Replacing Waterline Pool Tiles: Choosing a New Border for an Existing Pool
September 6, 2026How Much Do Hand-Painted Pool Tiles Cost?
Hand-painted pool tile cost depends on the selected design, the number of tiles and the work needed to install them. Balian’s standard hand-decorated porcelain waterline collection is currently listed at $12–$18 per tile, depending on quantity. Shipping is quoted separately, and custom artwork is priced for the individual project.
The most useful starting point is a tile count and a written unit price. That lets you compare the supply cost separately from shipping, preparation and installation. Check the current waterline pool tile collection and pricing, then request a quote for your exact design and quantity.
Price per Tile, Linear Foot or Square Foot?
Pool tile quotes can use different units. A price per tile cannot be compared directly with a price per square foot. For a nominal 6 × 6 inch tile, two tiles span about one linear foot in a single row, while four tiles cover about one square foot before allowing for joints.
Many Balian designs are listed as 15 × 15 cm, approximately 5.91 inches. The calculations below use a nominal six-inch module as a planning shortcut. Your installer should use the actual dimensions and joint allowance for the final layout.
| Unit price in your quote | One row per linear foot | Per nominal square foot |
|---|---|---|
| $12 per tile | $24 | $48 |
| $13 per tile | $26 | $52 |
| $14 per tile | $28 | $56 |
| $18 per tile | $36 | $72 |
These conversions explain the units; the applicable price comes from your confirmed quote. They exclude cuts, spare tiles, shipping, installation and any applicable taxes or import charges.
A Worked Example for a 100-Foot Waterline
Suppose a contractor confirms a layout that uses 200 tiles for one row around a 100-foot perimeter. If the written quote is $13 per tile, the base tile cost is:
200 tiles × $13 = $2,600 for the tiles.
If the installer then specifies 20 additional tiles for cuts and spares, those add $260 at the same unit price, bringing that example to $2,860 before delivery and installation. The 20-tile allowance is illustrative; your installer should calculate the allowance for your pool.
A second row adds another run of tiles. A raised spa wall or fountain panel needs its own measurement. Keep those areas separate in the estimate so it is clear which design and quantity apply to each part of the project. See our 6×6 pool tile sizing guide for more planning details.
What Changes the Tile Supply Cost?
- Quantity: ask which unit price applies to the complete order, including the agreed spare tiles.
- Design: identify the exact pattern and colorway so quotes cover the same product.
- Custom work: a new mural, size or artwork requires a separate quotation. Explore custom pool tiles if you have a particular scene or design in mind.
- Layout: additional rows, curves, corners and feature walls change the number of tiles and cuts.
- Delivery: provide the delivery address or ZIP code for a shipping quote and confirm which charges are included.
What Should the Installation Quote Include?
Ask your pool contractor to itemize the work separately from the tile supply. Depending on the project, that may include old tile removal, disposal, substrate repairs, setting materials, grout, movement joints and work at the coping or adjacent finish. Confirm the installation system and product suitability with the contractor.
For an existing pool, the condition of the edge can affect the work required. Our pool tile replacement guide explains what to record before requesting quotes. A general installed price from another project may cover a different scope, so compare the written inclusions.
Choose the Design Before Finalizing the Budget
Shortlist two or three patterns and compare samples beside the coping and pool finish. A sample review can reveal whether the background color or repeat works in the setting before you commit to the full order. Use our at-home sample checklist and pool tile and coping guide to organize that decision.
Get a Quote for Your Pool Tiles
Request a Balian pool tile quote with the selected design, perimeter, number of rows, separate spa or feature-wall measurements, installer-confirmed quantity and delivery ZIP code. Ask for the unit price, tile subtotal, shipping, any other applicable charges and current production and delivery timing in writing. That gives you a clear tile budget to combine with your contractor’s installation quote.
