Moroccan mosaic and zellige themed tile patterns are popular in Mediterranean style houses and hotels. Deeply set in the fabric of Moroccan architecture, the art of Zellij has been used for hundreds of years to decorate homes as a statement of luxury and sophistication. This unique art form developed out of necessity for Moorish artists who desired to create spatial decorations without depicting living things. While most of the times you would see such patterns on niches, walls and sometimes even ceilings and domes, this is a creative application.
Moroccan Tiles for Swimming Pools
Moroccan mosaics have become an increasingly popular choice for pool liners. The natural glaze of Moroccan tiles captures and reflects natural light, offering an iridescent quality that enhances the beauty of your swimming pool. Due to their popularity and high demand, there are now a great amount of handmade artisan mosaics available that can be used as swimming pool waterline tile.
Benefits of Using Moroccan Tiles
- Aesthetics: Adds a unique, luxurious, and culturally rich design element to your pool.
- Light Reflection: Natural glaze enhances the pool's beauty by capturing and reflecting light.
- Customization: Available in various colors, patterns, and designs to match your style.
Selecting Waterline Tile for your Swimming Pool - Things to Consider
Types of Moroccan Pool Tiles
Moorish Architectural Design company offers huge selection of original Moroccan mosaic border tiles known as Zellige Tile border suitable for swimming pools waterline. Moroccan border tiles are traditionally used as an accent tile at the swimming pool’s waterline because of its beautiful geometric patterns that goes well with the movement of the swimming pool water.
Zellige Tiles
Traditional Zellij consists of individually shaped and hand cut tesserae or ‘furmah’ - chips of glazed terra cotta tile-work which are set into a plaster base. Modern Zellij includes incredibly vibrant and rich colours in increasingly complex, individually varied patterns set in epoxy.
Available in bejmat bricks, hexagon, trapezoids, and squares, in colors ranging from neutral to bold, the design possibilities are endless. Zia’s zellige tiles are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Morocco and no two tiles are exactly alike. This creates unparalleled variation of tone and texture that will create an enviable escape.
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Waterline Tiles
When choosing waterline pool tile, give careful consideration to this small but important element in your overall design. A quality liner will add sparkle to the water and enhance your backyard atmosphere. If you want to go in a different direction and expand your color scheme, it's now easier than ever to select a tile liner in a color that will brighten your summer days and nights.
Pool Deck Tiles
Browse our Moorish pool deck tiles catalog for the best selection of original Moorish tiles suitable for swimming pool deck. Adding the right type of pool tile to the space will enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your backyard, and will create a leisurely gathering place.
Moorish Architectural Design offers great selection of handmade, artisan, and exotic pool deck tiles including Spanish Mediterranean terracotta tiles, Moroccan encaustic cement tiles, glazed Moroccan ceramic tiles, and unglazed clay tiles.
Design Ideas
For an exquisite design, Moroccan pool tiles can be added along the outer edge of pool steps for a stunning accent. This can also help swimmers safely distinguish each step as they enter the pool. Moroccan pool tiles are one of the most popular types of accent tiles used for water features and water walls because of their unique pattern effect. As water cascades from the wall, each mosaic tile sparkles in the sunlight, creating a shimmering backdrop.
For instance, consider going with Spanish Mediterranean pool tiles which is a stylish line that's designed with a finish specifically tailored for use in pools and spas, where outdoor elements can take a toll. If you'd like your pool design to mesh well with your contemporary home, choose a material that's edgy and unexpected for your pool lining. For instance, the glazed Moroccan tiles line offers a modern, linear mosaic tile that's available in sleek colors and will elevate the look of any contemporary swimming pool design. This durable hand glazed clay tiles option is well-suited for pools and other exterior applications including Moorish fountains, outdoor kitchens, stairs, pool deck, and much more.
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Installation Tips
Tiles should be cleaned prior to beginning your installation. Please see details below in regards to soaking all glazed zellige tiles in room temperature water for 1-2 minutes to remove any dust and residue from transportation. Due to the inherent color variation of zellige, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes in your order. You should then lay out all tiles in the installation area to ensure any variation is evenly distributed before beginning your installation.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
- Surface Preparation: Ensure that the surface of each area is stable and waterproof prior to starting the installation.
- Blending Tiles: Blend tiles from all boxes to ensure even color distribution.
- Thin Set Application: Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the install surface using a trowel.
- Tile Placement: Lay zellige in accordance with the drying time required for the thin set that you used. Press the tiles into place. Using the palm of your hand, press the tiles into the thinset to ensure thorough contact.
- Sealing (for Unglazed Tiles): After laying the tile and prior to grouting, apply penetrating sealer in thin layers until the tiles become fully saturated, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries.
- Grouting: Carefully remove the excess grout with a damp sponge. Completely clean and dry the tiles, removing any residual mortar or debris.
Here is a summary of key considerations for installing Moroccan pool tiles:
| Aspect | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Material | Glazed or unglazed zellige, ceramic, terracotta, or encaustic cement. |
| Surface Prep | Ensure surface is stable and waterproof. |
| Tile Blending | Mix tiles from different boxes to distribute color variations. |
| Installation | Use appropriate thin-set and grout for wet areas. |
| Sealing | Apply sealant to unglazed tiles before and after grouting. |
| Grouting | Choose a grout color that complements the tile; apply and clean carefully. |
Maintenance
Glazed zellige tiles are commonly used in swimming pools, shower walls, fountains, spas, and bathrooms. Use adhesive cement and grout appropriate for use in wet areas. Over time, zellige tiles can wear like a natural stone product, which is part of the appeal of this old-world tile. Glazed zellige may be cleaned like most types of glazed ceramic tiles. Neutral pH products are recommended for cleaning. Promptly clean up any spills, especially oil and grease on unglazed zellige.
Unglazed Natural zellige and zellige in wet areas should be re-sealed at least every 1-2 years, or as often as needed depending on traffic and wear. For areas exposed to moisture, you may need to re-seal more often.
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