Product Overview

Fujiwa Glasstel Aqua 7/8" × 1-7/8" Porcelain Brick Mosaic Tile captures the luminous appearance of glass in a durable porcelain format. Its refreshing palette blends aqua, turquoise, pale blue, and softly varied seafoam tones, producing a bright aquatic surface for pool waterlines, spa walls, fountains, backsplashes, and decorative features.

Elongated porcelain chips are arranged in a staggered brick pattern on mesh-mounted sheets. The small-scale format introduces clean horizontal movement while adapting more readily to suitable curved pool and spa walls than conventional field tile.

The glossy glazed surface reflects sunlight and underwater illumination, giving the mosaic added color depth without using actual glass. It is an especially attractive choice for coastal, tropical, contemporary, and resort-inspired environments.

Technical Specifications

A current Fujiwa distributor confirms the glossy finish, mesh mounting, pool application, 4.5 mm nominal thickness, and 20-sheet packaging. AquaBlu Mosaics

Recommended Applications

• Swimming-Pool Waterlines: Creates a bright aqua border that responds beautifully to sunlight and moving water.

• Spa Waterlines and Walls: The small mesh-mounted format accommodates many properly prepared spa walls and gentle curves.

• Fountains and Water Features: Introduces a clean turquoise accent to appropriate fountain walls and decorative water features.

• Kitchen Backsplashes: The elongated brick pattern brings a fresh coastal character to kitchens, bars, and beverage stations.

• Bathroom and Shower Walls: Suitable over an approved waterproofing system with mortar and grout selected for porcelain mosaics.

• Decorative Countertops: Fujiwa includes countertops among the collection’s applications. Confirm suitability for the expected use, edges, joints, and maintenance requirements.

• Fireplace Surrounds: May be used on properly constructed surfaces outside required firebox and heat-clearance zones.

• Interior Feature Walls: Creates a luminous accent in powder rooms, hospitality spaces, reception areas, and coastal interiors.

Do not describe this mosaic as suitable for shower floors, pool steps, tanning ledges, decks, or other pedestrian surfaces unless the installer obtains a project-specific slip-resistance approval.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: MESH-MOUNTED POOL MOSAIC

For pool and spa installations, the mesh and mounting adhesive must leave enough of each porcelain chip exposed for the setting mortar to develop a reliable bond. The installer should inspect and approve the sheets before installation.

• Inspect Before Installation: Confirm the color, SKU, chip dimensions, sheet construction, finish, spacing, and quantity. Installed material normally indicates acceptance.

• Dry-Lay and Blend: Arrange sheets from several cartons before setting. Blend variations in aqua, turquoise, and seafoam coloration throughout the installation.

• Prevent Sheet Outlines: Stagger sheets when practical and adjust perimeter chips so spacing between sheets matches spacing within each sheet.

• Substrate Preparation: The installation surface must be flat, clean, stable, and properly prepared. Pools, spas, showers, and fountains require a complete waterproofing system.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium mortar approved for porcelain mosaics and the installation environment. Submerged applications require written approval for permanent water immersion.

• Mortar Color: White mortar is generally preferred beneath light aqua mosaics because it helps preserve their clean, bright appearance.

• Trowel Selection: Use a small-notch trowel appropriate for the 0.17" mosaic thickness. Flatten the mortar ridges before placing the sheets.

• Embed Evenly: Press sheets into the mortar using a rubber grout float or padded beating block. Keep the tile faces level without forcing excessive mortar into the joints.

• Mortar Coverage: Obtain substantially complete contact behind every chip, particularly in pools, exterior settings, and continuously wet installations.

• Grout Selection: Use a high-performance cementitious or epoxy grout approved for pools, porcelain mosaics, and the intended exposure.

• Grout Color: Bright white creates crisp definition, while pale aqua or light blue-gray produces a more integrated aquatic appearance.

• Movement Accommodation: Include perimeter, change-of-plane, and field movement joints according to the project specification and applicable tile-industry requirements.

• Pool Filling: Allow all waterproofing, mortar, grout, and sealant components to complete their required curing periods before filling the pool or spa.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, sheet alignment, color blending, breakage, and future repairs.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean with a soft nylon brush, microfiber cloth, or non-abrasive sponge.

• Use a neutral-pH porcelain or pool-tile cleaner.

• Maintain balanced pool-water chemistry to reduce mineral deposits and discoloration.

• Remove waterline residue regularly before it develops into heavy calcium buildup.

• Avoid metal brushes, pumice stones, abrasive powders, and aggressive scraping tools that could scratch or dull the glaze.

• Do not use unrestricted acid-washing treatments without approval from Fujiwa and the cleaning-product manufacturer.

• Glazed porcelain does not normally require sealing. Cement-based grout may require sealing according to its manufacturer.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Coastal contemporary, tropical resort, Mediterranean poolscape, aquatic minimalism, and modern spa design.

• Color Character: Clear aqua, pale turquoise, soft seafoam, and light coastal blue.

• Pattern Character: Petite staggered bricks create horizontal rhythm and a modern mini-subway appearance.

• Visual Advantage: The glossy glaze reflects natural and underwater light, helping the porcelain achieve a glass-like visual depth.

• Complementary Coping: Ivory travertine, light limestone, white marble, pale concrete, and cream porcelain.

• Complementary Decking: Sand-colored pavers, warm beige stone, light-gray concrete, and natural wood tones.

• Complementary Metals: Brushed nickel, polished chrome, stainless steel, champagne bronze, and matte white.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Bright white, pale aqua, light blue-gray, or soft silver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Glasstel Aqua made from glass?

No. It is porcelain designed to reproduce the elegant, light-reflective appearance of glass tile.

What is the correct SKU?

The manufacturer item number is GLASSTEL-31.

How thick is the mosaic?

Fujiwa publishes a thickness of 0.17", approximately 4.3 mm. Some distributor specifications round it to 4.5 mm.

How much does one sheet cover?

A nominal sheet covers approximately one square foot. Verify the actual production sheet before ordering for a precision layout.

Can it be installed on a swimming-pool waterline?

Yes. Fujiwa specifically recommends the Glasstel Series for pool and spa waterlines.

Can it be used throughout a pool interior?

Fujiwa’s published application specifically identifies waterlines rather than complete pool interiors. Obtain written approval from Fujiwa and the setting-system manufacturer before specifying full submersion.

Can it be installed on curved spa walls?

The small mesh-mounted chips can accommodate many gentle curves. Test-fit the sheet because the acceptable radius depends on the backing, chip spacing, and wall geometry.

Is it suitable for shower floors or pool steps?

No slip-resistance rating is published. Do not advertise it as suitable for wet walking surfaces without professional project-specific approval.

Does the porcelain require sealing?

The glazed porcelain surface normally does not require sealing. The grout may require sealing depending on the selected product.

Can it be installed around a fireplace?

Yes, Fujiwa includes fireplaces among the recommended applications. The complete installation must comply with fireplace clearances and applicable building requirements.