Product Overview
Fujiwa Glasstel Series North Sea 7/8" x 1-7/8" Porcelain Brick Mosaic Tile (mounted on ~12" x 12" mesh sheet) is a heavy-duty, pool-grade porcelain mosaic manufactured by Fujiwa Tiles (Glasstel-30 series). The North Sea colorway presents a sophisticated, cool maritime palette blending deep marine blue, teal, slate grey, and muted turquoise-green tones with subtle tone-on-tone shade variations that mimic deep ocean currents.
Engineered with a small 7/8" x 1-7/8" running bond (brick joint) pattern, this mosaic features a smooth, low-glare crystalline glaze effect. Specially formulated for submerged aquatic environments and heavy-traffic wet zones, the Glasstel North Sea series delivers frost resistance, zero water degradation, and high chemical durability for swimming pool waterlines, spa basins, outdoor water features, and residential shower enclosures.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Property |
Value / Specification |
Standard / Compliance |
| Manufacturer / Brand |
Fujiwa Tiles (Glasstel Series / Glasstel-30) |
Pool & Outdoor Tile Specialist |
| Colorway |
North Sea (Deep Marine Blue, Teal & Slate Grey Blend) |
Moderate Shade Variation (V2-V3) |
| Chip Format |
7/8" x 1-7/8" Rectangular Tesserae (~2.2 cm x 4.8 cm) |
Running Bond / Staggered Brick Pattern |
| Sheet Format |
Approx. 12" x 12" Mesh Sheet (~1.0 Sq. Ft. per Sheet) |
Flexible Back-Mounted Mesh Sheet |
| Thickness |
Approx. 1/4" (~6.0 mm) |
Standard Vitrified Pool Mosaic Profile |
| Surface Finish |
Glazed / Low-Glare Satin |
Water-Resistant Pool Glaze |
| Material Type |
Fully Vitrified Heavy-Duty Porcelain Stoneware |
High-Density Impervious Body |
| Water Absorption |
≤ 0.5% (Impervious Pool Rating) |
ASTM C373 / ISO 10545-3 |
| Frost Resistance |
100% Frost-Resistant / Freeze-Thaw Proof |
Suitable for Cold Northern Outdoor Climates |
| Chemical Resistance |
Resistant to Chlorine, Saltwater Systems & Pool Chemicals |
ASTM C650 |
| Applications |
Swimming Pool Waterlines, Submerged Pool Steps, Spa Interiors, Fountains, Outdoor Barbeque Islands, Shower Pan Floors |
Submerged Wet Areas, Interior & Exterior |
Recommended Applications
-
Swimming Pool Waterlines & Spa Enclosures: Built specifically to withstand continuous submersion, fluctuating water levels, sunlight/UV exposure, and harsh pool chemicals (chlorine, bromine, salt-water generators).
-
Fountains & Outdoor Water Features: Resists algae buildup and atmospheric freeze-thaw cycles in exterior architectural water features.
-
Walk-In Shower Floors & Steam Showers: The 7/8" x 1-7/8" brick pattern provides a dense grout grid that ensures excellent wet-foot slip resistance on shower basin slopes.
Installation and Handling Guidelines
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: POOL & SUBMERGED INSTALLATION PROTOCOL
-
Thinset Mortar Selection: For submerged swimming pool or spa installations, set using a high-performance polymer-modified or epoxy mortar specifically rated for submerged applications (ANSI A118.4, ANSI A118.15, or ANSI A118.3 like MAPEI® Kerapoxy or LATICRETE® 254 Platinum White).
-
Pre-Grout Cure Time: Allow thinset mortar to cure fully for at least 24 to 48 hours before applying pool-grade grout. For swimming pools, allow complete installation curing (7 to 21 days depending on thinset/grout specifications) before filling the pool with water.
-
100% Mortar Coverage: Press mesh sheets firmly into mortar with a flat wooden beating block or float to guarantee 100% solid coverage underneath, eliminating hollow pockets where water or algae can collect.
-
Grout Selection: Use a high-performance waterproof grout (e.g., polymer-modified or 100% solid epoxy grout) that resists chemical erosion and algae growth in wet zones.
Care and Maintenance
-
Routine Pool & Spa Cleaning: Maintain proper pool water chemistry (balanced pH, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels) to prevent mineral scale or algae accumulation on tile surfaces.
-
Routine Shower Cleaning: Clean with warm water and a neutral pH bathroom cleaner or mild non-abrasive tile detergent.
-
Zero Sealing Required: Vitrified pool porcelain is completely non-porous and never requires topical sealers or impregnators.
Design Profile
-
Aesthetic Inspiration: Deep Ocean Spa, Cool Maritime Coastal, Resort Pool Design, Modern Aquatics.
-
Visual Synergy: Pairs exceptionally well with grey granite or limestone coping, blue or grey pool aggregate/plaster, natural slate decking, and brushed stainless steel or chrome fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Fujiwa Glasstel "North Sea" and "Marine"?
While Marine leans toward a uniform deep navy blue palette, North Sea incorporates a cooler blend of teal, slate grey, and marine blue tones, giving it a more fluid, multi-dimensional ocean-water appearance.
Is Fujiwa Glasstel North Sea tile suitable for saltwater swimming pools?
Yes. Fujiwa porcelain tiles are fully vitrified and chemical-resistant, making them completely immune to salt-water corrosion, chlorine, and standard water-balancing chemicals.
Can this mosaic be used in climates with freezing winter temperatures?
Yes. With an impervious water absorption rate (≤ 0.5%), this porcelain tile is 100% frost-resistant and will not crack or spall during freeze-thaw weather cycles when set with proper outdoor setting materials.
