Product Overview
Fujiwa Celica Series Porcelain Tile in Opal (2" x 2") is a high-performance, frost-proof ceramic/porcelain tile specially engineered for submerged aquatic environments and outdoor installations. Designed as a classic 2" x 2" square mosaic sheet (~1 sq. ft. per sheet), Celica Opal features a shimmering, iridescent glaze that reflects water and sunlight, producing brilliant, liquid-like light effects in swimming pools, spas, and water features.
Manufactured with extremely low water absorption and outstanding thermal shock resistance, Fujiwa's Celica Series easily resists harsh pool chemicals, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy UV exposure. The 2" x 2" chip size provides frequent grout joints for enhanced slip resistance along waterline bands, spa benches, and pool steps.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Property |
Value / Specification |
Notes / Compliance |
| Brand / Series |
Fujiwa Tiles / Celica Series |
High-Performance Aquatic Tile |
| Material Type |
Glazed Porcelain / High-Fired Ceramic |
Engineered Pool & Spa Grade |
| Nominal Chip Size |
2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) |
Standard Square Mosaic Format |
| Sheet Dimensions |
Approx. 12" x 12" (~1.0 sq. ft.) |
Flexible Mesh or Face-Tape Mounted Sheet |
| Thickness |
Approx. 1/4 in. to 5/16 in. (6 mm – 8 mm) |
Standard Aquatic Tile Thickness |
| Color / Finish |
Opal / Iridescent Glossy Glaze |
Multi-Tonal Light-Reflecting Luster |
| Water Absorption Rate |
≤ 0.5% (Impervious) |
Essential for Submerged & Pool Applications |
| Frost Resistance |
100% Frost-Proof |
Thermal Shock & Freeze-Thaw Approved |
| Chemical Resistance |
Resistant to Chlorine, Salt, & Pool Chemicals |
Fading & Staining Defense |
| Recommended Applications |
Swimming Pool Waterlines, Spas, Fountains, Showers* |
Submerged Wet & Outdoor Locations |
*Ideal for waterline borders, steps, and spa seating due to multi-directional light reflection and traction grout lines.
Recommended Applications
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Swimming Pool Waterlines & Steps: Highlights pool perimeter waterlines with a sparkling opal sheen while helping mark step edges and sun shelves for pool safety.
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Spas, Hot Tubs & Raised Spillways: Withstands elevated water temperatures, continuous immersion, and aggressive salt/chlorine water treatment systems.
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Outdoor Fountains & Water Features: Enhances architectural water features, spillways, and reflecting pools with luminous, multi-colored light reflections.
Installation and Handling Guidelines
⚠️ IMPORTANT: SUBMERGED AQUATIC TILE INSTALLATION PROTOCOL
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Submerged Setting Mortar: Always set pool tiles using a high-performance, polymer-modified thin-set mortar specifically rated for continuous submerged water immersion (ANSI A118.4 / ANSI A118.15).
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Pool-Grade Grout Selection: Use a high-performance, stain-resistant pool grout or 100% solid epoxy grout (ANSI A118.3) to maximize joint longevity against pool chemicals and algae treatments.
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Curing Time Requirements: Allow the thin-set mortar and grout to fully cure (typically 7 to 21 days depending on mortar manufacturer and climate) before filling the pool with water.
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Surface Preparation & Waterproofing: Ensure the pool shell substrate (shotcrete/gunite) is thoroughly cured, clean, and treated with a flexible waterproofing membrane rated for submerged applications.
Care and Maintenance
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Chemical Balance Maintenance: Maintain balanced pool chemistry (pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels) to prevent mineral scaling or waterline scum accumulation.
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Routine Waterline Cleaning: Clean waterline tile periodically using a soft nylon brush and neutral, pool-safe tile cleaner. Avoid harsh wire brushes or steel wool that could scratch the iridescent glaze.
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Scale Removal: Remove calcium or hard water deposits with a mild, pool-safe descaling solution formulated for glazed porcelain tile.
Design Profile
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Aesthetic Inspiration: Sunlit Resort, Tropical Lagoon, Iridescent Luxury Spa, Modern Coastal.
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Visual Advantage: The Opal glaze captures direct sunlight, casting prismatic hues of icy blue, pearl white, and subtle pink/gold shimmers across the water's surface.
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Complementary Finishes: Pairs beautifully with white pebble pool plaster, French gray or light blue quartz pool finishes, light travertine coping, and natural stone pool decks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fujiwa Celica Series Opal tile frost-proof for cold climates?
Yes. Fujiwa Celica porcelain tiles have an impervious water absorption rate (≤ 0.5%), making them completely frost-proof and suitable for cold outdoor climates subject to freeze-thaw cycles.
Can this 2" x 2" mosaic tile be installed on pool steps and benches?
Yes. The 2" x 2" chip format produces a tight grid of grout joints, offering underfoot traction and enhanced visibility along step treads, benches, and sun shelves.
Why is special mortar required for swimming pool tiles?
Submerged applications endure continuous water pressure, temperature shifts, and pool chemicals. Standard indoor mortars break down underwater over time, so polymer-modified mortars rated for submerged use (ANSI A118.4/A118.15) are required.
