Waterline tile · Glass · Porcelain · Stone · Mosaic
Pool Tile Replacement in Phoenix, AZ
Crusty, cracked, faded, or falling-off tile makes the whole pool look old. New waterline tile is one of the fastest ways to modernize your pool, and it resists Arizona’s hard-water scale far better than the tile most older pools were built with.
Your waterline tile works harder than any other surface in the pool. It sits right where the water evaporates, so Arizona’s calcium-heavy water leaves white scale on it, and the sun and heat cycle it every day. Over the years grout washes out, tiles loosen, and water gets behind them. Whether you need a few tiles reset or a complete new look, we handle the full job: design, removal, setting, grout, and cleanup.
Clean, repair, or replace?
Clean when the tile is sound but covered in calcium scale. Professional scale removal can bring solid tile back to life.
Repair when only a few tiles are loose or cracked. We reset or replace them with the closest available match and regrout.
Replace when tiles are popping off in several places, the grout is failing, the tile is discontinued or dated, or you’re resurfacing anyway. New tile and a new finish together is the classic Arizona pool refresh.
Tile work we do
Waterline tile
Full replacement of the tile band around the pool and spa.
Glass tile
Shimmering glass tile that resists scale and makes the water pop.
Porcelain & ceramic
Durable, budget-friendly tile in hundreds of colors and patterns.
Stone & mosaic
Natural stone and mosaic accents for a custom, high-end look.
Step & bench trim
Contrast tile on steps and benches for style and safety.
Loose tile resets
Popped and loose tiles reset, grout replaced, and the cause fixed.
New tile is where a transformation starts
Fresh tile and a new interior finish change the look of a pool more than anything else. Most resurface and new-tile projects we complete run $8,000–$15,000, and adding features, equipment, or decking brings most projects to $15,000–$30,000.
How pool tile replacement works
Choose your tile
We help you pick a tile that fits your style, budget, and Arizona’s water, with samples in hand.
Remove & prep
The water is lowered, old tile and mortar come off, and the bond beam is prepped and checked for damage.
Set & grout
New tile is set level and tight, then grouted for a clean, watertight line.
Clean up & refill
We clean the site, refill, and leave you with a pool that looks years newer.
Why pool tile gets crusty in Arizona
That white, chalky band at the waterline is calcium scale. Valley water is very hard, and as pool water evaporates in the heat, the minerals stay behind and bond to the tile. Porous tile and old grout hold onto it most.
New glass and quality porcelain tile resist scale and clean up far more easily. Keeping your water balanced and the calcium level in check slows scale on any tile. Read more about common pool tile problems and restoring discolored tile.
What does pool tile replacement cost?
Tile-only projects are priced by the linear footage of your waterline and the tile you choose, so we measure and give you an itemized quote. Most homeowners replace tile together with a new interior finish: most resurface and new-tile projects we complete run $8,000–$15,000. For a detailed breakdown, see our pool tile replacement cost guide and our Arizona pool remodel cost guide.
- White, crusty scale that won’t come off
- Tiles loose, cracked, or missing
- Grout washed out or crumbling
- Tile that looks dated next to a new finish
- Discontinued tile you can’t match
- Stains that keep coming back
As seen in the news
Recognized across Arizona & national media
We Fix Ugly Pools and owner Brian Morris, “the Ugly Pool Guy,” hold a world record for the fastest pool build and have been featured by national and Arizona outlets, including as expert pool columnists for The Arizona Republic.
Why homeowners choose us for tile
- Licensed & insured. A licensed Arizona contractor (ROC KA5-275609 / KB2-304269).
- Tile, coping & finish in one project. One team for the whole pool edge and interior.
- Help choosing tile. Samples and honest advice on what holds up to Arizona water.
- We fix what’s behind the tile. Loose tile often means water intrusion; we find and fix the cause.
- Itemized quotes. Clear pricing before any work begins.
- 4.9 stars from 305+ homeowners. Serving the Valley since 2001.
Ready for new pool tile?
Get a free, itemized quote and see tile samples from a licensed team that completes 700+ renovations a year.