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.

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.