What are the standards for pool tiling?

Choosing the right tiles is a crucial step in your pool construction or renovation project. Beyond aesthetic and budgetary considerations, you need to make sure you choose a covering that meets strict safety and performance requirements. This includes paying particular attention to anti-slip properties, and more specifically to standards concerning pool tiles. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the right tiles for the interior and surroundings of your pool.

In Europe, swimming pool tiles are subjected to rigorous slip resistance tests to assess their anti-slip properties. Thus, the German standards DIN 51097 and 51130 are widely used to classify slipperiness with bare feet (anti-slip group: A, B, C) and with shoes (R coefficient, on a scale from 9 to 13). In wet environments, DIN 51097 classifies the barefoot slip resistance of tiles into categories:

• Class A: normal grip, suitable for areas with a low risk of slipping such as showers
• Class B: medium grip, suitable for showers, pool edges, etc.
• Class C: high grip, suitable for very slippery areas such as pool steps and sloping pool edges, etc.

Regarding slip resistance with shoes, DIN 51130 classifies the ability of tiles to resist slipping from R9 to R13 and is defined by the letter R followed by a coefficient ranging from 9 to 13. The higher the R value, the steeper the slope can be while still remaining fairly safe.

• R9: indicates normal grip with a slope of 3° to 10°. This coefficient is suitable for shops, canteens, restaurants or more generally places with a high presence of water.
• R10: indicates medium grip with a slope of 10° to 19°. This type of tile can be used in a garage, bathroom, kitchen, etc.
• R11: indicates high grip with a slope of 19° to 27°. R11 tiles are suitable for commercial applications. They can be used in work environments with a high presence of water.
• R12: indicates high grip with a slope of 27° to 35°. This type of tile is suitable for car parks, dairy or slippery substance production environments, etc.
• R13: indicates very high grip with an inclination greater than 35°. This slip coefficient is suitable for food production environments.

Choosing poolside tiles is a particularly tricky task, as water can make these outdoor surfaces extremely slippery. To prevent slips and minimise accidents, the pool surround should be fitted with non-slip tiles, to ensure that everyone can get in and out of the pool safely.
In accordance with DIN 51097 and 51130 slip resistance standards, you should look for tiles with a C finish for your pool surrounds, to benefit from the highest possible level of safety against slips and falls. Similarly, opt for a non-slip rating of at least R11.
Note that for areas such as stairs and the submerged beach, you can choose a non-slip pool tiles that meets category A, B or C standards.

The requirements for the pool floor itself are not as high as for other parts of the pool, especially the surrounding area, but you should still make sure to choose tiles from categories A and B if the depth is 1.5 metres or less. If your pool is deeper, this standard is no longer mandatory.

In addition to slip resistance, there are other standards to consider to ensure the safety and performance of your swimming pool tiles. These include:

The UPEC standard

Regulated by the CSTB (Scientific and Technical Center for Building), the UPEC standard is a French label that assesses the quality and durability of tiles based on their use. Four main criteria are tested in this context:

• Wear (U, with a coefficient ranging from 1 to 4) which indicates the level of resistance to wear due to frequent passage of people, scratches, etc.
• Punching (P, with a coefficient between 1 and 4) which evaluates the resistance of the tiles to static and dynamic loads, in particular falling heavy objects and the installation of furniture
• Waterproofness (E, with a score between 1 and 4) which tests the ability of the tiles to resist humidity and water
• Chemical agents (C, with a coefficient between 0 and 4) which evaluates the resistance of the tiles to chemical products, in particular those used for the maintenance of the swimming pool basin. Here, you should at least look for tiles that offer resistance to level C3, both for the surroundings and the pool.

The PEI standard

This is another French standard, which specifically evaluates porcelain stoneware tiles. The PEI standard tests the ability to resist abrasion and allows you to choose tiles based on the frequency of passage of people and the movement of objects. Thus, tiles classified:

• PEI I and II are suitable for areas exposed to little “aggressive” traffic, such as a bedroom for example. This type of tile is intended for indoor use.
• PEI III is suitable for normal use and can withstand fairly frequent passage. This type of tile is more intended for indoor use, but can be used for places with access to the outside.
• PEI IV is suitable for intensive use, especially in corridors, entrances, commercial areas
• PEI V is suitable for very intensive use and is therefore suitable for a large number of passages. This type of tile is most suitable for professional spaces.

To apply the guidelines of the PEI standard, you must choose a PEI IV or PEI V level tile for the surroundings of your pool. On the other hand, for the pool itself, a PEI III tile (or higher class) can do the trick.