Hamptons glass tile swimming pool designer aquatic consultants

From the Hollywood Hills, La Jolla, Napa, Scottsdale, Miami Beach & up to the Hamptons, glass tile mosaics have become all the rage.  Thousands of brands of glass tile are available from around the world.

But owners should rely on their watershape consultant to specify tiles that are compatible with aquatic environments.... because not all tiles are equal.  In fact, some are down right dangerous!

ANSI 137.2 Thermal Shock Standard

Any tile installed in an aquatic environment, should be compliant with the ANSI 137.2 Standard for resistance to thermal shock.  Many glass tiles that are marketed for use in swimming pools are not compliant with this standard

What causes cracking?

The lack of resistance to thermal shock originates with the manufacturer of the tile.  The lack of resistance to cracking can be caused by inferior blends or batching of raw materials, improper use of recycled glass, incorrect processing and annealing or other manufacturing defects. 
 
Why does it matter?

In an outdoor setting, glass tiles are subjected to wild swings in temperature.  A tile that is not resilient enough to resist thermal shock will crack.  Cracked glass tiles will eventually become dislodged.  Bare feet and glass shards do not mix well.

Besides, who wants to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a glass tile pool, to become embroiled in a dispute over the quality of the glass?

Buy compliant materials that are designed and manufactured for the intended location & purpose.

Paolo Benedetti - Aquatic Consultant, Watershape Designer, Construction Management, Swimming Pool Expert Witness
www.aquatictechnology.com
Email:  info@aquatictechnology.com
Office: 408-776-8220
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