How Much Does Pool Tile Cost in 2025?

Average Pool Tile Cost

Pool Tile Cost Factors

Several factors affect the final pool tile cost, such as the tile type, pool size, repairs, and type of pool.

Pool Size

The cost of installing or replacing pool tile can range between $1 and $100 per square foot, depending on the type of tile. Most tiles average about $25 per square foot or from $8 to $30 per square foot. If the average in-ground pool ranges from about 400 to 800 square feet, total average costs range from $10,000 to $20,000.

Some homeowners opt for custom pool shapes and sizes that affect the total tile area. Outdoor inground pools otherwise come in standard sizes.

Type of Tile

Pool tiles are priced based on material quality, aesthetic appeal, availability, and durability. Standard pool tiles made from stone, porcelain, or ceramic cost between $1 and $35 per square foot to install. Premium tile selections, such as glass, high-end ceramics, and mosaics, are pricier, at about $35 to $100 per square foot.

Natural Stone

Marble, granite, travertine, and limestone natural stone tiles cost between $2 and $20 per square foot but can go as high as $30 per square foot. Stone tiles are typically more expensive than synthetic materials since they require more labor and resources to obtain and process. Installation for stone tiles often requires specialized skills since it’s heavier and more challenging to cut and fit than other materials.

At $5 to $15 per square foot, granite is affordable and durable, and it features a bold texture and elegant aesthetic. Less durable than granite but typically featuring a sleeker finish and a variety of colors, marble costs around $10 to $20 per square foot. 

Travertine costs about $3 to $30 per square foot, and these durable and low-maintenance tiles feature a non-slippery texture that’s ideal for pool decks and steps. Limestone costs $2 to $11 per square foot, can withstand extreme weather changes, and is available in various colors and patterns.

Glass Tile

Glass tiles range from $7 to $50 per square foot, and premium types can even reach $75 to $100 per square foot.

As a luxury option, high-quality glass tile is resistant to fading, staining, and corrosion and requires precise and labor-intensive manufacturing. Glass tiles can be used for a wide range of colors, shapes, and finishes, such as custom-designed tiles, intricately-patterned mosaics, murals, and unique color gradients. 

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the most affordable and widely-used materials for pool tiling. Ceramic tiles cost between $1 and $35 per square foot, while porcelain tiles cost around $2 to $56 per square foot to account for their water-resistant properties and relatively higher durability.

Mosaics and Designs

Mosaics and special tile designs cost more than standard tiles, about $75 and $100 per square foot. Budget for a total price of between $30,000 and $60,000 on top of labor costs to tile a pool between 400 and 800 square feet.

Tile Size

Tile size can also affect the pool tile installation cost. Large tiles, particularly those made from glass or stone, tend to cost more due to increased difficulty in handling and installing them. Compared to small tiles, larger tiles can be fragile and may be more likely to be damaged during installation.

Labor

Hiring a tiling contractor can range anywhere from $4 to $32 per square foot or between $30 and $120 per hour. The project’s complexity, local cost of living, and the tiler’s experience or specialization can influence their rates. Custom designs or challenging materials may require additional time or workers, adding to project costs.

Additional Pool Tiling Costs

Pool tiling projects may involve additional tasks, such as pool repairs or waterline tiling.

Pool Repairs

Before retiling, your pool may need other repairs to address underlying issues. For example, repairs for cracks in the pool foundation or hollow spots beneath existing tiles average $720. Resurfacing, which can cost $20,000 or more, may also be necessary if your pool’s surface integrity is compromised. Other common pool repairs include:

• Fixing leaks

• Pool light repair or replacement

• Pool heater repair or replacement

• Pool beam repair

• Vinyl liner repair

Tile Repairs

Repairing pool tiling is less expensive than complete retiling, but actual costs depend on the severity and scale of damage. Repairing minor tile damage, such as small cracks or chips, can cost as little as $200 to $500. Extensively broken, detached, or otherwise damaged tiles may incur higher expenses.

Retiling

Retiling an entire pool typically costs more than a standard installation since it requires removing and disposing of the existing materials. Significant tile damage often indicates underlying pool damage and further need for pool remodeling or repairs.

Waterline Tile Replacement

Waterline pool tiling carries similar costs as standard pool tiling, averaging $25 per linear foot. Waterline tiles are installed around the pool’s perimeter to prevent dirt, oil, and debris from creating scum buildup and discoloration at the water’s edge. Since waterline tiling involves only part of the pool’s total area, it has significantly lower costs than a new installation or retiling.

Pool Tile Replacement vs. Repair

Consider the extent of damage, design preferences, and long-term cost-effectiveness when choosing between pool tile replacement vs. repair. If the damage to your pool tiles is minimal or isolated, repair can be a simple and low-cost solution. Repair may also be advantageous if your existing tiles have a unique style or material that’s hard to replicate with a replacement.

If most of the tiles are cracked, missing, or otherwise damaged, replacement is likely a more cost-effective solution. In addition to addressing extensive damage, tile replacement can help protect your pool, refresh it with a new look, and potentially increase home value.

Budgeting for Installing Pool Tiles

Pool tile is among the most luxurious pool finish options and can be a significant expense. With the right budgeting strategies, you can streamline your costs and get the most from your investment. Try these tips:

• Choose affordable and durable tile that aligns with your aesthetic goals instead of high-end tiles.

• Look for discounts or promotions on clearance or bulk tile to reduce material costs.

• Practice proper pool maintenance and cleaning to extend the life of your tiling.

• Get multiple quotes from contractors to ensure you’re getting fair value and quality services.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.