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Large Format Pool and Spa Tiles: Installation, Advantages, and Disadvantages

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Large Format Pool and Spa Tiles: Installation, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Large-Format tiles have increasingly become popular among most homeowners. They come in different shapes and sizes. Besides, these tiles offer exceptional aesthetics. Nonetheless, installing large-format pool and spa tiles is relatively complex. This article outlines a few tips that help with large-format tile installation.

Large Format Pool and Spa Tiles: Installation, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Choose non-slip pool and spa tiles

Large-format tiles should be slip-resistant. Keep in mind that a slippery pool surface can lead to severe accidents. Swimmers can fall and break their body parts. Even worse, they could die. The most recent award-winning poolscape by Chafey incorporated large dark tiles that had a blend of various surface materials. Some were textured, glossy, and matter. Chafey used the glossy finish on the vertical pool surfaces. He did, however, use the matte for the horizontal surface to add extra safety.

Come up with a solid plan before installation

Every pool contractor should have a solid plan of how the pool and spa tiles should fit the surface. It would be best to know all the surface measurements since you’ll be dealing with bigger tiles. Plan how you want to layer the corners and steps. Doing this helps you know if you have enough material.

Select a flexible material for easy installation

Use a blend of large-format tiles and mosaic for best results

Incorporating a blend of mosaic and large-format pool and spa tiles makes the pool more appealing. The mosaic design is often meant to underscore water features or any other breathtaking areas of the pool. Co-owner of Alpentile, Amy Denny, says that they usually combine large format with mosaic in a variety of numerous projects. Doing this is also cost-effective since you get to balance your costs.

Through-body tiles are the best

Selecting a through-body tile is also essential. These pieces often have a consistent color. And this makes it less challenging to surface the pool, unlike glazed tiles. Subsequently, through-body tiles simplify the installation process.

How do you install large-format tiles?

The process of installing large-format pool and spa tiles is more or less the same for different designs. Co-founder of National Tile and Stone Authority, Greg Andrews, states, “It would be wrong to think that installing larger tiles takes a shorter time.”

Allow sufficient time for proper curing

During installation, you should always give large-format pool and spa tiles enough time to cure. Ensure the thin-set cures properly before you proceed to the next step. Typically, thinset needs air to cure Thinset typically requires air to cure. While the area between the separate tiles can quickly cure, the area behind the tiles will need more time. Dealing with larger pieces is actually worse because they need more time to cure. Pool experts report that the back center of the tile can take months to cure. Even so, experts don’t give it as much curing time. On average, large-format tiles will need 21 to 28 days to cure. “It would be best to inform the pool owner that they will have to wait 3 to 4 weeks for the tiles to cure,” says Amy Deny.

Prevent the formation of voids

Large-format tiles are more vulnerable to getting voids. So, be careful when applying the thinset. Use the correct troweling methods. Installers should not use the spot bonding method. This technique can form a lot of voids beneath the material. Voids often act as a travel medium for water, among other fluids. In turn, they affect the pool’s structure.

Reduce lippage and work with the warpage

Large-format tiles are more susceptible to warping. Luckily, you can use spacers to protect the tiles. Spacers regulate the elevation of each tile; in such a way, one tile piece is higher than another. This helps in preventing lippage. Pool pros advise offsetting the pool tiles by not more than a third of the tile. Remember, you don’t want the end of the tile to connect with the highest point of the crown.

Pool and SpaTiles

Large-format pool and spa tiles offer excellent aesthetics, functionality, and durability. As a result, they are becoming a popular tile option among most pool owners. However, before purchasing these tiles, there are several factors to consider. Also, during installation, ensure you prevent voids, control lippage, and allow proper curing.

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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SPS PoolCare Expands Enterprise Platform with ServiceTitan

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SPS’s Recent Acquisition of Pool Troopers Accelerates Company’s Investment in Scaled Infrastructure with ServiceTitan Powering Over 30 Branch Locations Across Five States and Standardizing Operations across the Service Cycle

LOS ANGELES – March 17, 2026ServiceTitan (Nasdaq: TTAN), the software platform that powers the trades, today announced that SPS PoolCare, the largest residential swimming pool services platform in the United States, is standardizing their 30+ branch locations across five states on the ServiceTitan platform. By unifying their family of brands on ServiceTitan, SPS will leverage a single, enterprise-grade system to unify its vast operations, accelerate its high-velocity acquisition strategy, and scale its platform.

