30-34 DESIGN & TILING:SPN Master pages 18/5/09 22:24 Page 5
spnfeature
“THE 2009 SEASON IS SEEING MORE
Bead gives a clarity and sparkle to the
pool water – especially in sunlight.
OPTIONS TO ADD VALUE AND STYLE
Pool Bead application is usually
completed in two to three days and the
AROUND THE POOL WITH NEW
pool can be filled immediately. This
compares with four to six weeks for
MATERIALS, MORE FLEXIBLE USE OF
waterproof render and tiling.
“The system offers something which is
CERAMICS AND MOSAICS – ALL TIED
sensational to look at and is easy to apply.
It benefits from being an application which
IN TO DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS
is usually completed in two or three days
and the pool can be filled immediately
WHO ARE DETERMINED TO OFFER
afterwards. This compares with four to six
weeks for waterproof render and tiling,”
GOOD LOOKS AT COMPETITIVE PRICES
added Emma.
The beads are pre-mixed into white
AND WORK WITH NEW MATERIALS”
concrete and then applied on the surfaces
manually and then washed down to the
final surface. The cost is comparable to the
mid range of mosaic tiles. Swimming Pool
Design Company quotes £98.40p per
square metre.
“This system has a lot more advantages.
It’s perfect for free form steps and
rounded surfaces where it can be applied
just like normal concrete finishing. We had
a great response to the product at SPATEX
and it’s now beginning to get out into the
market,” added Emma.
Normal concrete aggregate pool finishes
are traditionally known for being abrasive –
more risk of skin cuts and abrasions to family
members and especially after prolonged
periods in the pool when water can cause
softening of the skin. Its patented
technology locks the “retro-reflective”
spheres into a finely graded aggregate
matrix using acrylic polymer modified
cement. The result is a smooth textured, slip
resistant surface that is easy on the skin and
less likely to cause the cuts and abrasions
typical of traditional aggregate pool finishes.
Glass has become the most popular tile
choice in recent years. While it is the most
expensive it has been popular with pool
architects for its ability to be moulded into
various shapes, creating pebble-like or
abstract forms.
High-end glass tile has excellent optical
clarity, shine, colour and depth.
For decades, ceramic and porcelain
tiles have been staples for pool finishing.
They are the least costly and can be hand
painted with intricate designs or formed
into a mosaic. Textured porcelain blends
well with the surrounding landscape,
while glazed porcelain offers bold,
striking accents.
One of the leading specialists in mosaics
for swimming pools is Craig Bragdy a
family business in Denbigh, North Wales
who over the past 40 years have become
one of the world’s leading specialists in
large ceramic murals.
“Our business in ceramics has always
been ideas and design lead,“ said a
spokeswoman.
“While it’s true we have been able to
help in the renovation and refurbishment of
The pool bead finish – the beads are pre-
mixed into concrete and then washed down
some existing pools most of our business
to provide the final sparkling finish still remains at the high end of the new
pool market. A lot of the ideas come from
Visit our website at www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
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JUNE 09 swimming pool news 33
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