comScore
CASACOR
Architecture

Pool tiles: complete guide to choose the ideal one

Pool floors need to combine beauty, thermal comfort and, above all, safety. Discover the best materials for your leisure projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Apr 8, 2025, 4:09 PM

08 min de leitura
One of the pools of the Wellness & Spa Hotel Therme Meran

One of the pools of the Wellness & Spa Hotel Therme Meran (Divulgação)

When designing a leisure area, choosing the pool floor is one of the most important points. More than just an aesthetic issue, the outdoor area covering needs to meet technical requirements such as water resistance, weather durability, thermal comfort, and slip resistance. The market offers several options for pool floors, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To make a conscious choice and ensure a beautiful, durable, and functional space, it is essential to understand the characteristics of each material and evaluate which fits best in your project.
33 species of varied plants compose the landscape of a 790 m² garden. Project by Mateus Monteiro and landscape by Flávia D'Urso. In the photo, facade with garden and pool.

(Favaro Jr/CASACOR)

Characteristics of flooring for wet areas


Check out the main points that should be considered when choosing flooring for wet areas:

Slip-resistant


The main function of a slip-resistant floor is to provide safety, especially in areas exposed to water, such as around the pool. This type of covering drastically reduces the risk of slips, making the projects safer for everyone, especially children, the elderly, and people with reduced mobility. In addition, the presence of texture or specific finish on the floors helps to increase grip, even when wet.

Thermal comfort


One of the biggest discomforts in outdoor areas is walking barefoot on a very hot floor. Therefore, it is essential to choose materials that absorb less heat, such as natural stones and cementitious products. These coverings help keep the surface cooler, providing greater comfort for those using the pool area, especially on intense sunny days.

Weather resistance


The floors installed in outdoor areas must withstand sudden temperature variations, rain, direct sunlight, and even frost in some regions. A material resistant to the elements ensures greater durability of the covering, preventing cracks, fading, and other types of premature wear.

Durability


A good floor for wet areas should maintain its structural integrity and appearance over time, even under constant exposure to moisture and foot traffic. Materials such as outdoor porcelain tiles, stones, and quality cementitious products are known for their high durability, making them excellent long-term investments.

Easy maintenance


The cleaning routine for the pool area should be practical. Hence, the ideal is to choose floors that do not easily accumulate dirt, are resistant to stains, and can be washed with water and conventional cleaning products. Smooth surfaces resistant to fungi proliferation also contribute to maintaining hygiene.

Harmonious aesthetics


Finally, beauty also matters. The chosen floor should harmonize with the style of the residence and the landscaping project around the pool. Neutral tones, natural textures, and well-planned layouts help create a pleasant and visually attractive projects, enhancing the property and promoting well-being.
With a large garden, the 650 m² apartment blends French and Brazilian references. Project by Felipe Carolo. In the photo, a garden with landscaping and a pool.

Projeto de Felipe Carolo. (Ruy Teixeira/Divulgação)

Types of pool flooring


Check out the main characteristics of each type of pool flooring:

Porcelain tile


  • Versatile, with a great variety of colors, textures, and finishes.
  • Slip-resistant models (satin or rough) are ideal for outdoor areas.
  • Easy to clean, does not absorb water, and has high durability.
  • Can get very hot in the sun, causing discomfort.

Natural stones


  • Organic beauty and rustic style.
  • Naturally slip-resistant and pleasant to the touch.
  • Good heat absorption, remaining cool even in the sun.
  • Require periodic maintenance to avoid stains and discoloration.

Cementitious floors


  • Contemporary visual, with a homogeneous aspect and matte finish.
  • Good thermal resistance and pleasant touch.
  • Allow for various sizes and customized shapes.
  • Can easily stain if not properly waterproofed.
Pool seems like an extension of the Lagoon in this carioca project. Project by Rodrigo Barbosa. In the photo, pool with a view of the lagoon.

(Gustavo Bresciani/Divulgação)

How to avoid accidents with slip-resistant flooring


Safety is one of the main aspects to consider when choosing flooring for a pool. To minimize the risk of falls, it is essential to opt for materials with slip-resistant properties. The friction coefficient is a technical data that indicates how slippery a floor is: the higher the number, the greater the grip. In wet areas, a friction coefficient equal to or greater than 0.6 is recommended. Floors with a rougher texture or natural finish tend to offer greater safety. Besides the adequate choice of material, the proper installation also influences safety: unevenness and failures in grouting can cause accidents. Another important tip is to avoid using wax or products that leave the floor slippery. Regular maintenance, with proper cleaning and inspection of cracks or wear, is also essential to keep the flooring safe and functional over time.
Built from scratch, the beach house frames the sea in its openings. Project by David Bastos. In the photo, facade with pool and garden.

(Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Inspiration for well-designed pools


[gallery-april id="192056" type="slider" showtitle="undefined" data-restrict="false"] CASACOR Publisher is a creator of exclusive content, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.