How Much Does Installing Pool Tile Cost?
Typical Range:
$2,000 - $70,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated September 20, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.The average pool tile cost is $15,000 but can get as low as $2,000 or high as $70,000 for large pools with luxury materials. The final price depends on the type of tile, pool size, and labor.
Basic tile types like porcelain and ceramic average between $2,000 and $4,000 for a standardized pool, while premium types like glass and mosaics can run up to $100 per square foot. Average labor rates fall around $30 to $120 per hour.
Average Cost to Tile a Pool
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 | $70,000 | $2,000 |
Pool Tile Cost per Square Foot
The cost of installing or replacing pool tile can range between $1 and $100 per square foot, depending on the type of tile. Standard-quality pool tiles like stone, porcelain, or ceramic cost between $1 and $35 per square foot to install. Premium tile selections like glass, handmade murals, high-end ceramics, and mosaics are pricier, at about $35 to $100 per square foot.
| Type of Tile | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Granite | $2 – $15 |
| Marble | $10 – $20 |
| Travertine | $3 – $30 |
| Limestone | $2 – $11 |
| Glass | $7 – $50 |
| Mosaic | $75 – $100 |
| Ceramic | $1 – $35 |
| Porcelain | $1.60 – $56 |
Natural Stone
Natural stone tiles cost between $2 and $20 on average but can go as high as $30. Your options are granite, marble, travertine, and limestone.
Granite costs around $2–$15 per sq. ft., depending on the grade. It’s affordable, durable, and has a bold texture that can create an elegant look.
Marble costs around $10–$20 per sq. ft. Marble is less durable than granite but features a sleeker finish and is also available in a variety of colors.
Travertine costs about $3–$30 per sq. ft. It’s long-lasting, has a non-slippery texture that makes it ideal for pool decks and steps, and is relatively easier to care for than other natural stone tile types.
Limestone costs about $2–$11 per sq. ft. It can withstand extreme weather changes, making it very durable. It's also available in various colors, including brown, gray, blue, and tan.
When installing natural stone tiles, make sure the units are at most 2 inches wide. Sizes greater than this may not fit your pool accurately, leading to additionalnatural stone tile repair costs.
Glass Tile
The cost of glass tiles ranges from $7 to $50 per square foot. Glass is a luxury tile option, thus the higher cost per square foot. High-quality glass finishes, such as mosaics or murals, can run as high as $75 to $100 per square foot.
While glass is relatively long-lasting, it's prone to developing cracks and chips from rapid temperature changes. It’s also easy to damage glass tiles while installing them, so hire an experienced glass tile installation contractor to avoid damage.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tiles cost between $1 and $35 per square foot. Porcelain tiles cost around $1.60 to $56 per square foot. Porcelain is denser than ceramic, more impervious to water, and costs more to manufacture, hence the higher cost per square foot.
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are simple to maintain and also highly durable. For example, a ceramic finish can last anywhere from 75 to 100years with proper installation and maintenance. Additionally, both types of tiles come in various color combinations and patterns, and you can customize them to fit your unique style.
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Pool Tile Installation Cost
Apart from the cost of tiles, you also need to budget for installation costs. These can range anywhere from $4 to $32 per square foot, or between $30 and $120 per hour, depending on the project difficulty. Factors that affect the final rate of a certified tile installer near you include the surface material of the pool, the type of tile chosen, and the size of the pool.
Cost to Replace Waterline Tiles in Pools
A waterline tile is a strip of tile (usually 6 inches deep) that runs along the pool's perimeter. It costs an average of $25 per linear foot to replace waterline tiles. This price includes the cost of materials.
This tile serves several purposes, including:
Preventing pollen, sunscreen, body oil, and other substances that might enter the water from creating a yellow, scummy line around the pool's edges and waterline
Minimizing the cost of pool liner repairs
Adding a stylish look to your pool
The removal process for waterline tiles is less demanding than for inlaid tiles. This tile is typically above the pool, meaning you don't have to drain the pool first to start repairs.
Full Tile Pool Cost
Expect to pay between $15,000 and $70,000 for a complete pool tiling project. This price includes both materials and installation.
You'll also need to budget for the cost of building a pool if you're starting from scratch. The typical cost to build an in-ground pool isapproximately $28,000 to $66,500, while a semi-in-ground pool costs between $7,000 and $24,000.
