. It allows for easy cleaning of any debris that collects at the water line. Plus, the plaster finish should not be exposed to the air. It's meant to be under water. Any tile choice is fine. In a area where you have freezing temps, a frost-proof tile is required. The typical water line tile is 6"x6" but you could always go bigger and further into the water. For freeform shaped (radius) pools, smaller sized tiles work best going around tight turns.
...See More
jmck_nc
15 years ago
I did this with my pool. Nothing fancy like what you are planning but I used the river rock tiles we were using for step demarcation to make some flowers on the seat/swimout in the deep end. My PB ended up just having me place them in the plaster where I wanted them and then the plaster guys pushed them into the plaster and finished off around them. I too thought they had to adhere to the concrete first but not for me. For something more representational I would definitely glue to mesh then have the PB install it just like the ones you can purchase. I'm now using the left over stone tiles to make a table. My first mosiac project. Have fun!
Judy
llcp93
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank You all for your suggestions. My other half pleaded with me not to start another project until the bbq island was finished. While I thought he would love the longhorn idea in the pool, it was met with luke warm reception. I will have to do one somewhere else.

Even if I started today, I do not think I could get one done before the plaster. The art does intreige me so perhaps I will get to it.

I have a lot of broken glass that is very old and we found some really cool colors. I want to press it to a lamp one of these days.

Related Stories

SHOP HOUZZ Shop Houzz: Make a Statement With Mosaic Tile

Cover your walls or floors with our bestselling mosaic tile

0

10 Ways to Make Your Home's Pool Special

Pool design ideas

Pretty Tiles Make Pools Perfect

DECORATING GUIDES Mosaic Tile Designs That’ll Thrill You to Bits

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Whether you go for simple stones or imaginative expressions, a mosaic can turn any surface into a work of art

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Improve Your Grill Setup

By Mitchell Parker

Rethinking the old grilling station? Here’s how to pack more function and style into your backyard cooking zone

REMODELING GUIDES Terrazzo Makes a Comeback for Floors and More

By Elements of Style

Popular from the 1400s through the mid-1970s, this mosaic material is staging a return in homes today — including in some surprising uses

COMMUNITY 15 Ways to Make Your Neighborhood Better

By Mitchell Parker

Does your community lack ... well, a sense of community? Here's how to strengthen that neighborly spirit

MOST POPULAR 13 Upgrades to Make Over Your Outdoor Grill Area

By Laura Gaskill

Kick back on your patio or deck with a grill that focuses on fun as much as function

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Make Your Kitchen a Sociable Space

They say the best parties happen in the kitchen. Here’s how to ensure that you’re cooking up a pleasant place to hang out

BATHROOM DESIGN Key Measurements to Make the Most of Your Bathroom

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Fit everything comfortably in a small or medium-size bath by knowing standard dimensions for fixtures and clearances

Sponsored

1 Review

Industry Leading General Contractors in Columbus