Choosing a waterline mosaic: colour, size and height
The waterline is the band of tiles just below the coping. It frames the pool, hides the scum line and is one of the easiest ways to add character. Here is how to choose one.
A waterline is a band of tiles that runs around the top of the pool wall, just beneath the coping. Water levels rise and fall, and that band is where oils, sunscreen and dirt collect. Glass mosaic is easy to wipe clean, won't fade, and makes the edge of the pool a feature.
1. Choose a tile size: 25mm or 50mm
- 25 x 25mm is the most popular choice. The small tiles follow curves, steps and corners easily, and give a fine, detailed look.
- 50 x 50mm gives a bolder, more contemporary look on straight-sided pools. Several Ezarri Zen colours, such as Bali Stone, Carrara and Dolerite, come in both sizes.
2. Choose a height
- One sheet high (about 310mm) is the standard. It covers the range the water level usually moves through.
- Two sheets high or more suits deeper features, raised pool walls, infinity edges and spa walls.
- Full tile: some owners carry the mosaic down the whole wall or over the sundeck. See mosaics on fibreglass pools for examples.
3. Match it to the coping and plaster
The waterline sits between the coping and the pool finish, so think about all three together.
| Look | Try |
|---|---|
| Soft and seamless | A waterline close in tone to the coping, such as pale Zen stone looks with light porcelain coping |
| Crisp contrast | A darker waterline under light coping, such as Phyllite or Black Marble under White Sands or Canyon Beige |
| Bright and tropical | Blues and aquas, such as Iridescent Azur or Sky, with a white or light blue plaster |
| Deep and natural | Greys and greens, such as Bali Stone or Niebla tones, with a grey plaster such as Ultra Quartz Nardo or Volcanic Grey |
Browse every colour in our Ezarri colour guide, and see how plaster changes the water in our pool plaster colours guide.
4. Think about finish
- Matte (Zen, Aquarelle): natural stone and hand-painted looks, very low glare.
- Satin and glossy (Space, Gemma, Cocktail, Lisa): more reflection and sparkle.
- Iridescent: a pearlescent sheen that shifts with the light.
- Niebla: semi-translucent glass with a soft, hazy depth.
5. Work out how much you need
Measure the pool perimeter in lineal metres. On every Ezarri product page, enter the lineal metres into the calculator and it converts them into m² for a one-sheet-high band, with 10% added for cuts. See also how to measure your pool.
Always order free samples and look at them wet and in daylight. Glass changes noticeably underwater. Order free samples.