Pool Tiles Guide Philippines 2025
Everything you need to know about choosing tiles for your swimming pool
Quick Price Guide
Budget-friendly, basic pools
Durable, larger formats
Premium, brilliant colors
Luxury, deck areas
In This Guide
Why Pool Tiles Are Different
Not all tiles can go in a pool. Swimming pool tiles must withstand:
Warning: Don't Use Regular Tiles
Regular floor or wall tiles will fail in a pool. They'll absorb water, crack, delaminate, and potentially cut swimmers. Always use tiles specifically rated for pool use.
Pool Tile Types
Glass Mosaic Tiles
Premium ChoiceSmall tiles (20x20mm to 48x48mm) mounted on mesh sheets. Non-porous with zero water absorption. Brilliant colors that don't fade.
- 0% water absorption
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Reflects light beautifully
- 30+ year lifespan
Porcelain Pool Tiles
Best ValueDense, hard tiles suitable for pools. Must be specifically rated for pool use with low water absorption (<0.5%).
- Durable and hard-wearing
- Available in larger formats
- Stone-look options available
- Lower cost than glass
Ceramic Pool Tiles
Budget OptionBudget-friendly option, but must be specifically manufactured for pool use with proper glaze. Shorter lifespan.
- Most affordable option
- Easy to cut and install
- Good for simple designs
- May fade over time
Natural Stone
LuxuryTravertine, limestone, granite for a luxury natural look. Requires regular sealing. Best for deck areas.
- Unique, natural appearance
- Cool underfoot
- Timeless aesthetic
- Higher maintenance
Where to Use Each Type
| Pool Area | Recommended Tile | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Pool Floor | Glass mosaic, Pool-rated porcelain | Zero water absorption |
| Pool Walls | Glass mosaic, Pool-rated porcelain | Chemical resistance |
| Waterline | Glass mosaic (best), Porcelain | Easy to clean, stain-resistant |
| Pool Deck | Textured porcelain, Natural stone, Pavers | Slip resistance (R11+), Cool surface |
| Coping (Edge) | Bullnose porcelain, Natural stone | Rounded edges, Slip resistance |
| Steps | Textured porcelain with nosing | High slip resistance |
Key Specifications to Check
Water Absorption Rate
The most critical spec for pool tiles.
Slip Resistance Rating (R-Rating)
For deck and wet areas:
Frost Resistance
Important even in the Philippines - tiles must handle temperature variations without cracking.
Chemical Resistance
Tiles must resist chlorine, salt (for saltwater pools), and cleaning chemicals.
Color Psychology
Tile color dramatically affects how your pool looks:
Light Colors
White, Light Blue, Light Green
- • Crystal clear, turquoise water
- • Pool looks larger and shallower
- • Shows dirt more easily
Medium Blue
Classic Pool Color
- • Classic swimming pool look
- • Good balance of aesthetics
- • Hides minor staining well
Dark Colors
Navy, Black, Dark Green
- • Lagoon or natural pond effect
- • Water appears deeper
- • Absorbs more heat (warmer)
Tip: Test Before Committing
Get tile samples and place them in water under sunlight to see the actual underwater color. Tiles look different dry vs. wet, and lighting changes everything.
Coping and Deck Tiles
The area around your pool is just as important as the interior:
Coping (Pool Edge)
- Must have rounded or bullnose edge
- Should overhang the pool slightly
- Needs to be non-slip when wet
Popular: Natural stone, Precast concrete, Porcelain bullnose
Pool Deck
- Must be slip-resistant (R11 minimum)
- Should stay cool underfoot
- Needs proper drainage slope
Popular: Textured porcelain, Pavers, Natural stone
Where to Buy Pool Tiles
Specialized Pool Tile Suppliers
Best option - they stock only pool-rated tiles and understand specifications.
- • Can advise on correct products
- • Display pools to see tiles underwater
- • May offer installation referrals
Premium Tile Showrooms
Showrooms like Tiles Kingdom carry pool-rated options in their catalogs.
- • Wide selection including imports
- • Can order specialty items
- • Verify pool rating before buying
Pool Builders
Many pool builders have preferred suppliers and can source tiles.
- • Often get contractor pricing
- • Handle everything including install
- • May have limited selection
Avoid: Regular Tile Stores for Pool Interiors
Standard hardware stores and tile shops often don't carry true pool-rated tiles. Using regular tiles in your pool will lead to failure, warranty issues, and expensive repairs.