Poolside Perfection: Crafting Your Outdoor Sanctuary

Designing your Perfect Pool Party is an art. MIR Collections are part of your journey to crafting the perfect outdoor oasis. Even though it is beginning of Summer, there is time to re-invent your outdoor paradise. Step by Step we have the perfect tile for every need.

Enhance your modern pool with the sleek and stylish Alma Glamour Espiga Air tile.

During and after the pandemic, many of us recognized the need to transform our homes into versatile destinations. We began to reinvent our outdoor spaces to serve multiple purposes: a place for relaxation instead of visiting a spa or resort, a venue for high-end alfresco dining rather than dining at a fancy restaurant, and a personal pool instead of a trip to a seaside resort. Through this process, we discovered a new preference for our backyards, having crafted them into personal paradises. The fear of missing out (FOMO) has faded, as the best experiences are now right at home.

There’s a wide variety of backyards out there, but delving into poolside paradise can truly elevate your design exploration to new levels.

The Moorish Green Cross Deco is a great pool to lounge transition color and design.

Many homeowners and designers want a seamless connection between their indoor and outdoor spaces. Perhaps you’d like to have a style that is similar to yours outside. If your living room is Art Deco and the balcony opens up to your poolside patio, you might want to consider that Art Deco to continue under the patio table. Sometimes you have to switch to different kinds of tile to achieve the same look.

Sun-Soaked Dining & Lounging

To truly capture the essence of a resort-style experience, transform your outdoor oasis into a dining haven.

Part of the allure of a resort pool is the beauty of the poolside decor.  Picture yourself strolling upon intricately designed and one-of-a-kind tiles encircling the pool, before settling down to dip your toes into the refreshing water.

Whatever style you’re looking for in your deck depends on your color palette as well as your overall outdoor design. If you’re looking into a chic and modern table, opt for the terrazzo-style Terra Egeo.  If you’re looking for cozy-lay-in-bed style, pair your comfy couches with some classic Encadre Otto.

Add exotic to your lounging experience with the hex-shaped Encadre Cotto.

Pool Deck and Backyard Tiles

Porcelain Tiles

• Durability: Extremely hard and resistant to wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, resistant to stains and mold.
• Design Versatility: Available in many styles, including those that mimic natural stone and wood.

Marble/ Terrazzo Tiles

• Elegant and Luxurious: Marble provides a high-end, elegant look that can enhance the overall aesthetics of your backyard.
• Variety of Colors and Patterns: Marble is available in various colors and patterns, allowing for customization to match your design preferences.
• Long-lasting: When properly maintained, marble is a durable material that can last for many years.
• Heat Resistance: Marble remains relatively cool underfoot, which can be beneficial in hot climates.

The Terrazzo and Dolomite mixed Veneziana Fluviale is a modern choice for outdoor spaces.

Installation Tips for Pool Deck and Backyard Tiles

• Base Preparation: Excavate and level the area, then lay a base of compacted gravel and sand to ensure a stable foundation.
• Layout Planning: Plan the tile layout to avoid awkward cuts and ensure a visually appealing design.
• Spacing: Use spacers to maintain consistent gaps between tiles for grouting.
• Adhesive and Grout: Choose materials suitable for outdoor use, ensuring they can withstand weather changes and water exposure.
• Sealing: Seal porous tiles, like travertine, to protect against moisture and staining.

Outdoor Shower

Have you found yourself at a friend’s pool party, craving a quick rinse before indulging in snacks? Maybe you hesitated to wander through the house, potentially wetting floors and causing inconvenience. Here’s the solution: the Outdoor Shower!

Why lounge with chlorine when you can install an outdoor shower poolside? Rinse off in the elegantly designed showers with tiles by yours truly.

Opt for extra vitamin D by indulging in a rinse with a view. Whether you’re setting up a standard outdoor shower or one with a foot washer, the backsplash will delight with our classic and modern styles.

Even when it’s not swimming season, your outdoor shower will still be incredibly useful. Whether you’re out for a jog and need a quick rinse without going indoors, or after a long day of gardening and just need to freshen up, it’ll always come in handy.

Maintenance Tip: If you think you might not be using the shower for a long time, please drain it to avoid contamination with bacteria!

Sometimes, your outdoor shower takes center stage, becoming a highlight of your outdoor space. Other times, it serves as a complement to the main attraction, such as your pool. If you want your shower to be a subtle yet beautiful addition, consider placing it in your pool house or near the patio entrance. The elegant Imperial Crystal complements both the awning and the overall design of your home perfectly.

Transform your outdoor shower into a tranquil, spa-like atmosphere with the lush, green hues of the Imperial Onyx tiles.

Treat yourself to the refreshment of the outdoor shower and enjoy the special feeling of taking a rinse on your patio or on the terrace.

