The best tile type for the cost of an in-ground pool depends on your needs. For example, glass tiles offer an elegant look but come with a premium price. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular with homeowners looking for both affordability and durability. Consider your design style, budget, and other preferences to find the ideal tile for your pool.
Pool tile cleaning costs vary depending on the type of process chosen. Pool bead blasting, also known as glass bead blasting, uses specialized equipment that shoots delicate glass beads against the tiles with high pressure, removing buildup and polishing the surface. This process costs about $400, plus another $4 per linear foot. Soda blasting, which costs $1.50 to $7 per square foot, employs a similar method but with pressurized sodium bicarbonate.
There are several other types of pool finishes to choose from apart from tile. Plaster and aggregate are the other two common types of pool finishes. Plaster finish is an affordable option that costs $6 to $8 per square foot to install, but it may have a short life span and require a lot of maintenance. Pool maintenance costs around $116 to $345 per year.
Aggregate costs about $6 to $15 per square foot. These finishes are low maintenance, long-lasting, and visually appealing, but they’re more expensive upfront.
Pool tiles can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the type of tile, the quality of installation, and proper maintenance. For example, both ceramic and porcelain tiles are simple to maintain and also highly durable—with proper installation and upkeep, ceramic, porcelain, and similarly durable pool tiles can last up to 100 years.