Pool mosaic: features of choice

Materials for finishing the pool must have minimum water absorption rates, withstand water pressure, exposure to chlorine and other reagents, temperature drops. That is why tiles or mosaics are used to decorate the bowl and adjacent areas, fixing them with special waterproof glue.

Mosaics can be laid on the bottom and walls of the pool, as well as on the sides and steps, surfaces around the tank.

A mosaic is a canvas of elements fastened together. The decorative particles are attached to a flexible backing so that the mosaic can be used even on uneven surfaces. In addition, even with dense tiling, it is impossible to achieve the same tightness and maximum adhesion that gives the use of mosaics on a substrate.

The advantage of the mosaic coating is its increased durability., which is due to the production technology. The material is tempered at high temperatures and can be based on ultra-strong glass. This allows the mosaic to be used not only for decorating the inner surface of the tank, but also as a floor covering near it.

Pool mosaics should have a moisture absorption coefficient of no more than 6%. Otherwise, the material will retain moisture, which will quickly lead to brittleness.

Depending on the material used, the mosaic surface can have one or another appearance, have different characteristics, and, therefore, the scope of use.

There are several types of pool coverings.

• Ceramic mosaic. It is based on highly plastic clay and additives. The raw material is extruded and pressed and then fired at high temperatures. It is characterized by strength, resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity (moisture absorption is only 0.5%). In addition, this mosaic is impervious even to aggressive cleaning agents, therefore it is often used as a floor covering.

• Porcelain ceramics. In its composition, it is similar to porcelain. It is based on white clay, quartz, feldspars, as well as metal oxides to give color to the finished product. Thanks to the high-temperature firing technology, porcelain ceramic mosaics have a durable glass-like surface. As a rule, it is not covered with glaze.
• Glass mosaic on a grid. It resembles ceramic tiles, but its difference is the refraction of light, due to which interesting optical effects are achieved. There is a mirror type of glass surface, which is also durable and self-cleaning.

• Concrete mosaic tiles. It is based on concrete with coloring pigments, which explains the increased strength of the material. However, despite its great strength (according to this indicator, it "overtakes" even clinker), the material is rarely used for decorating pools. This is due to its roughness and roughness.
• Metallic. It is a thin metal plate attached to the base. They undergo a special anti-corrosion finish, therefore they are characterized by durability even in high humidity conditions. However, the material is not suitable for outdoor use and indoor pool lining.
• Broken ceramics. It has the same performance characteristics as the ceramic counterpart, but differs in the presence of many pebbles. The latter have uneven edges and differences in pigmentation, which, when the sun's rays are refracted, provides a mirror effect.

Along with ceramic mosaics, the broken version is widely used for decorating swimming pools and surrounding areas.

When choosing a panel for an outdoor pool, you should give preference to frost-resistant materials. For the design of steps, walking areas, you should choose an unglazed material with a high slip coefficient. The higher the last value, the safer the surface. It is optimal if the coefficient of friction is from 0.75.

Class B and C materials are suitable. The materials of the first type are designed specifically for installation in pools and showers, the latter demonstrate maximum anti-slip performance.

The best options for cladding are non-glazed clinker, porcelain stoneware and glass mosaics. Decorating with natural stones is unjustified, since the attractiveness and luxury of the material is lost under water, and the material itself looks dull and monotonous. The clinker version is used for cladding surfaces near the pool, and mirror or smooth mosaic for finishing the underwater surface.

In addition, the use of a light shade of a mosaic or a mirror version makes it easier to visually assess the purity of the water, and makes it possible to timely notice foreign objects in the tank. It is believed that dark, overly bright, acidic shades are depressing, while the pool is still a place to relax.

Experts recommend opting for a mosaic of calm pastel shades. (beige, sandy, milky) or colors close to shades of aqua (blue, light blue, turquoise). Quite often, the side walls of the bowl are decorated with horizontal stripes of the same color, but in different shades. By using strips of the same width, the water level in the pool can be easily monitored.

If the bottom and walls have a lot of uneven areas, you should choose a mosaic with small elements, it is more flexible. Moreover, if any part of the mosaic is damaged, it can be easily replaced.

If a complex panel is supposed, then the fragments should also be small, preferably square in shape. A mosaic with rounded protruding edges is safe. It should be chosen for surfaces on which you have to walk.

Choosing a mosaic, you should take care of a suitable tile adhesive. It must have such characteristics as water and frost resistance, have good elasticity and adhesion, resistance to mold and mildew, chemical reagents, primarily chlorine.

As a rule, adhesives intended for fixing mosaics in rooms with high humidity are marked "for the pool" or "aqua". High-quality glue contains cement mixes, and grout mixes contain epoxy resins.

It is worth noting that they cannot be called cheap, however, the higher price is fully justified by the better technical characteristics. We must not forget that saving on glue, you can lose even the most expensive and high-quality finish.

In addition to the mosaics and glue, it is necessary to take care of the waterproofing of the tank.

For this purpose, several formulations can be used.

• Penetrating mixtures - after penetrating the pores and cracks of the material, such compositions crystallize, which ensures the surface tightness.
• Polymer cement mixtures - compositions for coating waterproofing based on cement and plasticizers.
• A mastic based on liquid rubber, on top of which a reinforcing fabric is laid.

Undoubtedly, in the process of work you will be faced with the need to cut a fragment. It is not recommended to use wire cutters, as you can damage the material, get broken, uneven edges. It is recommended to purchase a tile or glass cutter for cutting.

To determine the required amount of mosaic, you should calculate the area of ​​the tank, and add another 10-15% of the material to the result.

You can calculate the required amount of glue, depending on the area of ​​the pool and the consumption of material per 1 sq. m. The latter is indicated on the packaging of the glue. As a rule, it is 1.4-1.5 kg / sq. m with a glue layer thickness of 1 mm. However, such a consumption is focused on ideal surfaces, in practice it is 2-7 kg / sq. m and depends on the type and evenness of the base, the type of mosaic, the type of trowel (the size of its teeth, the angle of inclination).

Using a mosaic of different shades, you can achieve this or that effect. So, if you want to visually increase the area of ​​the pool, lay out its bottom with darker materials than the walls.

If you decide to make the pool an accent of the landscape, then choose a mosaic of bright shades - green, yellow, gold, pink.

When decorating the walls and the bottom, you can use different shades of the mosaic, but subject to their color proximity. An interesting effect can be achieved by alternating different shades of the mosaic in a checkerboard pattern.

The use of contrasting fragments allows you to emphasize the originality of the shape of the tank. As a rule, stripes, geometric patterns are laid out, however, it is possible to perform more complex, ornate patterns. Pools in oriental and antique styles are faced in the same way.

Among the popular ornaments created by mosaics, one can note drawings on the marine theme, imitation of the seabed, subjects of ancient myths.

How to choose a mosaic for the pool, see the video below.