Outdoor Shower Tiles

Natural Stone Tiles

– Natural Beauty: Offers a luxurious and organic aesthetic that blends seamlessly with outdoor environments.
– Durability: Highly durable and weather-resistant when properly sealed.

Porcelain Tiles

– Durability: Highly resistant to wear, water, and temperature fluctuations.
– Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, resistant to mold and mildew.

Ceramic Tiles

– Affordability: Generally more affordable than porcelain and natural stone.
– Variety: Available in many designs, allowing for creative and personalized installations.

Bathing Beauty

If you’re looking for a classic mosaic tile, the Stella in light and dark blue is a sure bet.

Let’s start with the center of attention – the Aquatic Eden. Imagine a sanctuary of azure blue, where the cool waters provide solace from the scorching heat of the sun, offering a refuge for weary souls. Yes, the swimming pool is the main attraction and where all the VIPs will be hanging out. Make it stand out like a Pro with these mesmerizing tiles to adorn and accentuate. There are many different types of pool tiles and mosaics come in three types of materials: glass, porcelain and ceramic.

Each type of tile has its own sets of benefits:

Glass:

– Aesthetic Appeal: Glass tiles are available in a myriad of colors, shapes, and sizes, allowing for intricate designs and vibrant finishes that catch the light beautifully.
– Durability: Resistant to fading, chemicals, and water, making them an ideal long-term choice for pools.
– Easy Maintenance: Non-porous and resistant to algae and mildew.

Porcelain Mosaics:

– Strength and Durability: Porcelain is incredibly hard and resistant to wear, making it perfect for pool environments.
– Variety: Available in many styles, including designs that mimic natural stone.
– Water Resistance: Highly water-resistant, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

Fun Fact: The favorite color among pool owners is blue solid or patterned tile. The reason? Blue tile helps your pool water look blue!

Whether you have a quaint pool or a spacious swimming sanctuary, a personal and unique touch will work wonders. MIR offers artistic murals and custom pool mosaics to take it above and beyond the ordinary.

Designing a custom pool with a glass mosaic mural is an exquisite way to infuse artistry and personal flair into your outdoor space. Mosaic murals, crafted from a variety of colorful tiles, allow for endless creativity, whether depicting serene aquatic scenes, abstract designs, or personal motifs. These mosaics are best installed in concrete pools to ensure stability and longevity. The result is a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind pool that would bring a “wow” effect into your backyards. MIR helped to design dozens of custom pools. Reach out to us if you need help with your next pool project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alma Artistic Murals of all Shapes and Sizes

Planning and Design should be your priority as you get started. We have separated this project into sectors – pool, lounging, dining, and outdoor shower. Depending on your vision and accessible space, your plan can and will change.

As you begin, consider your space, purpose and usage, and style and aesthetics. Measuring the area will determine the size of your pool, dining area, lounging area, and potentially an outdoor kitchen (and beyond!).

You will need to pick a tile material to meet the needs of each sector of your patio. The foundation and drainage necessary will be considered as well.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Water Resistance

While outdoor tile needs to prevent water from entering your home, indoor tile needs to redirect water that is already in the home. The installation for outdoor tile is more complicated as well.

It is important to remember that water resistant and slip-resistant are not the same. Although they can overlap in functionality, they have different purposes.:

Water Resistant Tile means that water cannot penetrate through the tile. This property is important for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Common types of waterproof tiles include ceramic, porcelain, and certain natural stones that are sealed properly.

Slip-resistant tile is designed to provide better traction to prevent slipping. Slip resistance is usually achieved through the texture of the tile surface or special coatings. Slip-resistant tiles are rated with a coefficient of friction (COF) measurement, indicating their effectiveness in preventing slips, especially when wet. Mosaic tiles are not rated by the factory in this way but the size of the mosaic chips and the grout lines provide natural slip resistance.

Key Differences and Overlap:

Purpose: Water-resistant tiles prevent water damage, whereas slip-resistant tiles aim to prevent accidents due to slipping.
Surface Texture: Slip-resistant tiles often have a rougher or textured surface to enhance grip, while waterproof tiles can have any surface texture, including smooth.

Some tiles can be both water resistant and slip-resistant. For example, certain textured porcelain tiles are waterproof due to their material properties and slip-resistant due to their surface texture.

When choosing outdoor tile, it is important to consider both water-resistance and slip resistance to ensure both durability and safety. Always check the specifications of the tile to see if it meets both requirements and if that is your goal.

