Product Overview

Fujiwa Rio Series: Persian Blue Glazed Porcelain Tile is a high-performance architectural pool tile engineered specifically for submerged aquatic environments, waterline applications, and outdoor living spaces. Drawing inspiration from classic Mediterranean pottery and ancient lapis lazuli stone, the Persian Bluecolorway features a rich glaze blend of deep royal blue, vibrant indigo, subtle cobalt crystalline accents, and luminous water-reflective depth.

Manufactured by Fujiwa Tiles, a recognized leader in pool and outdoor ceramics, this frost-proof glazed porcelain tile features an impervious body with near-zero water absorption. It is designed to withstand severe freeze-thaw cycles, prolonged UV exposure, and intense pool chemical treatments without fading, cracking, or crazing over time.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool waterline tile runs, raised spa spillways, submerged bench accents, and step marker highlights.

• Aquatic Architectural Features: Outdoor fountains, waterfall spillways, reflecting pools, and water walls.

• Exterior & Interior Surfaces: Patio wet bars, outdoor kitchen backsplashes, primary bathroom accents, and shower walls.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: AQUATIC & POOL MORTAR PROTOCOL

• Thinset Mortar Selection: Swimming pool and submerged tile installations require high-flexibility, polymer-modified thinset specified for submerged aquatic environments. Install using an ANSI A118.15-compliant latex-polymer modified mortar (such as MAPEI® Kerabond T / Keralastic System or LATICRETE® 254 Platinum).

• 100% Mortar Coverage: Achieving 100% mortar contact behind every tile is mandatory in submerged applications. Voids or air pockets behind tiles trapped underwater can cause moisture accumulation, efflorescence, and eventual tile pop-offs.

• Grout Selection: Use a high-performance, water-resistant grout specified for swimming pools, such as a high-density cementitious grout (ANSI A118.7) or 100% solid industrial epoxy grout (ANSI A118.3 like MAPEI® Kerapoxy or LATICRETE® SpectraLOCK® Pro Premium) for maximum stain and chemical resistance.

Professional Recommendations

• Waterline Curing Time: Allow thinset and grout to fully cure per manufacturer instructions (typically 14 to 21 days minimum) before filling the pool with water or adding pool chemicals.

• Movement Joints: Install expansion joints at all plane changes, pool corners, and coping transitions per TCNA EJ171 guidelines.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Clean pool waterline scale and body oils using a non-abrasive pool tile cleaner or a soft brush with pH-neutral soap.

• Chemical Balance: Maintain proper water chemistry (pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness) to prevent calcium scale buildup or mineral deposits along the waterline.

• Zero Sealing Required: Non-porous glazed porcelain is completely impervious to water penetration and never requires sealers or topical coatings.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Classic Mediterranean Sanctuaries, Persian Lapis Lazuli, and Resort-Style Pool Waterlines.

• Glaze Characteristics: Rich multi-tonal royal blue glaze that enhances water depth and creates a striking, crisp border along pool plaster or pebble finishes.

• Complementary Finishes: Pairs exceptionally well with white limestone or travertine pool coping, bright white or light gray pool plaster, dark cobalt pebble linings, and natural stone pavers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fujiwa Rio Persian Blue suitable for saltwater swimming pools?

Yes! Fujiwa glazed porcelain tiles are fully impervious (< 0.5% water absorption) and chemical-resistant, making them completely safe for both traditional chlorine and saltwater pool systems.

Can this tile withstand freezing winter weather?

A: Absolutely. Fujiwa pool tiles are tested and certified frost-proof (ASTM C1026). They are engineered to endure severe freeze-thaw winter cycles without cracking, spalling, or debonding when installed with proper movement joints and ANSI A118.15 thinset.

How does Persian Blue compare to Sunset Blue in the Rio Series?

While Sunset Blue features lighter oceanic blue hues with warm sunlit reflections, Persian Blue delivers a deeper, richer royal blue and indigo glaze that creates a classic, high-contrast waterline edge.

Why is pool-rated thinset required instead of standard tile mortar?

Submerged pool tiles are subject to constant water pressure, chemical exposure, and thermal expansion. Standard interior thinsets will break down underwater over time, leading to tile detachment. Always use an ANSI A118.15 or ANSI A118.3 aquatic-rated thinset and grout.