“SPS is demonstrating how purpose-built technology can transform a traditionally fragmented industry,” said Connor Theilmann, Chief Business Officer of ServiceTitan. “Their leadership team has made a deliberate investment in enterprise infrastructure, and we’re proud to support their continued growth. Standardizing on ServiceTitan will allow SPS to meet the needs of a large, multi-location operation, with Fraser Ramseyer, Storr Group, and the SPS leadership team making this one of the most seamless large-scale integrations we’ve ever seen.”

The move reflects SPS PoolCare’s continued investment in enterprise-grade infrastructure, as it advances its position as the dominant market leader in a highly fragmented industry. Founded in 2021 and backed by Storr Group, an investment firm that builds and scales industry-leading platforms, SPS PoolCare operates across Texas, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia, where it employs more than 1,000 team members and is on track to perform more than two million weekly recurring pool services in 2026. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform serves as SPS PoolCare’s technology backbone, enabling SPS to manage complexity across geography, workforce scale, and service frequency.

“We’ve worked closely with the ServiceTitan team for several years, and this decision reflects the trust and alignment we’ve built as long-term partners,” said Lance Martin, CEO and COO of SPS PoolCare. “Our objective has always been to build a durable platform that enables our team to deliver exceptional service to our customers. Standardizing on ServiceTitan gives us the operational visibility, integration speed, and performance discipline required to scale responsibly and create long-term value.”

Ranked #1 on Pool and Spa News Top 50 Service list, SPS continues to solidify its position as the industry leader, driven by the company’s ability to pair high-velocity revenue growth with a deep commitment to staff training and retention, active industry leadership, and an early adopter of innovative technology within the pool service space. SPS PoolCare is dedicated to the communities it serves, ensuring that its national scale translates into a positive local impact across its entire service footprint.

“From inception, our thesis at Storr Group has been to build the pool industry’s first scaled category-defining operating platform,” Fraser Ramseyer, CEO of Storr Group and Founder of SPS PoolCare. “Technology is not ancillary to that vision – it is foundational. ServiceTitan provides the infrastructure necessary to integrate acquisitions efficiently, drive operational consistency, and support disciplined expansion.”

SPS PoolCare’s focus on being the employer-of-choice is supported by ServiceTitan’s mobile-first capabilities, which empower their over 1,000 staff team members with the tools they need to succeed in the field.

ServiceTitan continues to invest in purpose-built technology for the pool industry, offering features like route optimization, automated chemical tracking, and integrated project management for renovations. By providing real-time visibility into multi-location operations, ServiceTitan enables enterprise-scale businesses like SPS PoolCare to make data-driven decisions that fuel organic growth.

About ServiceTitan ServiceTitan is the software platform that powers trades businesses. The company’s cloud-based, end-to-end solution gives contractors the tools they need to run and grow their business, manage their back office, and provide a stellar customer experience. By bringing an integrated SaaS platform to an industry historically underserved by technology, ServiceTitan is equipping tradespeople with the technology they need to keep the world running.

About SPS PoolCare

As the #1 swimming pool services company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. SPS PoolCare is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and being an employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com.

About Storr Group

Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market private equity firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com

Press Contact

Max Wertheimer

ServiceTitan, Inc.

[email protected]

© 2026 ServiceTitan. All rights reserved. ServiceTitan, the ServiceTitan logo, and all ServiceTitan product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or unregistered trademarks of ServiceTitan, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other brand names and marks mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and may be the trademarks of their respective holder(s).

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Honoring the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Pool Pro Award Winners With Pentair Pool

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Celebrating the long-standing industry leaders whose dedication, vision,
and service-first mindset have shaped the future of the aquatics industry.


The Pentair Pool Pro Awards shine a spotlight on pool professionals who elevate the
standard of excellence — those who champion safety, embrace innovation, and support
the next generation of industry talent. Among this year’s honorees, the Lifetime
Achievement Award holds special significance. It recognizes individuals whose years of
service, leadership, and impact have left lasting imprints on their teams, their customers,
and the pool community at large.


The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners exemplify what it means to lead with
purpose. Their stories reflect a shared commitment to uplifting others, advancing the
industry, and showing what’s possible through hard work, humility, and a dedication to
doing things the right way.


Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Shannon Jones

Owner, Graves Pools and Spas | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For Shannon Jones, the pool industry is more than a career — it’s a legacy. Celebrating 50
years in business, Graves Pools and Spas has been family-run for generations, and Jones is
proud to continue the mission her grandfather began… And share it with all three of her
children, who are also involved in the business. Early in her leadership journey, she created
a personal mission statement that still guides her today: to make a positive difference in
every life she meets.