Cost to Retile a Pool
Retiling an entire pool costs anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000. Initial tiling is more expensive because of the amount and cost of materials used. Retiling prices can be lower if you’re just replacing a few individual tiles or small sections.
Individual Pool Tile Replacement Costs
Replacement costs for individual tiles or small sections are around $25 per square foot. This cost estimation doesn’t include the price of the materials needed per square foot, so you’ll need to budget for that separately.
Average Cost of Pool Tile Repairs
The average cost for pool tile repairs comes down to the seriousness of the damage and the size of the affected area. Cracks on individual tiles may incur modest charges, while more serious problems like breaches in the foundation can necessitate complete concrete resurfacing. The average cost to resurface a pool is about $6,500.
Ultimately, consulting a professional is the best way to get an accurate cost estimate for pool tile repairs since situations can vary.
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Pool Tile Cost Factors
Other than type, several other factors will affect the final pool tile cost. These include mosaics and designs, repairs, tile size, and type of pool. Here’s how each factor affects the final price.
Mosaics and Designs
Mosaics and special tile designs cost more than standard design tiles. Mosaics can cost between $75 and $100 per square foot. To tile an average-size pool with mosaics, budget for a total price of between $30,000 and $60,000 on top of labor costs.
Repairs
When retiling, your pool may need other repairs that can increase the total project cost. For example, you might need to budget for the cost of pool repairs, such as cracks or hollow spots. You might also need to resurface your pool before tiling.
Tile Size
Tile size can also affect the pool tile installation cost. Large-size glass tiles might cost more to install per square foot as they need to be handled with greater care when installing to avoid damage.
Type of Pool
Pool tile prices can also vary depending on the type of pool. Fiberglass, for example, is a more difficult surface to work with than concrete due to its nonporous surface. You’ll need to use special adhesives to be able to stick tile on it, a factor that could increase the final installation cost.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Tiler
While it’s possible you could do it yourself and save money on labor costs, installing tiles is a job best left to professionals. Without proper experience and knowledge, it’s possible you’ll make mistakes during the installation, which can be costly to fix. Hiring a local pool tile installation pro will give you peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time around.
Another advantage of an experienced pool tiler is they can suggest tile options for you according to your pool specifications and budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of tile is best for my in-ground pool?
The best tile type for the cost of an in-ground pool depends on your needs. For example, glass tiles offer an elegant look but lack durability and are more expensive. Ceramic tiles might offer the elegance of glass, but they have a longer life span and higher density.
Ask yourself these questions to help decide what type of tile is best for your circumstances:
What styles do you like best?
What's your final budget?
How long do you want it to last?
What qualities are you looking for?
How much does pool tile cleaning cost?
Pool tile cleaning costs vary depending on the type of process chosen. The cleaning types listed below are two of the most common processes:
Bead blasting: $400 with an additional $4 per lin. ft. above that price
Soda blasting: $10 per lin. ft. and around $500–$1,200 per pool
How do I clean calcium deposits off my pool tiles?
You can clean calcium deposits off pool tiles with a hydrochloric acid solution and pumice stone. For light stain removal, any of the following cleaning supplies, along with a standard toothbrush, will work:
Baking soda
Toothpaste
Vinegar
Dish soap
Calcium deposits usually result from an imbalance between the calcium levels and the pH of your pool. Maintaining your water chemistry at the appropriate levels is the best way to avoid excess calcium buildup.
What are my other pool finishing options?
There are several other types of pool finishes to choose from apart from tile. Plaster and aggregate are the other two common types of pool finishes.
Plaster finish: It costs $3.60–$4 per sq. ft. to install. They’re affordable but have a short life span and require a lot of maintenance. Pool maintenance costs around $110–$350 per year.
Aggregate: It costs about $4.75–$5 per sq. ft. They’re low maintenance, have excellent longevity, and are more visually appealing. But they’re more expensive and prone to calcium buildup.
How long will pool tiles last?
Pool tiles can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, this will depend on the type of tile you install, how well you install the tile, and how well you maintain it. With proper installation and maintenance, some types of pool tile, like ceramic or porcelain, can last up to 100 years.
