The knoxtile family is proud to formally introduce everyone to our latest addition to the family, Inax. For the past 96 years, Inax has been designing and manufacturing ceramic tiles in Japan. Their designs are inspired with a balance of spirit from their cultural, which embraces nature, and with eye on progress in manufacturing and design style.
Inax tile’s beginnings started with the manufacturing of Terracotta tiles for the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright, wanted something unique and distinct to the Japanese Culture. He found that in the city of Tokoname, Japan which is famous for its pottery. There he partnered with father and son team, Hatsunojo Ina and his son Chozaburo Ina. They designed and experimented with how to produce 2.5 Million plus tiles, all while keeping keeping a high level of constancy in hues and physical appearance. With the success of this production and innovation Inax was born. 96 years later that same spirit of culture and progress is part of the DNA of Inax. If you would like to dive deeper in to the History of Inax Click Here
Starting in September, we will be stocking 5 Series. Sentousai, Madoka, Homura, Yuki Border, & Format Mix. We will be adding another two other series later this 4th quarter, Biyusai & Yohen Border. These two series will be front faced mounted, so they can be used in pool applications. EXPLORE THE SERIES
Take a look at the Inax BROCHURE and let us know what samples will work for your project. Even if it is not a series we are stocking we can provide you with samples. In addition to your sample request we will include a Free Inax Tile Coaster. (While supplies last)
Picking a pool tile can be a fun experience when working with people who know pool tiles. Yet, you cannot just pick any tile and put it on a pool. A pool tile must be able to endure constant water exposure /submersion, extreme weather swings both Hot & Cold, flexibility for ground shifting, and pool chemicals while still contributing to the overall design. This is why it is important to ensure that the tile you have selected has been rated for outdoor installation and is not intended for interior projects only.
Both Glass and Porcelain Tiles are excellent materials that can be used in Pools. You can even use them together! We use Mosa Porcelain Planks with Interstyle Glass inserts on water lines, spas, and water walls to bring Vibrant Colors, Depth, and personality to your pool. All knoxtile pool tiles (glass & porcelain) meet freeze/thaw requirements as recommended for outdoor use. knoxtile Glass and Porcelain pool tiles are vitreous, meaning they absorb less than 3% water, which helps in preventing cracking of the tile as temperatures change as well as making them easier to clean. Back painted or film coated glass tiles are beautiful but are suited for interior installations only. Prolonged exposure to the elements as well as water in a submerged application can begin to deteriorate the film or paint. When using glass tiles for outdoor installations look for annealed glass with high fired glazes.
Ground shifting is just a part of geology. There is nothing you can do
to prevent it from happening. Some pool builders will not use a piece of glass
bigger than 1”x1” or porcelain larger than a 6”x6” as
they expect anything bigger will crack when the ground
shifts. However, as seen in the below image you can use larger Glass Tiles on
Pools, even long 24″ Porcelain tiles. You just need the correct anti-fracture
membrane.
In addition to an anti-fracture membrane, it is also
important to have glass that has been annealed. During production the glass
will go through an annealing kiln which will bring the temperature of the glass
down slowly alleviating the internal stress of the glass. This is important for
several reasons. First, it makes the glass more durable if cutting is needed
for installation as a piece of glass with a lot of internal stress will fissure
and crack under pressure. This also applies to ground shifting, the less
internal stress, the less likely the glass will crack as the pool flexes and
constricts with ground movement. Lastly, annealing helps with the prevention of
temperature shock cracking. Glass sitting in the hot sun all day then getting
splashed with cold water can crack if not properly annealed.
The below pool uses 2”x12” Interstyle Glass in an offset custom blend. Talk to your pool builder about which anti-fracture membrane will be right for your project.
It is important to keep your pool healthy and clean. To do so you have to add chemicals to kill off the bacteria and algae. So how do these chemicals react with knoxtile Glass & Porcelain tiles? They don’t. As Glass Tiles are non-porous and due to the density of our Porcelain pool tiles, they do not absorb the chemicals that cause discoloration or cause any chemical reactions. With natural stone materials you must seal them regularly to prevent chemical staining. Knoxtile Glass & Porcelain tiles are an easy to clean pool tile option.
However, not all glass is created equally. Low quality glass can have a High Iron or Soda Ash content which will react with Chlorine leaving it subject to etching. All knoxtile Pool Glass Tile is highly refined (no etching here!), annealed glass making it a great option for your pool project.
Choosing the right pool tile can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. There are so many options, so many colors, will this match my coping, will this go with my overall design direction. That is why it is important to work with a pool builder that understands you and your vision. They are there to guide you and help narrow down the selections, and point you to appropriate materials for your pool. knoxtile has been working with both commercial and residential pool builders for the last 30 years. Whether your design is simple and elegant or vibrant and artistic we are here to provide you and your pool builder with pool tiles that will both stand up to the elements and bring your pool vision to life.
