Waterline tile decisions, need input

[ryang6]

I’m in the process of resurfacing my pool. It’s a free form. I will be using white charcoal pavers and pebble sheen french gray. Which waterline tile do you prefer with this combo (numbered in first photo)? I’ve included picture of what French gray looks like in neighbors house. Also third photo is with pavers wet and sun out.

Bonus question, I’m considering pebblesheen slate blue but pool builder only has done one in many years and doesn’t have one to show me. Anyone feel it’s worth 1600 upgrade?

 

[.ben]

I have PebbleSheen Slate Blue and love it! Not too dark or light and a nice blue/blue-grey color with no touch of green.

Part of the cost for Slate Blue is that "Shimmering Sea" (abalone/mother-of-pearl) is included in the mix (confirm with your builder). Shimmering Sea is worth it IMO, however because you have an enclosure, I am not sure if you'll get the same sparkle I do in full sun.

Fulshear, Texas - Complete!

Should we test our water prior to fill? I am unsure if our hose bib is supplied by softened water... would I be able to tell from testing the water? Should I just plan on bypassing the water softener before we fill just to be on the safe side? I would test several taps to assess your situation...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ryang6]

I have PebbleSheen Slate Blue and love it! Not too dark or light and a nice blue/blue-grey color with no touch of green.

Part of the cost for Slate Blue is that "Shimmering Sea" (abalone/mother-of-pearl) is included in the mix (confirm with your builder). Shimmering Sea is worth it IMO, however because you have an enclosure, I am not sure if you'll get the same sparkle I do in full sun.

Fulshear, Texas - Complete!

Should we test our water prior to fill? I am unsure if our hose bib is supplied by softened water... would I be able to tell from testing the water? Should I just plan on bypassing the water softener before we fill just to be on the safe side? I would test several taps to assess your situation...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kimkats]

I LOVE all of your tiles picks! I would not pick 2 or 4 for a freeform pool though. Being bigger it might prove to be a challenge for them to flow on the curves.

Something else to think about is the color of the mortar under them as that will change how they look. Get some paint cards, off white, white, light gray, etc that are close to the mortar colors. Lay the different tiles on them where the pool is going to go and see which one you like the best. You cannot go wrong with any of them.

THEN you need to pick the grout color. White will make each tile stand out where a light gray will help them blend together. A black will make them very dramatic. There should be some grout sticks for you to play with to see what you like the best.