Sealing Tile
Sealing tile and grout is necessary to ensure they last longer and look better over time. When choosing tile, here are the sealant needs for all:

• Natural Stone – sealant required
• Terracotta & quarry stone – seal after grouting
• Polished Porcelain- seal before and after grouting

Installing Pool Tile

• Surface Preparation: Ensure the pool surface is clean, dry, and smooth before starting the installation. Remove any old tiles or debris.
• Waterproofing: Apply a waterproof membrane to prevent water from seeping behind the tiles and causing damage.
• Adhesive Selection: Use a high-quality, water-resistant adhesive suitable for pool environments.
• Grouting: Choose an epoxy grout that is resistant to chemicals, algae, and mildew. Properly sealing the grout is essential to prevent staining and water infiltration.
• Curing Time: Allow adequate curing time for both the adhesive and grout before filling the pool with water.

As you are browsing the Mir Collections, make note of the usage/application codes. Depending on where you design – different tiles are in order.

• Outdoor (sun): Can be used for any outdoor use. For a tile to be compatible for outdoor applications, it is a must that it is slip-resistant. This is especially important when you add a pool to the mix. Even if you are just walking rather than running, it is highly recommended to have traction on the tile. Porcelain tile is the way to go if you’re looking for something cost-effective as well as stylish. Outdoor tile needs to be able to survive in the extreme heat of the summer as well as the frosty cold temperatures.
• Pool (last image): Can be used for the tile inside the pool and surrounding area

Important Note: For outdoor showers, look for the “Outdoor” tile usage code; the “Shower floor & walls” codes are exclusively for indoor shower installations.

The pool water looks like perfection with the surrounding Ice Penny Gloss.

Maintenance of Pool Water & Design

To maintain the beauty of the mosaic tile, you’ll need to make sure you are taking good care of the pool water for optimal durability. Whether you have a regular pool cleaner stop by or not, you’ll need to invest in proper and consistent maintenance. Part of proper maintenance is testing pool water and adding necessary chemicals.

Proper pool maintenance will ensure that you don’t have bacteria buildup and algae growth and the added bonus of maintaining a long-lasting custom tile installation.

Here’s the quick cheat sheet to run through with your pool maintenance specialist:

• Sanitizer
• pH
• alkalinity
• calcium hardness

You will get extra credit if you also add to your maintenance schedule:

• Algaecide
• Clarifier and Flocculant
• Metal Sequestrant

The key ingredient to pool maintenance is testing, testing, and more testing! Whether you are doing it on your own or have some help, test strips will become your best friend.
There are liquid and digital water testing kits to suit your needs.

We don’t want your magnificent tile to look eroded, contain deposits, dissolve grout, and other expensive damage. Invest in pool maintenance to keep your tile looking like new.

Ask your Sales rep about Pool Tile Samples

The Terra Multicolor Speckled  tile is the perfect choice for your pool area. Deck & Pool approved – Check!

Transform your outdoor space with the Porcelain Tile Terra Multicolor Speckled in Hex Shape, a perfect blend of elegance and functionality. This tile seamlessly transitions from poolside to deck, creating a cohesive and chic aesthetic that redefines luxury. The hexagonal design, coupled with its multicolor speckled finish, adds a unique visual appeal, making your pool area a stunning focal point. Beyond its beauty, porcelain’s durability ensures it withstands weather elements and heavy foot traffic, maintaining its pristine look year-round. Whether you’re aiming for a modern retreat or a classic outdoor haven, this tile effortlessly enhances any style, making it a versatile choice for your outdoor oasis.

Overall Installation Process

It is important to work closely with your designer and installation team. If you are designing on your own (without a designer’s help), make sure you run your plans by your anticipated installation team to ensure no hidden issues or obstacles. For example, the installation process for large-format porcelain sheets is quite different from typical stone tiles.

Installation Techniques:
Professional Installation: Consider hiring professionals if you’re not experienced with patio installation. Proper installation is crucial for longevity and performance.
Spacing and Alignment: Pay attention to the alignment and spacing of pavers or tiles to achieve a uniform look and ensure stability.
Joint Filling: Use appropriate joint fillers, such as polymeric sand, to secure pavers and prevent weed growth.

Comfort and Functionality:
Furniture Placement: Plan for adequate space to accommodate outdoor furniture and ensure comfortable movement around the area.
Shade and Shelter: Consider adding pergolas, umbrellas, or awnings to provide shade and protect against the elements.
Lighting: Install outdoor lighting for ambiance and safety during evening use. Options include solar lights, LED fixtures, and string lights.

Maintenance:
Regular Cleaning: Keep the patio clean by regularly sweeping and washing to prevent the buildup of dirt, algae, and debris.
Sealing: Depending on the material, consider sealing the surface to protect against stains, water damage, and wear.

Give your outdoor swimming pool a stylish upgrade with the Marakand Shahrisabz chic floral pattern.

The adventure of crafting your outdoor paradise is half of the fun and we hope your sanctuary dreams come to fruition. Happy Lounging!

For those embarking on their pool design and installation journey, explore our blog archives for insights on the best times of the year to start your project and for pool design inspiration.