Replace Discolored Pool Tiles: Take the Time to Create the Look and Durability You Want, Experts Say.

Aug. 9--As many swimming pool owners know, the white ring on the tiles around the pool is where the water often leaves its mark with calcium deposits.

You can clean the tiles with a pumice stone or hire professionals. But sometimes replacing them is the only answer. When you do, don't just pick the first color or style that catches your eyes. Instead, take some time to make sure you really like it and that it will last.

Around the border of a swimming pool is a 6-inch-tall space often called the waterline area, says Kris Salinas, the manager of Creative Tile in Fresno. Mosaic or solid-colored porcelain tiles can be used.

Customers come looking for new tiles for three reasons, he says: When their current ones have too many cracks, when they can't get them back to their original look, and when they want a new look around their pool.

If you're considering replacing your tiles, a good time to replace it is when you're in the process of replastering the pool, says Adam Dunkle, owner of Advanced Tile Cleaning in Clovis.

As you browse around looking at tiles, Salinas says to keep in mind that calcium deposits will be more visible on darker tiles, tiles with shiny gloss are harder to maintain their luster, and mosaic tiles will have more grout lines to clean.

Installing the tile around the pool generally is done the same way as placing tile flooring in the house. But, unlike the tiles in the house, a couple of pool experts don't recommend you try this on your own. Professionals often will lower the water level to work, or even drain the pool and put in scaffolding in doing a replacement-tile project in the deep end.

"It's not a do-it-yourself-type job," Salinas says. "Usually, you want to hire someone. Otherwise, it won't look precise."

But more importantly, "if you don't know what you're doing, you can ruin your plaster," Dunkle says.

Depending upon how big your pool is, the cost to replace tiles can start at $1,500, Dunkle says. Ceramic or porcelain tiles can be used around pools. Tiles start at $4 a square foot for solid colors in glossy or matte finishes at Creative Tile; mosaic tiles in glossy or matte finishes start at $8.50 a square foot. At Fresno Tile Center, pool tiles start at $5 a square foot for glossy or matte finishes, and $6.96 to $9.95 for mosaic tiles.

To care for your new tiles, Salinas suggests wiping them down monthly with a wet sponge. That's what he recommended to a customer.

"He has a kid that goes out [to wipe it] once a month, and it still looks brand new," he says.

The reporter can be reached at nzxiong@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6467.

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