The Not-So-Trivial Rock: Travertine in Focus

The hot springs isn't just a place to relax and let your hair down; in its depths, you may find significant deposits of a form of limestone known as travertine. Through the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, travertine is born often at the mouth of a hot spring or cave teeming with limestones. This sedimentary rock comes in hues of white, tan, and cream and has made a name for itself as an excellent building material.

Aside from its role in the creation of various building materials such as tiles, travertine has been known to form in stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations that can be some of a cave's most prominent features. It's distinctly porous thanks to the organisms that colonize the surface of this precious mineral.

The Romans were said to be the first ones who saw travertine's potential to be a good component for the construction of various structures. In fact, the Roman Colosseum, touted as one of the largest buildings in the world, is made up mostly of travertine. Centuries later, travertine is still a widely-used building material and has paved the way for many renowned buildings to be erected such as the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris, and the Shell-Haus in Berlin.

Good Things Travertine Pavers Bring

A swimming pool in the backyard is already appealing as it is. It's an effective crowd-drawer especially during summer gatherings and other occasions where the pool becomes a venue of entertainment in the home. If this is the case, It's only fitting to jazz up this area a bit to add more charm. One way to make the pool pop as a major outdoor feature is with travertine pavers.

Why go for natural stone designs as pool and patio covers? First, natural pavers enhance the whole look of the pool area. Unlike cement or brick, travertine has a unique trait that makes it flexible to the design tastes of any homeowner. These natural stones come in various shapes and shades and can complement virtually every furniture and fixture placed around the pool.

The second reason travertine is a good thing is the safety its texture offers. As these are typically porous, travertine absorbs more water than any material, making slipping accidents less likely. Travertine pavers are especially ideal for nuclear families.

Third, upkeep of travertine pavers is a breeze. With only soap and water or mild cleaning solutions, water marks and dirt can be taken off paver surfaces with only a few strokes and minutes. 

Picking Your Pool Coping

One of the striking elements of any swimming pool is the coping, the lining that delineates the edge of the pool where swimmers often jump into the water. It also brings out the accents of the pool area depending on the flooring materials of the patio. When designing your pool, it's wise to consider your pick of coping.

There are usually four main types of coping designs. The rolled-edge coping has a flat surface and a turned-up end, which allows for easy clambering in the pool. Bull nose coping, the most common, is like rolled-edge coping but has round edges; this enables quick climbing out of the pool. Cantilevered coping is also flat but has a 90-degree abrupt edge. This is decorative but can cause injuries in certain cases. Rough-cut coping leaves you with options to extend it over the water or help the pool gain a natural rock-hewn appearance.

The materials for coping are a mixed bag, but the final pick depends on your use for the pool. Concrete can be pre-cast in one of the four styles. Tile stone, pavers, and wood are also viable choices. However, you'll have to ask your contractor which styles are available for each material.

Pools are a suitable investment. However, even small things such as the coping can make or break it.

Pool Tiles Cracking? Follow These Basic Steps

In-ground pools may be subject to ground shifts, in which the pool shifts position slightly as it ages, causing cracks to appear. If ignored, the water can easily seep into the cracks, and eventually, out of the pool, causing the water level to recede. This is normal in pools, even with properly-constructed ones, which is why it's important to seal the cracks as soon as possible. Even without visible cracks, missing pool tiles can be costly in the long run.

Replacing missing or cracked pool tiles may be the most ideal solution, but looking for the right tiles is easier said than done. Bring an image—or better yet, provide an actual sample—of the pool tile to a tile store to provide you with the closest, if not the exact, matches. Meanwhile, refrain from using the pool until the crack can be remedied, especially if you're losing water for no reason. Constant refilling of the pool may hurt your budget.

Experts advise against using tiles other than pool tiles for this job. Pool tiles, in general, are designed not just to look beautiful but also resist outdoor conditions, from the hottest of days to the coldest of nights. Bathroom tiles, for example, don't hold as much resistance and may crack under the pressure more easily.