There are many different options when it comes to pool surrounds these days. For example, there is one that will never go out of style: the tiled pool surround.
Having your own pool in the garden really is pure luxury. While others have to drive to the outdoor pool or the lake, you can simply step out of the house and jump straight into the cool water. But just sitting by the pool and letting the day end can also be pure relaxation. In order for this to work perfectly, the ambience must also be right. In addition to beautiful plants around the pool and relaxation furniture, the right pool border should not be missing. After all, what use is a pool if it looks like a construction site around it? There is certainly no trace of a holiday feeling at all. Everything just has to fit.
Which pool surround is particularly popular?
When it comes to pool surrounds, you really are spoiled for choice. Because over the years there have been a number of trends in pool surrounds. For example, wooden pool surrounds are very popular. The only problem: wood requires a lot of care and it also weathers over time. That's why many prefer a pool surround made of WPC, i.e. a composite material made of wood and plastic. It is easier to care for than wood, durable and mostly splinter-free.
But tiles as a pool border just don't go out of fashion. This is mainly due to the fact that tiles can be bought in a wide variety of designs and shapes and can be used to conjure up the most beautiful pool surrounds. Whether Mediterranean, futuristic or colorful - almost all garden styles can be realized with tiles.
What needs to be considered before laying the tiles?
Tile offers a number of advantages outdoors. They are low, easy to clean and have a flat surface. However, tiles intended to be used as a pool surround must meet a number of special requirements. Because when buying the tiles for the pool surround, it's not just about the design - the technical features of a tile are also decisive when buying. Look for the following:
❍ Abrasion:
When buying tiles for the pool surroundyou should definitely take into account the abrasion of the tiles, which is determined in abrasion classes. The five abrasion classes describe the durability of a glazed tile. You should know that abrasion group 1 stands for very light wear and abrasion group 5 for heavy wear and high abrasion. Tiles that do not have the processing class (hardness, abrasion resistance) of at least 3, preferably 4, are therefore not suitable for the pool surround.
❍ Water absorption capacity:
Stoneware tiles are divided into five groups depending on their water absorption capacity. It is best to use group Ia or Ib tiles for the pool border. These are frost-resistant because they absorb a maximum of 0.5 or 3 percent water.
❍ Slip resistance:
Tiles can become very slippery when wet. In the worst case, this can even lead to accidents. Therefore, you should only lay tiles around the pool that are non-slip. In this area, too, the tiles are again divided into five classes. It is best to use tiles of class R11 (non-slip with an inclination of 19° - 27°), R12 (non-slip with an inclination of 27° - 35°) or R13 (non-slip with an inclination of more than 35°). The only problem: the more non-slip the tiles, the more difficult they are to clean. But as the saying goes: Safety first!
Glue tiles around the pool - step by step instructions
Step 1 - Prepare the surface:
Once you have bought the tiles, you can finally start. But before you lay the tiles, you must first prepare the subfloor properly. The ground around the pool must have a 2% slope to allow water from bathing and rainwater to drain away.
If the ground around the pool is uneven, do not follow the steps below. Because in this case we recommend laying the tiles on adjustable pedestals. According to franke-raumwert.de, the unevenness can be compensated for by adjusting the pedestal and height differences between 28 mm and 965 mm can be bridged.
Step 2 - Apply sealing slurry:
Now you have to apply a layer of sealing slurry to the floor with the help of a lambskin roller. According to bauredakteur.de, the layer should be about two centimeters thick. Then let them dry for about 20 hours. But please note: The sealing slurry must not dry too quickly, otherwise the surface will crack. Therefore, always moisten the surface a little.
Step 3 -Lay tiles:
Once the waterproofing has dried, you can finally lay the tiles. To do this, you must first mix flexible flow bed mortar or tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then pour this onto the surface of the first row of tiles and spread with a notched trowel. Then spread some tile adhesive or mortar on the back of the tile. Then lay the first row of tiles. Then comes the next row, etc. Then the tiled surface has to dry for about 24 hours.
Step 4 - Grouting:
If everything is dry, then mix the flexible joint mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, pour it onto the tiles and apply it to the tile joints with a rubber wiper. Then let everything dry for about 15 minutes. Now wash the tiles with a sponge board. Complete! Now everything just has to dry thoroughly and you can already enter the area around the pool.