Product Overview
Fujiwa Glasstel Series Tahoe 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 Tahoe colorway presents a rustic, multi-toned Earth-and-water palette blending cobalt blue, slate grey, warm copper-rust, amber gold, and cream tones with a textured, crystallite glaze effect.
Engineered with a small 7/8" x 1-7/8" running bond (brick joint) pattern, this mosaic features a subtle crystalline texture with high color variation that creates a dynamic, natural stone and water contrast under sunlight. Specially formulated for submerged aquatic environments and heavy-traffic wet zones, the Glasstel Tahoe 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 |
Tahoe (Cobalt Blue, Copper-Rust, Amber & Slate Blend) |
High Shade & Color Variation (V3-V4) |
| 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 |
Textured Crystalline Glaze |
Low-Reflectivity Slip-Resistant 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
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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). The blend of rust, amber, and blue hides water mineral lines naturally.
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Fountains & Outdoor Water Features: Resists algae buildup and atmospheric freeze-thaw cycles in exterior architectural water features.
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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 & Handling Guidelines
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: POOL & SUBMERGED INSTALLATION PROTOCOL
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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 & Maintenance
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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.
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Routine Shower Cleaning: Clean with warm water and a neutral pH bathroom cleaner or mild non-abrasive tile detergent.
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Zero Sealing Required: Vitrified pool porcelain is completely non-porous and never requires topical sealers or impregnators.
Design Profile
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Aesthetic Inspiration: Mountain Lake Modernism, Rustic Earth & Water, Resort Pool Design, Tuscan / Southwestern Outdoor Living.
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Visual Synergy: Pairs exceptionally well with warm travertine coping, flagstone decking, brown/tan pool plaster, stacked stone veneer, and oil-rubbed bronze or matte black fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Fujiwa Glasstel "Tahoe" colorway unique?
Unlike solid blue pool tiles, Tahoe features a multi-color blend of deep blue, earthy coppers, rust, and amber-gold. This natural color variation hides water spots, calcium scale, and pool waterline scum lines far better than monochromatic tiles.
Is Fujiwa Glasstel Tahoe 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.
