Tile design ideas for commercial swimming pools

From community and leisure centres to hotels and spas, the design of commercial swimming pools requires architects and specifiers to combine style with safety. The careful specification of swimming pool tiles can provide the perfect solution but it’s important to gain a deeper understanding of what’s required before you jump straight in. That’s why we’ve put together some top tips to help with your next swimming pool project!

UK swimming pools – size matters

The size of commercial swimming pools can vary depending on its use. For example, you’ll often find larger pools in leisure and sports centres and see smaller, more bespoke style swimming pools in spas and hotels. If the main purpose of a pool is for swimming, the standard size is around 11m x 4m, but pools that are intended to be used in official sporting competitions will need to be 25m or 50m in length. Pools located in spas and wellness centres that are primarily intended for relaxation can be much more flexible in terms of size, style and shape but one factor that remains the same for all commercial swimming pools is safety. And the tiles that are used in and around the pools can play an important role in ensuring this always comes first.

Swimming pool tiles – practical considerations

The most effective commercial swimming pool tile package is one that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your project while ensuring that all the practical issues such as durability, ease of maintenance and safety of use have been addressed. This process can be simplified considerably through early engagement with an experienced commercial tile supplier with experience of this sector, such as CTD Architectural Tiles.

Start with the right finish – choose hardwearing swimming pool tiles

Exterior pools will be at the mercy of the elements and damaging UV rays, while all pools, including those inside, will need to be treated with chemicals such as chlorine which can have a detrimental effect on the appearance of your tiles. Similarly, pressure from being submerged in water can affect the integrity of both the grout and tiles which can lead to the formation of unsightly cracks. Damaged tiles can cause injuries to swimmers so it’s important to choose a hardwearing finish such as a glazed porcelain tile, which is not only strong and water-resistant but will also be far easier to clean.

Don’t slip up – consider tile slip-resistance

The tiles that you choose for the areas around the swimming pool are just as important as the ones inside it, and again, working with a specialist supplier means that you can find a solution that is both safe and stylish. Here the slip-resistance of the chosen tile is key but it’s important to remember that you’re looking for a tile that performs well when both dry and wet. All swimming pool tiles need to undergo a specific test known in the industry as the pendulum test. This provides a score for the level of slip resistance a tile can offer and is not only the standard test in the UK, but is also recommended by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Replicating a human heel (Slider TRL 55) – made from a rubber sole – the pendulum test measures the resistance of a floor surface when under foot, in both wet and dry conditions. A score is then allocated, from 0 to upwards of 36, with the smaller numbers highlighting that a surface is slippery and the higher vales denoting a reduced risk of slips and falls. Expressed as a PTV (Pendulum Test Value), the best anti-slip flooring tiles are those with a rating of PTV36 or above and are the only ones to consider for a swimming pool project.

Add depth to your design – tile styles for commercial swimming pools

It's important to find tiles that are fit for purpose, choosing only those that have been specifically developed and tested for use in a swimming pool environment. Fortunately, ticking all of these boxes doesn’t mean you have to compromise on choice. Specialist swimming pool tiles are available in a wide range of materials including porcelain and glass, and a selection of styles from mosaics to stone-effect and even wood-inspired finishes.

Glass mosaic tiles are a popular choice as they create a real impact, particularly when different colours are used. To create the perfect finish in and around a pool, it’s important to carefully plan and install mosaic tiles, which is why here at CTD Architectural Tiles we work closely with designers and professional tiling contractors to offer a bespoke mosaic design and assembly service. Our Aqua glass mosaic swimming pools tiles can be ideal to create modular or single panel compositions.

With the growing trend for creating seamless pool installations, where the pool and the surrounding outdoor area blend into one, the use of larger tile formats has also become more popular. The size of tiles you choose can also have important cost implications as often the larger the tile, the faster the installation process.

There are many beautiful tile collections now available that take inspiration from nature, and indeed our most popular tiles for residential swimming pool projects are the wood-effect Natura range, the elegant stone-look of Petra and Roca Polar , and Albaroc, which is itself inspired by the hard dolomite stone found on the Mediterranean Coast.

Find your perfect tile package through partnering

Once you have chosen the overall design scheme for your project, it’s important to consider the small details that have such a big impact. These include specifying the most appropriate swimming pool coping system, with options such as the innovative skimmer edge or the overflow edge, which is characteristic of the impressive infinity pools and lake effect pools. We can also advise on the specific tile requirements of competition and leisure pools, and have experience of collating specialist pieces such as pool edge finger grips, corners, grille support, border, nails and semi-round tiles.

Choosing a tile range that has co-ordinating accessory pieces will create a uniform look that will help ensure the design of the swimming pool enhances rather than dominates the surrounding area. It will also help ensure that the finished design is fit for purpose and built to last.

Our work in this sector has seen us working on a variety of swimming pool projects, including diving and Pro-Pool competition pools, leisure centre pools, hotel and spa facilities and various contracts for self-build and residential markets. Contact our team to find out how we can help with your next swimming pool tile specification.