Porcelain stoneware for the interior of the pool

What is porcelain stoneware?

Porcelain stoneware is a material made from compact, hard, non-porous ceramic paste. It is said to be a highly vitrified and resistant material and, certainly, it is the result of having baked this paste in the oven, at a maximum of 1400º, until obtaining that non-porous vitrification layer.

You should know that both porcelain and non-porcelain stoneware are available on the market. For the case at hand, the construction of swimming pools and wellness areas, the use of porcelain stoneware is only recommended for the interior of the pool, since it has a water absorption equal to or less than 0.5%. This special resistance to humidity makes porcelain stoneware a magnificent option for building swimming pools and wellness areas.

In which parts of the pool can porcelain stoneware be used?

Porcelain stoneware tiles can be used in other areas, which have nothing to do with a swimming pool. But, for the case at hand, it is interesting that you know that this material can be used to cover different areas of the pool, such as:

Pool glass

As it is a material with minimal water absorption and porosity, porcelain stoneware is an ideal material to cover the shell of a swimming pool. Depending on how you choose one tone or another, the color of the water will be totally different. Just in this post we told you: How to choose the color of the water in my pool?

In addition, porcelain stoneware is also available with a non-slip finish, so you don’t have to worry about children or the elderly slipping.

Outside of the pool

One of the most recommended and trending options is to cover the exterior of the pool, that is, the surrounding terraces and solarium, in the same material.

This does not mean that you are forced to choose the same tone or finish, since contrasts are in full swing. Later in this post we will tell you about it.

If you choose to choose the same material, such as porcelain stoneware for inside the pool and outside, you will see that the result will look much more aesthetic, uniform and harmonious.

Special areas

All pools need special pieces, made to measure, for areas such as: steps, wall finishes or the recreational platform, the crown of the pool, access stairs, grills and the cover of the hidden overflow, among others.

The good news is that with porcelain stoneware all these pieces can be created to measure. At GodoPools, our specialized workshop carries out the manufacture of all these special pieces tailored for each client and project, so there is nothing to worry about.

Main advantages of porcelain stoneware for swimming pools

Porcelain tile has characteristics that make it ideal for covering a swimming pool. Among its innumerable advantages, we have summarized the most important:

Maintenance of porcelain stoneware

Being a synthetic, non-porous material with high resistance to acids and bases, it can be cleaned with any chemical product and its chances of staining are minimal.

In addition, that same waterproof nature makes it a tremendously hygienic material, since, as moisture does not penetrate, it is very difficult for microorganisms, such as fungi, to proliferate.

Porcelain stoneware safety

One of the aspects that usually attracts people who choose porcelain stoneware for the interior of the pool is the possibility of choosing in which areas they want to include anti-slip tiles. They are usually included in the shallow pool areas, on the recreational platform, on the steps and accesses and on the perimeter of the pool.

Although, as we have mentioned, all these points are customizable.

Another positive point is that if you choose some non-slip tiles, nobody will notice it, since the appearance will be the same and you would only notice it in contact with the skin. And, as if this were not enough, the non-slip properties are not lost over time, but last without hardly wearing out.

Porcelain stoneware resistance

Being a material with little or no porosity, it is capable of resisting great climatic and temperature changes and frost without being damaged.

So, if you live in an area with great climatological changes, porcelain stoneware can be an ideal material for your pool.

On the other hand, porcelain stoneware offers great resistance to breakage and, compared to non-porcelain stoneware, it is capable of withstanding greater static and dynamic loads.

Versatility of porcelain stoneware

Another of the strongest points of this material is that there is a very wide range of finishes, tones and textures, making it very easy to find a tone that suits the style of the client and the home itself.

In addition, there is the possibility of using the mix & match trend, which consists of combining different shades and finishes, creating contrast between the pool shell and the exteriors. If you opt for this option, you will achieve a very striking, modern and transgressive effect throughout the exterior of the house.

On the other hand, if you are attracted to less resistant noble materials such as limestone, the good news is that you can choose porcelain stoneware pieces that imitate these materials, and that have a finish similar to, for example, natural stone or wood. It is a way to be able to cover your pool with the material that you like the most but with the advantages of porcelain stoneware.

What to choose? Porcelain stoneware or natural stone

Porcelain stoneware does not really have any disadvantages when it comes to applying it to the lining of a swimming pool. However, compared to other materials, such as natural stone, it is important that you know some facts:

Authenticity

If you are a lover of noble materials, porcelain stoneware will not convince you. Keep in mind that stoneware is still a synthetic material, so it is colder than natural stone. For its part, natural stone is extracted directly from nature, transmits energy and is warm on contact with the skin. They are two very different but equally valid sensations.

Endurance

Both porcelain stoneware and natural stone are extremely resistant materials. However, it must be taken into account that a stoneware tile could break and, in this case, it would have to be replaced. While the natural stone could be polished, in case of having any crack.

On the other hand, if you choose a porous natural stone, such as limestone, keep in mind that it is not the ideal option for areas with great climatological changes or where it tends to freeze / snow, since water can penetrate its pores, freeze and reach to break the stone.

Costs

There are porcelain tiles and natural stones on the market at all prices, from the lowest to the highest, so the choice should not be based on price but on other factors, such as the functionality that is going to be given, the aesthetics and the sensation that it gives us.

Conclusion: Is porcelain stoneware a good option for the pool?

Porcelain stoneware is a good option to cover a swimming pool and its exteriors, there is no doubt, since it is a resistant and highly reliable material. However, from GodoPools our recommendation is that you opt for a material that is in accordance with your own style and with the aesthetics of your home.

On the other hand, we recommend that, when choosing a type of coating, you seek advice from a professional in the swimming pool sector, since the manufacturer of a coating will always recommend your product over another, while a specialist in the sector will advise you on the pros and cons of each material, offering you the best option based on your tastes, style of the home and functionality of the pool.

In short, the most important thing is that you always know first-hand the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen coating so that the result is long-lasting and in keeping with your style.

Do not hesitate to contact GodoPools if you want advice on choosing the lining for your pool or if you need to design your project from scratch.