About the Tiles
What are Moroccan pool tiles?
Moroccan pool tiles are handcrafted ceramic or terracotta tiles — most commonly known as zellige or Moorish mosaic tiles. Each tile is individually shaped, glazed, and kiln-fired using traditional techniques originating in Fez, Morocco, producing rich color variation and a deeply artisanal character that no machine-made tile can replicate.
The result is a surface that shimmers and shifts with light, creating pools of extraordinary visual depth — a hallmark of luxury residential and resort design worldwide.
What makes zellige tiles unique compared to factory-made tiles?
Zellige tiles are never machine-made. Their slight variations in color, thickness, and surface texture are not imperfections — they are the signature of handcraft. When water moves across a zellige-lined pool, the faceted, uneven surfaces catch and scatter light in a way that creates a living, shimmering effect impossible to achieve with uniform, mass-produced tiles.
This visual dynamism is precisely why they are the preferred choice for luxury pools in Miami, Malibu, Palm Beach, Hawaii, and high-end resort properties throughout the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
Why are Moroccan tiles more expensive than standard pool tiles?
Every tile is an individual creation. The process involves hand-cutting raw clay, applying natural mineral pigment glazes by hand, and kiln-firing at controlled temperatures. No two tiles are identical. This is not inefficiency — it is the defining characteristic of the product.
When you specify Moroccan zellige, you are selecting a material with genuine cultural heritage, centuries of proven performance, and an aesthetic that cannot be approximated at any price by industrial production. For discerning homeowners, architects, and developers, that distinction is the entire point.
Where are your tiles manufactured?
All tiles are handcrafted in Fez, Morocco — one of the world's oldest and most respected centers of ceramic art. Fez has been the epicenter of zellige production for over a thousand years. The artisans who produce our tiles work within a living tradition passed down through generations of master craftspeople, using the same methods that once adorned the imperial palaces and mosques of North Africa and Andalusia.
Performance & Durability
Are Moroccan tiles suitable for swimming pools?
Yes. Our tiles are engineered for pool waterlines, spa interiors, fountains, and fully submerged applications. When properly installed using the correct thin-set mortar and sealed appropriately, they deliver outstanding durability and water resistance in both residential and commercial pool environments.
They have been successfully specified and installed across hundreds of luxury properties throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and internationally.
Are the tiles frost-proof and UV resistant?
Many of our Moroccan pool tiles carry Frost Resistant and UV Stable ratings, making them suitable for exposed outdoor climates across the full range of U.S. markets — including California, Utah, New York, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest.
The natural mineral glazes used in zellige production are inherently stable under UV exposure, maintaining their depth of color without fading over time. Individual product specifications are listed on each tile's detail page.
How do Moroccan tiles compare to glass or porcelain pool tiles?
Glass and porcelain tiles offer consistency and reflectivity. Moroccan zellige offers something fundamentally different: warmth, texture, depth, and soul.
- Glass tiles reflect light uniformly — zellige scatters it organically, creating movement
- Porcelain is identical piece to piece — zellige varies, making each installation unique
- Factory tiles age predictably — zellige develops a subtle patina that improves with time
- Standard tiles suit contemporary minimalism — zellige elevates Mediterranean, Moorish, Spanish Colonial, and modern luxury aesthetics equally
The choice depends entirely on the design intent. For a pool that should feel like an architectural statement, zellige is without peer.
Craftsmanship & Origin
How are zellige tiles made?
The zellige process is one of the most labor-intensive in ceramic production. Raw clay is sourced locally, formed into tiles by hand, then coated with mineral-based glazes mixed from natural pigments. Each tile is individually placed in a wood-fired or gas kiln and fired at temperatures that vitrify the clay and fuse the glaze into a durable, permanent surface.
After firing, master craftspeople known as maalem hand-cut each tile to shape using a small iron hammer and chisel — a skill that takes years to develop. The resulting tiles, with their slightly irregular edges and varied surface facets, are what create the distinctive shimmer of a zellige installation.
The entire process, from raw clay to finished tile, takes approximately four to six weeks per batch.
Will there be color variation between tiles?
Yes — and this is intentional. Natural variation in tone, surface texture, and glaze depth is the defining characteristic of authentic Moroccan zellige. No two tiles will be identical, and no two installations will look exactly the same.
For designers and architects, this variation is the material's greatest asset: it means that a zellige pool is genuinely one-of-a-kind. We strongly recommend ordering tile samples before committing to a full order, so you can evaluate the specific colorway and character of your chosen tile in situ.
Applications & Use
Where in and around a pool can these tiles be used?
Our tiles are designed for the full range of aquatic and outdoor architectural applications:
- Pool waterlines — the most common application, creating a defining band of pattern and color
- Spa and hot tub interiors and surrounds
- Fountains, water walls, and decorative water features
- Pool steps, risers, and accent borders
- Outdoor kitchen surfaces, bar tops, and splashbacks
- Covered loggia and patio flooring (select tile collections)
- Interior bathrooms, showers, and feature walls
Are these tiles suitable for fully submerged pool interiors?