That philosophy is woven through her business. Guided by servant leadership, Jones
focuses first on caring for her team, trusting that empowered employees deliver
exceptional experiences for customers. “The more I take care of them,” she says, “the more
they feel fulfilled, and the more they care for others.” Many members of her management
team have been with the company for 16, 18, even 25 years, a testament to her example-driven approach.

Jones’ commitment to excellence shows up in everyday actions, from celebrating safe
driving with the company’s “Golden Steering Wheel” award, to openly acknowledging and
correcting mistakes as part of a culture rooted in honesty. And her impact extends beyond
the business. Graves Pools and Spas supports swim education across three local YMCA chapters, providing equipment and services free of charge and hosting swim lessons in the
company’s pools. “If we save one child from drowning,” she says, “it would be worth
everything we give.”


As automation and A.I. reshape the industry, Jones is focused on bringing modern tools to
both residential and commercial customers, helping her community stay ahead of the
curve. And with all three of her children now part of the company, the future feels bright.
“Our opportunities are limitless,” she says. “And the more we grow, the more positive
differences we get to make. I’m honored to be recognized with this award, but having the
ability to make a difference in the world through my company, I’ve already won big time.”

Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Sean Johnson


Executive Vice President, Field Services, Amenity Pool Services | New York City, NY
For Sean Johnson, the pool industry became a calling long before it became a career.
Growing up in New York City, Johnson didn’t learn to swim until he was a teenager, but he
was hooked from the moment he did. That first experience sparked a passion for aquatics
and lifeguarding that eventually led him to a career path, where he rose from an entry-level
role to leading an entire office by age 20.


Johnson’s lifelong dedication is rooted in helping people build meaningful careers. Whether
mentoring young lifeguards, developing leaders, or promoting from within, he has always
believed the strongest customer relationships start with strong teams. Throughout his
career with The Amenity Collective, a leader in aquatics, fitness, and recreation solutions,
Sean has been instrumental in the growth of its aquatics platform, including American Pool
and Amenity Pool Services, while mentoring field teams and building operational depth and
process across the organization. Under his leadership, his New York office grew from 40
commercial customers to more than 300, maintaining one of the highest customer
retention rates in the region.


His commitment to going above and beyond is perhaps best illustrated through his work
with Erickson Senior Living. Tasked with automating pools across dozens of properties,
Johnson personally visited every location — traveling more than 200 nights over three years
— to install systems, build relationships, and ensure residents enjoyed safe, perfectly
balanced pools. “It was one of the few things I got exactly right in my life,” he says, laughing.
“I made real personal friends along the way.”


Johnson also contributes beyond the industry, giving his time to Boy Scouts of America by
restoring trail systems, writing hiking guides, and continuing to serve as a scout leader. He’s
also a proud member of his local high school’s board.

Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award, he says, feels deeply personal. “I’ve worked in
this business my whole life,” Johnson shares. “To be recognized like this… it means
everything to me. I hope it shows young people that the pool industry is a real career —
something you can grow in, lead in, and truly be proud of. And beyond that, it’s just plain
fun!”


Celebrating All the 2025 Pentair Pool Pro Award Winners
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement honorees, Pentair recognized winners across
multiple categories, including Premier Pool Pro, Unsung Hero, Safety Advocate, and
Advancing Automation. Visit www.pentair.com/en-us/pool-spa/pool-pro-awards to meet
all the remarkable individuals shaping the future of pools one customer at a time.

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Industry News

Landmark Aquatic Names Mick Hoeflinger VP of Field Services

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Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce the appointment of Mick Hoeflinger as Vice President of Field Services. Mick brings a proven track record of driving operational excellence and sustainable growth across service-based organizations. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that strengthened service agreement performance, supported successful acquisitions, and expanded revenue and margins. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Mick works closely with technical field teams and line managers to elevate field-level execution, improve customer experiences, and deliver measurable performance gains that position organizations for long-term success.

Mick brings more than 15 years of service leadership experience across multiple skilled trades, including plumbing, HVAC, and compressed air systems. He also served 20 years in the Marine Corps, including eight years on active duty in construction and general engineering related roles, where he developed a disciplined, mission-driven approach to leadership and operations. He holds an MBA from Concordia University Wisconsin and will play a key role in advancing Landmark Aquatic’s operational strength, service excellence, and continued growth. Mick can be reached at [email protected]

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