pool

Pebble Tec is made of natural, polished pebbles that create a bumpy texture and a nonslip surface. There are 18 color options to choose from, and it also can be custom made to a homeowner's preference. This Pebble Tec finish creates the look of a natural, sandy beach entry and blends in with the landscape's native boulders and grasses. Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor) Pros: Long-lasting, resilient finish (15 to 20 years) More natural looking than plaster Color options give homeowners a variety of looks Stain resistant Nonslip finish Low maintenance Cons: More expensive than plaster Needs to be installed by licensed, trained experts Non-slip finish can be rough on feet if not installed correctly Scale (calcium or mineral buildup) can be a concern

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Add a lit-up fountain to your pool area and set it against a tile background. Use tiles in the pool that compliment the tile design of the fountain. This ties the whole landscape together in a very powerful way.

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A decorative tile sculpture in the center of your pool adds an interesting artistic appearance to it. The tiles will last a long time in the water so this is a great choice of material for an in-pool display.

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The decorative effect of pool tiles is enhanced when they are placed on the inside rim of a pool that has a unique shape to it. Here, the shape is further enhanced with the exaggeration of the design on to the flat ground extending away from the pool.

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The decorative tiles here are placed at a slant so that the water flows off of them, creating a ring of water around the outside of the pool. What a great effect!

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Glow-in-the-dark glass tiles from Korel give this playful pool an iridescent feel at night and highlight the steps for nighttime safety.

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The sky is the limit with glass tile's design possibilities. This pool has a custom glass mosaic design that gives it a formal finish and complements the surrounding structures.

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Glass tile is a luxurious pool finish choice. While the initial investment of anywhere from $75 to $100 per square foot (installed) is a jaw dropper, glass tile surfaces can last almost indefinitely if maintained properly. Cost estimate: $75 to $100 per square foot Pros: Endless variety of design possibilities Longest lasting of all pool finishes A shimmering and luxurious effect Cons: Depending on the glass tile and pattern chosen, can be the most expensive of all finishes Requires an experienced tile setter educated in the specific requirements to install glass tile properly Long installation time

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Bead Crete 'Caribbean Blue' » BeadCrete pool surfacing is made up of solid glass beads that are locked carefully into a polymer-modified cement. This adds a three-dimensional effect to the finish. Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor) Pros: Creates a smooth finish for your feet Glass beads capture light brilliantly Highly stain resistant Low maintenance Long lasting (15 to 20 years) Cons: Very expensive Requires highly skilled installers Longer installation time

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