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Common Pool Tile Discoloration and Ways of Dealing with Them

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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.

Common Pool Tile Discoloration and Ways of Dealing with Them

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.

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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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Cover Care Names Greg Conner Executive VP and General Manager

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Greg Conner, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cover Care, wearing a navy Cover Care polo shirt.

Cover Care, LLC, providers of automatic pool safety covers and pool safety fencing, is pleased to announce the appointment of Greg Conner as the company’s new Executive Vice President and General Manager. In his new role, Conner will oversee the company’s operations, team, and growth strategy as they expand their reach across North America.

Conner brings nearly two decades of global leadership experience in the automation and supply chain technology industries. Most recently, he served as President of Warehousing Solutions – North America at Vanderlande Industries, a Toyota-owned global leader in warehouse automation, leading a $1.2 billion division. There, his seven-point transformation strategy produced the highest sales pipeline in company history, drove a more than 700% increase in qualified sales opportunities and moved the division from last to first in employee opinion survey results.

Conner began his career in 2005 at Bastian Solutions, helping transform the company from an equipment provider into a full-scale automation systems integrator. As Vice President of Global Sales, he helped the company secure hundreds of millions of dollars of sales across three continents while also helping to establish many of the company’s regional offices and oversaw operations across Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and India. After Toyota Industries Corporation acquired Bastian in 2017, he served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development, leading the acquisition of RH Brown Company and delivering more than 200% EBIT growth in three years. He was named the Material Handling Institute’s Outstanding Young Professional of the Year in 2015 and holds a degree from Purdue University.

For Conner, who serves as President of the Friends of Central Pool, the role is also personal. “I’ve spent a significant part of my life involved in aquatics and have seen firsthand the importance of water safety,” he said. “The fact that automatic safety covers and pool safety fencing help prevent tragedies and save lives gives the work a purpose that goes well beyond simply selling a product.”

Conner was also drawn to Cover Care’s strong foundation and vision for continued growth. Under his leadership, customers and partners can expect a team that is responsive, creative and easy to do business with — one willing to try new approaches and focused on following through and exceeding expectations.

“Greg brings a fresh perspective and a proven track record of scaling organizations at exactly the right time for Cover Care,” said Jacob Bloss, Director of Operations for Cover Care. “As we experience exponential growth, his experience building high-performing teams, opening new markets and leading global organizations will bring new ideas to how we operate and serve our customers. We’re excited to have him helping lead the next chapter of our company.”

About Cover Care
Cover Care, LLC is a leading provider of automatic pool cover and pool safety fence solutions, offering professional installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services. With experienced local teams in 39 states across the country, Cover Care partners with pool builders and homeowners to deliver high-quality installations, reliable service, and enhanced pool safety.

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Luciana Amaro Joins Franklin Electric as Chief Human Resources Officer

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Luciana Amaro, newly appointed Chief Human Resources Officer at Franklin Electric, pictured in a black blazer.

Fort Wayne, IN – October 2026 – Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE), announces that Luciana Amaro has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer. Amaro will report to Joe Ruzynski, Chief Executive Officer, and will lead the company’s global Human Resources strategy, partnering with business leaders to strengthen organizational capability, advance talent and leadership development, and foster a high-performance culture that supports Franklin Electric’s long-term growth objectives.

Amaro brings 28 years of Human Resources leadership experience across complex global organizations with significant R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. Her international career spans Brazil, Germany, and the United States. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Elanco Animal Health, where she led a global HR organization supporting the company’s people strategy and business transformation. Earlier in her career, she held senior HR leadership roles at BASF and Yara International, with responsibilities spanning the Americas and global talent and leadership development.

“Luciana’s breadth of experience, strategic mindset, and passion for people make her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Joe Ruzynski, CEO. “She has a proven track record of building strong organizational cultures, developing leaders, and aligning talent strategies with business priorities. As we continue to grow globally, Luciana’s leadership will help us attract, develop, engage, and retain the talent needed to achieve our long-term goals.”

Amaro’s previous experience and business perspective position her well to support Franklin Electric’s global workforce and strategic priorities.

“It is an honor to join Franklin Electric and become part of an organization with such a strong reputation for innovation, customer focus, and values-driven leadership,” said Amaro. “I look forward to connecting with our people around the world, building on the company’s strengths, and working together to create an environment where people can grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact on our business and the customers we serve.”

About Franklin Electric
Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be recognized in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024, Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, and Greenest Companies 2025; Best Places to Work in Indiana 2024; and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

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RB Retail & Service Solutions Launches RB Propel

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Woman using a tablet displaying RB Propel inventory software inside a pool and spa retail showroom filled with hot tubs and products.

RB Retail & Service Solutions is pleased to announce it has introduced RB Propel, a new cloud-based business management platform built specifically for pool and spa service and retail businesses. RB Propel is designed to help operators move away from the patchwork of disconnected point-of-sale systems, service apps, spreadsheets, and manual processes that many businesses rely on today, replacing them with a single software system.

The platform connects store operations, field service, inventory, customer history, and back-office workflows, giving owners and teams one control center for the entire business. Rather than choosing between lightweight tools that create blind spots or enterprise systems that add implementation complexity, RB Propel is positioned to offer the operational depth pool and spa businesses need with a modern cloud experience.

Key benefits include reduced duplicate work through connected customer and sales data, stronger margin protection through improved inventory accuracy and job-level visibility, and standardized workflows and reporting that support growth across multiple locations.

RB Propel also includes guided onboarding, training, and responsive support, reflecting the company’s recognition that switching business systems carries risk for operators who can’t afford disruption during peak season.

RB Propel is releasing features in waves and currently onboarding Retail business with the next wave including include service businesses. Learn more at rbretailandservicesolutions.com

About RB Retail & Service Solutions software:
For more than 20 years, pool and spa retailers and service professionals have helped shape RB into a platform built around the real-world needs of the industry. Since 2003, RB has remained focused on one mission: helping pool and spa businesses operate more efficiently, serve their customers better, and grow with confidence.

What began as a vision to simplify complex retail and service operations has evolved alongside the businesses RB serves. Decades of industry experience, customer feedback, and changing technology have helped shape the next chapter of RB: RB Propel.

Built for the future of the pool and spa industry, RB Propel brings the experience and functionality businesses have come to expect from RB into a modern, cloud-based platform designed to simplify everyday operations and support continued growth. From retail and customer management to service, inventory, payments, and business insights, Propel is being designed to connect the critical areas of a pool and spa business in one solution.

RB Propel represents more than a new software platform—it is the next evolution of a partnership that began more than two decades ago. As the industry continues to change, RB remains committed to listening to its customers, embracing innovation, and building technology that helps pool and spa professionals spend less time managing software and more time growing their businesses.


https://rbretailandservicesolutions.com/
1-866-933-9099

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