Industry News
Common Pool Tile Discoloration and Ways of Dealing with Them

Over the years, one of the main problems pool owners deal with is tile discoloration. More often than not, discoloration occurs on glass tiles, especially those which are transparent or translucent. And the back coated glass is not an exception. There are many causes of discoloration. Determining the exact cause of discoloration will help you find the most suitable solution to the problem. Some of the leading causes of pool tile discoloration include microbial growth, back coating erosion, effects of glue or mesh on tiles, and thin-set shading/marks/voids. Knowing how to deal with each of these problems can be mind-consuming.

Dealing with causes of pool tile discoloration
Thin-set shading
Even though you may notice pool tile discoloration on the exterior surface, the problem’s primary cause usually results from underneath the tile. In particular, the problem’s source often originates from the adhesive under the tile or the thin-set. The tiles may appear extraordinarily beautiful, but the aesthetics get ruined once the tile starts developing stain patches. You can choose to either live with this problem or remove the entire tile. Removing tiles can be costly; so, it would be best to look for other ways to deal with this problem. Alternatively, ensure that you install a high-quality, durable thin-set that offers excellent functionality.
Now that you know that the problem often stems from the thin-set, you have to use a color-consistent thin-set. What does this mean? Make sure you purchase the thin-set from the same manufacturer to avoid any disparities. Also, ensure that the thin-set came from the same material/plant and got manufactured on the same day. It also has to have a guarantee that it is color consistent.
Additionally, the thin-set should be uniquely designed to complement glass tiles. During the installation process, you should also leave the thin-set to cure completely. Otherwise, you’d experience issues with your glass tiles.
Degradation of back-coated glass
Typically, a back coated glass is a transparent glass that contains a coating underneath it. Such tiles offer excellent aesthetics due to the back coating. But you’ll barely notice that the coating is on the underside. The back coating also gives the tile an intensified depth level.
Over time, back coated glass tends to wear out after some time. Also, back coatings are vulnerable to degradation when exposed to harsh external conditions like ultraviolet rays and extreme alkalinity. If a back coating is not installed correctly, it becomes more prone to damage.
Therefore, it would be best to ensure that the back coating has a quality and durable material. I mean, you don’t want to spend all your money on tile repairs and replacement. The back coating also has to be resistant to the damaging effects of UV rays and harsh chemicals.
One of the main advantages of back coatings is that they offer high longevity. Even so, you have to purchase this material from a reliable manufacturer. Failure to do so would be setting yourself up for disaster. However, note that different types of back coatings offer different types of functionality. Be careful not to overlook functionality because of aesthetics. Ensure that you understand all the advantages and disadvantages of each back coating. From there, you can select the most suitable option that caters to all your needs.
Microbial growth
Pool tile discoloration can also result from microbial growth. Often, when moisture accumulates in your tiles, it leads to microbial growth, which in turn leads to tile discoloration. Moisture could come from anywhere; spills, humid conditions or frequent contact with water. Therefore, if you have a pool, you cannot afford to install the regular kitchen tiles.
You have to purchase pool tiles that are specifically designed to withstand moisture for long periods. Pool tiles are highly resistant to harsh climatic conditions, rusting, abrasive pool chemicals, acids and they should be waterproof. And when you notice any microbial growth on the tiles, ensure you deal with the issue immediately. Otherwise, discoloration would spread to all the tiles.
Effects of mesh or glue on the back of the tile
When installing the tiles, you have to select the most suitable glue. The mesh or glue you will use depends on the type of tiles. For example, if you have ceramic tiles, you can either use a ready-mixed tile adhesive. If you have porcelain tiles, a powder adhesive would be a good bonding option. Note that if you have large tiles that exceed 20 by 20-centimetre tiles, it is best to apply glue on the wall and underneath the tile.
At present, both the pool and tile industry have made great efforts to deal with pool tile discoloration issues. Their efforts have not been futile; but better solutions are yet to be found. Finding the best solutions to dealing with pool tile discoloration often begins with understanding the cause of the problem. Once you do this, you extend the lifespan of your pool tiles and the entire pool.
Industry News
Why Pools Matter: Pool Horizons Takes Its Message Global

For an industry that spends a great deal of time talking about how pools are built, operated and maintained, Pool Horizons is advancing a different conversation: why swimming pools matter in the first place.
Launched in 2023, Pool Horizons is a global initiative bringing together leaders from the swimming pool industry and broader aquatic community to examine and communicate the role pools play in society. Its work focuses on areas including health and wellbeing, community development, water safety and sustainability, with an emphasis on giving the industry research and real-world examples that demonstrate the value of aquatic spaces beyond recreation.
Over the next several months, Pool Horizons will continue that conversation at major industry gatherings in the United States and Europe, with appearances scheduled in Phoenix, Lyon and Atlantic City.
Pool Horizons Heads to the MasterMind Summit
The first stop will be the PHTA & GENESIS MasterMind Summit, taking place September 16–18 at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
Pool Horizons will host a two-hour session on Friday, September 18, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., connecting the cultural and social history of swimming pools with the data-backed narrative the industry is working to develop.
Author and historian Jeff Wiltse will explore the history of swimming pools and their enduring social, cultural and economic importance. Attendees will then hear about the latest Pool Horizons initiatives and how that work applies to the U.S. market.
The session will conclude with industry leaders discussing how different stakeholders can work together to better communicate the value of pools and create new opportunities for the industry.
Taking the Conversation to France
The initiative will head overseas in November for Piscine Global 2026 in Lyon, France.
On November 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pool Horizons will present preliminary findings from the Global Aquatic Social Impact Framework (GASIF) pilot study. The project is aimed at developing a more data-driven understanding of the social impact created by swimming pools and aquatic facilities.
Representatives from participating industry associations in France, Spain and the United States will take part, followed by a roundtable examining the challenges and future of the swimming pool industry. Leaders from CF Group, Fluidra, Hayward and Pentair are scheduled to participate in the discussion.
Pool Horizons will make a second appearance in Lyon during Aqualie on November 19 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. That session will introduce Pool Horizons and showcase a French public swimming pool Best-in-Class project, providing a real-world example of the role aquatic facilities can play within their communities.
Returning to Connect With The Industry in Atlantic City in 2027
The schedule continues into the new year with the Pool Horizons Summit in Atlantic City on January 25, 2027, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Following its 2026 gathering, Pool Horizons will return with a program that includes a keynote presentation, a new Best-in-Class project and contributions from leading figures throughout the swimming pool industry.
Together, the upcoming events provide Pool Horizons with an opportunity to continue building the conversation on both sides of the pond.
Industry News
Skimmer Expands Into Pool Construction Software With Acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics
The two software platforms form the foundation of a unified offering for pool professionals; Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds joins Skimmer to lead construction strategy.

