Nowadays, there is a better choice than ever in terms of materials you can use for your swimming pool surrounds. Alongside wooden decking, concrete, and natural stone, porcelain paving is a durable and high quality option that is growing in popularity.
Many homeowners, contractors, and landscape architects choose porcelain paving as their top choice for pool decks, and it is clear to see why with the many advantages it holds.
Porcelain paving tiles are highly durable and virtually maintenance free, which makes them a perfect choice for this type of application. They are versatile in design and will last for many years to come.
Durable and long lasting
When it comes to landscaping materials, porcelain paving tiles are one of the most durable options on the market. It would take extreme amounts of everyday wear and tear to even scratch the surface, and they will maintain a timeless appearance for decades.
Our porcelain paving is manufactured using only the finest raw materials. Alongside strict quality control processes, we provide our customers with only the highest quality tiles for swimming pool surrounds and other outdoor and indoor applications.
Porcelain is also fireproof, which means if you have a barbecue or fire pit in your garden, your pool deck will be safe.
Low maintenance and cost effective
Porcelain paving slabs are stain resistant, which means you do not have to worry about oil and chemical stains penetrating your paving. They are also non-porous, so water will not damage the slabs or cause cracking over the years.
Our porcelain will never discolour or fade over time, so you can expect your pool surrounds to stay true to colour even if exposed directly to intense sunlight.
The textured, R11-rated surface of porcelain paving makes it naturally anti-slip. This eliminates the need to regularly treat the slabs to maintain safety, making porcelain one of the safest paving options for a pool deck.
Even better, porcelain tiles boast a highly durable, modern finish. This means you will not have to worry about retouching the material as often as you would with wood or concrete.
Beautiful finish
Available in a wide range of colours, styles, and finishes, our porcelain tiles can make any pool deck the focal point of your garden. Our products achieve the natural beauty of stone at competitive prices, and you will always be guaranteed a consistent finish even down to the colours and gradients seen in the real thing.
Browse our full range or order a free sample to see how our tiles look in your space before you commit.
What slip rating do you need for a pool surround?
For a pool surround, you need a minimum R11 slip rating. This is the standard used to classify tiles that are safe for areas regularly exposed to water, and it is essential around a pool where people will be walking barefoot on wet surfaces.
All of our porcelain paving tiles come with an R11 anti-slip rating as standard, so whichever tile you choose from our range, you can be confident it meets the requirement for use around a swimming pool.
Does chlorine damage porcelain paving?
No. Porcelain paving is both acid and alkali resistant, which means pool chemicals including chlorine will not damage or discolour the surface. This is one of the key reasons porcelain is such a strong choice for pool surrounds compared to natural stone, which can be more susceptible to chemical weathering over time.
You can also clean your porcelain pool surround with standard cleaning products without worrying about staining or surface damage.
What colour porcelain works best for a pool surround?
Lighter colours are the most popular choice for pool surrounds. They reflect more heat than darker tiles, which makes the surface more comfortable underfoot on warm days, and they give a clean, bright aesthetic that complements the look of a pool.
Our beige porcelain tiles, light grey porcelain tiles and white porcelain tiles are all popular choices for pool surrounds. If you prefer a more striking look, our dark grey range can create a dramatic contrast with the water, though bear in mind that darker tiles will absorb more heat in direct sunlight.
Not sure which colour is right for you? Order a free sample to see how it looks in your garden before placing your order.
What size tiles should I use around a swimming pool?
Larger format tiles are a popular choice for pool surrounds. Sizes such as 600x900mm and 800x800mm create a more seamless look with fewer grout joints, which is both easier to maintain around water and more visually impressive.
Our 600x900mm tiles are a practical and stylish choice that work well in most pool surround projects, while our 800x800mm Volcano range works particularly well for larger areas where you want the tiling to make more of a statement.
Our guide to ordering porcelain paving will help you calculate how much you need and choose the right pack size for your project.
Do I need special grout around a pool?
Yes. Around a swimming pool, we recommend using a flexible, waterproof grout. Standard grout can crack or absorb water over time in wet environments, which can allow moisture to get beneath the tiles and cause movement or damage to the base.
A flexible grout accommodates the slight natural movement that occurs in outdoor surfaces, while the waterproof properties protect against constant exposure to water and pool chemicals. A 5mm joint is standard, and it is worth ensuring joints are fully filled and finished cleanly to prevent water ingress.
For the full installation process, take a look at our guides to preparing the ground and laying porcelain paving before you start. If you have any questions, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
