How much does pool tile cost?
How much does pool tile cost?
$20 – $50 average cost per square foot (tile + labor)
Pool tile installation or replacement cost
Pool tile installation or replacement costs $20 to $50 per square foot on average. The total cost depends on the pool size, type of tile you choose, tile layout and design complexity, and whether you're tiling just the waterline or the entire pool surface. Local labor rates also impact the cost.
| Installation type | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Waterline tile (10' x 20' pool) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Waterline tile (16' x 32' pool) | $1,900 – $4,800 |
| Waterline tile (20' x 40' pool) | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| Full pool tile (10' x 20' pool) | $6,500 – $16,400 |
| Full pool tile (16' x 32' pool) | $10,700 – $26,800 |
| Full pool tile (20' x 40' pool) | $13,600 – $34,000 |
*Including labor and materials
Waterline pool tile is a decorative border installed around the perimeter of the pool just below the coping. Waterline tile may be partly or fully submerged.
Full pool tiling provides complete surface protection. While significantly more expensive, it offers durability and eliminates the need for pool plaster.
Pool tile cost by type
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular for pools due to their affordability, durability, and low maintenance requirements. These materials resist fading, withstand pool chemicals exceptionally well, and come in countless colors and patterns to match any design aesthetic.
Natural stone, glass, and marble tiles cost significantly more and require more careful maintenance but can create a more luxurious look.
| Tile type | Average cost* (per square foot) |
Pros & cons |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | $2 – $25 | Budget friendly; durable; many colors and patterns available |
| Ceramic | $2 – $20 | Budget friendly; durable; easy to maintain |
| Travertine | $7 – $30 | More expensive; provides a natural stone look |
| Glass | $8 – $50 | Expensive; less durable; offers a luxurious look |
| Marble | $5 – $40 | Expensive; less durable; offers a sophisticated, high-end look |
*Tile only; does not include installation labor.
Pool tile cost factors
Several factors influence the total cost of pool tile installation or replacement, including the pool size, tile material and layout, labor costs, and more.
Pool size and shape
Larger pools naturally require more tile, driving up both material and labor costs. Unusual pool shapes with curves, corners, and custom features increase installation complexity and labor time. Rectangular pools are the most cost-effective to tile, while kidney-shaped, freeform, or geometric pools with multiple angles require precise cutting and additional installation hours.
Waterline tile vs. full pool tile
Waterline tile covers only a perimeter around the top of your pool's interior surface where water and chemicals cause the most wear. This focused approach costs significantly less than full pool tiling, which covers the entire interior surface from top to bottom.
Tile layout and design
Simple, straight-line installations with standard tile sizes cost the least. Basic patterns like running bond or grid layouts are straightforward for installers and don't require extensive planning or specialized cutting techniques.
Intricate designs featuring mosaics, mixed tile sizes, diagonal patterns, or custom artwork dramatically increase labor costs. These premium layouts require skilled craftsmanship, meticulous planning, and significantly more installation time.
Labor cost
Labor rates vary by region, with installers in major metropolitan areas charging higher prices than rural locations. The installer's experience level, reputation, and demand also affect pricing, but choosing a qualified professional prevents costly mistakes and ensures your tile installation lasts for decades.
Additional costs
Draining and refilling the pool water adds $80 to $600+ to your project, depending on your pool size and local water rates. Some tile repairs or waterline replacements can be done without draining, but full pool tiling always requires complete water removal and several days of drying time.
Pool repairs often accompany tile replacement projects, especially if you're updating an older pool. Contractors may discover underlying issues like cracks in the shell, deteriorated plaster, or plumbing leaks that must be addressed before new tile installation can begin. Pool repair costs range from $100 for minor pump repairs to $1,000+ to fix major leaks.
Pool tile FAQs
What are the best pool tiles?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the best overall choice for most pool owners, offering exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and value. These materials withstand years of chlorine exposure, UV rays, and temperature fluctuations without fading or cracking, making them ideal for both waterline and full pool applications.
Glass tiles create the most luxurious aesthetic with their brilliant colors and light-reflecting properties, perfect for accent areas or full installations when budget allows. For natural elegance, travertine provides a sophisticated stone look that pairs beautifully with outdoor landscapes and Mediterranean-style homes.
Can you paint pool tiles?
You can paint pool tiles using specialized epoxy pool paint designed for underwater surfaces, though it's not a permanent solution. The paint typically lasts 2 to 3 years before requiring reapplication, and proper surface preparation—including cleaning, etching, and priming—is essential for adequate adhesion.
Painting tiles is significantly cheaper than replacement and works well for refreshing dated colors or covering minor stains. However, paint won't repair cracked or loose tiles, and the finished look won't match the durability or visual appeal of new tile installation.
Can you tile a fiberglass pool?
You can tile a fiberglass pool, though it requires specialized preparation and adhesives designed to bond with the smooth, non-porous fiberglass surface. Most professionals recommend tiling only the waterline area of fiberglass pools rather than the entire surface, as the flexible nature of fiberglass can cause full-surface tile installations to crack over time.
Getting estimates from pool tile installers
Follow these tips to help you find an experienced, reputable pool tile installer near you:
Get quotes from at least three licensed contractors to compare pricing, timelines, and materials.
Read reviews of pool tile contractors on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references from recent customers.
Review portfolios of completed work to assess the contractor's experience with projects similar to yours in size, complexity, and design style.
Confirm the installers are licensed and insured.
Request detailed written estimates that itemize materials, labor, preparation work, and any additional costs.
Questions to ask pool tile companies
Ask contractors these important questions to ensure you choose the right pro for the job:
How many years of experience do you have specifically with pool tile installation?
Can you provide references from recent pool tile projects similar to mine?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for pool construction work in my area?
What tile brands and materials do you recommend for my pool and why?
How long will my project take from start to completion?
What preparation work is included in your estimate, and are there potential additional costs?
Do you handle pool draining and refilling, or do I need to arrange that separately?
What warranties do you offer on your installation work and the tile materials?
Will you pull necessary permits, and are permit costs included in your quote?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.