Many of our tile collections are rated for submerged applications, including pool floors and full interior cladding. Tile suitability for full submersion is specified on each individual product page. We recommend confirming with our team for projects involving full pool lining, as the correct tile selection, adhesive system, and grout specification are all critical to long-term performance.
Installation & Care
Do Moroccan tiles require specialist installation?
Yes. Due to their handcrafted nature, Moroccan tiles require installers experienced with natural stone and artisan ceramic materials. The slight variations in thickness and edge profile that characterize zellige mean that standard installation techniques used for uniform porcelain tiles are not directly applicable.
Key installation requirements include:
- White polymer-modified thin-set mortar — grey or standard mortars may bleed through glaze
- Back-buttering individual tiles to ensure full coverage and eliminate voids
- Non-sanded grout joints of 1.5–3mm for standard zellige formats
- Penetrating sealer application post-grout for above-waterline applications
- Expansion joints at all field perimeters and changes of plane
We provide a comprehensive Installation Guide with all specifications, and our team is available to advise your installer directly.
How do I care for and maintain Moroccan pool tiles?
Zellige tiles are low-maintenance when properly installed. For pool waterline applications, the primary maintenance consideration is managing calcium and mineral deposits, which are common to all pool tile types regardless of material.
- Use pH-balanced pool chemicals — avoid sustained exposure to pH below 7.0
- Clean with soft brushes and non-acid tile cleaners for routine maintenance
- For mineral scale, use a calcium remover specifically formulated for natural ceramic tiles
- Avoid pressure washers directed at grout joints
- Re-seal above-waterline applications every 2–3 years with a penetrating sealer
Full guidance is available in our Tile Care Guide.
Ordering & Logistics
What is the minimum order quantity?
Our standard minimum order is 50 sq ft for most tile collections. This minimum exists to ensure production efficiency and maintain the integrity of handcrafted batches, where tiles are fired together to achieve color consistency within an order.
For larger commercial or architectural projects, we offer custom production runs with no upper quantity limit. Contact our team with your specifications for a tailored proposal.
What is the production and delivery lead time?
Production typically requires 6–8 weeks from order confirmation. All tiles are made to order — we do not hold pre-manufactured stock, which ensures that every order is produced as a fresh, matched batch.
International freight from Fez to U.S. ports typically adds 2–3 weeks, depending on destination. We coordinate all logistics and customs documentation, and provide tracking updates throughout the shipment process.
We strongly recommend placing orders a minimum of 10–12 weeks before your installation date to allow sufficient buffer for customs clearance and site delivery.
Do you offer tile samples?
Yes. We offer custom-made tile samples for all collections, allowing you to evaluate actual color, glaze depth, and surface texture before committing to a full production order. Because zellige samples are themselves handcrafted to order, they accurately represent what you will receive at scale.
Sample costs are credited in full toward a qualifying purchase order. To request samples, visit our Sample Request page or contact us directly.
How do I request a quote for my project?
You can submit a quote request directly through our website using the Get a Quote form, or add tiles to your quote cart from any product page. To ensure an accurate proposal, it is helpful to provide:
- Project location (city and state)
- Application type (waterline, full pool, spa, patio, etc.)
- Estimated square footage
- Preferred tile collection or colorway
- Target installation date
Our team responds within one business day with a tailored recommendation, pricing, and lead time confirmation.
Design, Style & Specification
What architectural styles suit Moroccan pool tiles?
Moroccan and Mediterranean tiles are remarkably versatile. Their natural palette and organic texture allow them to complement a wider range of design languages than many specifiers expect:
- Mediterranean & Coastal — the natural home of these tiles; cobalt blues and terracotta work perfectly
- Spanish Colonial — hand-painted Talavera-style tiles for courtyard fountains and pool surrounds
- Moorish & Islamic Revival — geometric Moorish mosaic patterns and star motifs
- Modern Luxury — monochromatic zellige in white, black, or grey for a refined contemporary look
- Resort & Hospitality — bold patterns and deep colorways that create memorable, photogenic environments
Are Moroccan tiles a good choice for luxury homes and high-end projects?
Absolutely. Our tiles have been specified and installed in luxury residential estates, boutique hotels, private clubs, and architectural showpiece pools across Miami, Los Angeles, Palm Beach, Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Napa, and Hawaii.
Their handcrafted nature means that no two pools are identical. For clients who understand the value of genuine craft — and who want a pool that is unmistakably theirs — Moroccan zellige is the definitive choice.
Do you work with architects, designers, and trade clients?
Yes. We have a dedicated Trade Program for licensed architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and contractors. Trade clients receive priority project support, access to our full sample library, custom colorway development, and project-specific pricing.
To apply for trade access or discuss a project, visit our Trade Program page or contact our team directly at [email protected].
Request a Tile Sample
Experience the actual color, glaze depth, and texture of your chosen tile before committing to a full production order. Sample costs credited toward purchase.
Request samples →Trade Program
Priority project support, full sample library access, custom colorway development, and trade pricing for licensed professionals.
Apply for trade access →