AUSTIN, TX, August 24, 2026 — Skimmer, the leading operating system for pool service and maintenance professionals, today announced the acquisitions of Pool Builder Geek and Poologics, two software platforms purpose-built for pool construction businesses.
The acquisitions mark Skimmer’s expansion into pool construction and establish the foundation for a unified platform serving pool professionals from construction through ongoing service and maintenance.
As part of the acquisition, Pool Builder Geek founder Tommy Reynolds, who has extensive experience in the pool construction software space, will join Skimmer, leading the company’s construction strategy and continued investment in solutions for pool builders.
“Our vision is to build an end-to-end platform for the pool and spa industry,” said Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer. “Pool Builder Geek brings an AI-native platform designed to evolve quickly with the industry, while Poologics brings a proven product that builders have relied on for years. Together, they significantly accelerate our ability to serve pool construction businesses.”
Pool builders manage complex estimating, permitting, project management, subcontractor coordination, customer communication, and job costing processes. Many still rely on spreadsheets or generic construction tools that were not designed for their specific needs. Pool Builder Geek and Poologics address those challenges with purpose-built capabilities, including estimating, project management, permitting, job costing, and AI-powered visualization.
“Pool builders do not need generic contracting software with a pool label added to it,” said Reynolds. “We built Pool Builder Geek specifically around how pools are sold and built with AI at the core of the platform. Joining Skimmer gives us the resources and expertise to accelerate our product roadmap and deliver even more for the builders we serve. I’m excited about what we can build together and what this means for the future of the pool industry.”
“We built Poologics on the belief that pool construction deserves software designed specifically for the industry,” said Nate Pruitt, CEO of Poologics. “Skimmer has built its business on that same belief for pool service. Together, we can give builders more resources, stronger support, and a faster path to innovation.”
Service and maintenance remain a core focus of Skimmer. The expansion into construction advances the company’s long-term strategy to provide connected, purpose-built tools for pool professionals across the industry.
About Skimmer
Skimmer is one of America’s leading pool service platforms. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 35,000 pool service professionals servicing 1,000,000+ pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses. For more information, visit getskimmer.com.
About Poologics
Poologics is an all-in-one business management platform built specifically for swimming pool builders. It streamlines CRM, estimating, project management, and job costing, helping professionals run their businesses with greater efficiency, accuracy, and control. For more information, visit poologics.com.
About Pool Builder Geek
Pool Builder Geek is an AI-powered project management platform built exclusively for the swimming pool construction and renovation industry. Created by a team with deep experience building software for pool builders, it gives builders purpose-built tools for project tracking, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, budgeting, job costing, and AI-powered backyard visualization. For more information, visit poolbuildergeek.com.
Media contact
Travis Wingate
Skimmer, CMO, [email protected], 416-838-9161
Industry News
Landmark Aquatic Names Jason Hill Kansas City General Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Landmark Aquatic, a national leader in commercial aquatic construction and renovation, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Hill to General Manager of its Kansas City, Missouri market. Hill brings nearly two decades of commercial aquatic experience to the role, having worked his way through the industry as a laborer, plumber, project superintendent and project manager. That hands-on path through the trades gives him a perspective few general managers share.
“I truly understand the jobs of everyone here,” explains Hill. “It’s not just how they’re supposed to perform, I actually understand their day-to-day struggles, their desire for growth, and their need to have the best tools at their disposal to do their job efficiently.”
As he begins his tenure, Hill said mentorship and workforce development will be a top priority, particularly given how few professionals nationwide specialize in commercial pools.
“The commercial pool industry is such an anomaly,” he said. “As we grow our team, we are not likely to find commercial pool people waiting in our market to be hired, rather I am going to have to make commercial pool people. Training and coaching them is a big part of making that happen.” Hill’s emphasis on training echoes the company culture that earned Landmark a Top Workplace award, given in part for its investment in employee career development.
Hill is already collaborating closely with Landmark’s marketing team to grow the company’s visibility across the Kansas City market, contributing fresh ideas that are helping generate excitement. “I’m excited to compete with our other markets and see how far we can climb,” he said, noting his hometown ties add extra motivation.
With his depth of field experience and people-first approach, Hill is positioned to grow Landmark Aquatic’s presence and reputation throughout the region.
Jason can be reached at [email protected].
About Landmark Aquatic:
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Serving clients across most of the U.S., Landmark delivers construction-led solutions and on-going support though its AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions. For more about Landmark Aquatic visit www.landmarkaquatic.com.
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