Description
Bonaire is a glass ceramic pool tile in the form of a puzzle. The base is a blue mix in which cool blue meets muted greenish pieces in grey-green.
The shapes without regular geometry paint a natural motif. In the water and in the sun the tone passes smoothly from blue to sea jade, which is why Bonaire suits pools with a natural look.
The mosaic at a glance
- Material: glass ceramic, made entirely from recycled glass.
- Shape: puzzle of irregular pieces, colour range – blue mix with green-grey pieces.
- 13 sheets are needed per 1 m², each measuring 280 × 280 mm.
- Backing: silicone dots instead of mesh or paper.
- Article code: MOSFBC037.
Technical data
| Model | Bonaire |
|---|---|
| Code | MOSFBC037 |
| Material | glass ceramic made from 100 % recycled glass |
| Shape | irregular polygonal pieces (puzzle) |
| Effect | gloss |
| Sheet size | 280 × 280 mm |
| Colour range | blue mix with green-grey pieces |
| Sheets per 1 m² | 13 |
| Sheet backing | silicone (polyurethane) dots |
| Grout joint width | 2 mm |
| Water absorption | max. 0.04 % (EN ISO 10545-3) |
| Flexural strength | 55 N/mm² |
| Frost resistance | yes, per ASTM C1026 |
| Chemical resistance | class A, ASTM C650 |
| Permanent immersion | suitable |
| Application | pools, whirlpools, spa centres, bathrooms and showers |
| Packaging | carton of 1 m²; sold in multiples of a carton |
How it behaves in water
In the water the tone is enriched: the original colour is seen at the top, while towards the bottom the shade becomes deeper and sparkles in the sun.
Why it is worth it
- Non-porous: the glass absorbs at most 0.04 % water, so it does not attract mould, stains or odours.
- Made for immersion: it can stay permanently under water – in pools, whirlpools, fountains and overflow channels.
- Lasting colour: it does not fade in the sun (ISO 4892) and does not react to cleaning agents (class A per ASTM C650).
- Frost-resistant: it withstands repeated freezing and thawing (ASTM C1026), so it is also suitable for outdoor areas.
- Strong: it withstands a flexural load of 55 N/mm² (EN ISO 10545-4), and the surface is free of defects.
- Eco-friendly: 100 % recycled glass, free of lead, cadmium and other heavy-metal pigments.
The silicone backing and why it is better
The chips of Bonaire are fixed on a silicone (polyurethane) backing of small dots. The dots connect the pieces to one another without covering their backs, so the adhesive reaches more than 95 % of every chip – the bond is reliable.
The thickness of the mosaic stays the same, the adhesive and grout do not damage the backing, and the sheet does not warp in storage. Its flexibility lets you wrap it around rounded walls, steps and corners without effort.
| Backing | Free area for the adhesive | Laying on curves and corners | Visibility after laying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicone dots | over 95 % of the back | very easy, the sheet is flexible | chips and joints are visible; nothing is removed after laying |
| Mesh | less, because the mesh covers part of the back | easy | chips are visible; nothing is removed |
| Paper | the whole back, but the paper is on the front | difficult, the paper tears | chips are hidden; the paper is soaked and peeled off |
Where it is used
- interior walls and floor of a pool or whirlpool;
- individual accents in the bathroom and spa;
- decorative niches and borders.
Grout
Grey grout preserves the natural look, while white makes the blue brighter.
For a pool choose an epoxy grout: it is waterproof, unaffected by chlorine and does not change colour.
How much material to calculate
Measure the floor and walls and add an allowance for cutting. Example: a pool of 8 × 4 m with a depth of 1.5 m.
Guide consumption rates: adhesive approx. 2 kg/m² for chips up to 25 mm, 2.5 kg/m² for 40 mm and 3 kg/m² for larger ones. For grout the formula 1.6 kg/m² × C × D × (A + B) / (A × B) is used – for a chip of about 3 cm, a thickness of about 6 mm and a joint of 2 mm. The actual quantity varies with the evenness and absorbency of the substrate, the adhesive and grout chosen, the teeth of the trowel, the width and depth of the joint, the geometry of the room or pool, and the skill of the installer. Check the quantities against the technical data sheets of the chosen adhesive and grout.
Installation steps
- Substrate preparation: it must be dry, sound, dust-free and level (within 2 mm over 2 m). In a pool, first apply an elastic cement waterproofing.
- Adhesive: white flexible cement adhesive, class C2TE S1. The glass is slightly translucent, and a grey adhesive would darken the colour.
- Application: spread the adhesive with a notched trowel (3–4 mm teeth), enough for 2–3 sheets at a time.
- Placing: press the sheet on evenly with a rubber float, leaving a 2 mm gap between the individual sheets, the same as between the chips.
- Cutting: at corners and around the nozzles, cut through the silicone dots with a utility knife, and break off individual chips with special glass mosaic nippers.
- Grouting: wait a day, then grout. In a pool use an epoxy grout.
- Cleaning: remove grout residue with a damp sponge before it dries; the epoxy mixture must be removed immediately with a special cleaner.
- Filling: fill the pool only when the grout has fully cured – this takes about a week.
For the job you will need: a rubber float and a notched trowel (3–4 mm), a utility knife, glass mosaic nippers, a sponge, a bucket of clean water, pool waterproofing, the white C2TE S1 adhesive and a grout – epoxy or water-resistant.
Standard tests
- EN ISO 10545-3 – water absorption: max. 0.04 %.
- EN ISO 10545-4 – flexural strength: 55 N/mm².
- EN ISO 10545-2 – surface: all sheets free of defects.
- ASTM C650 – chemical resistance: class A, the colour does not change.
- ASTM C1026 – freeze/thaw cycles: the mosaic withstands them.
- ISO 4892 – UV ageing: no change.
- EN ISO 10545 – thermal expansion: withstands it.
Surface care
- Clean with a soft cloth or sponge and a neutral cleaner.
- Do not use abrasive powders, wire brushes or acids on the grout.
- Keep the water pH between 7.0 and 7.4 and a suitable hardness, so that limescale does not build up in the joints.
- Wipe along the waterline often with a sponge and the dedicated cleaner.
How it is sold
The mosaic is sold by the square metre, in multiples of a 1 m² carton. Take the whole quantity at once, with a 5–10 % allowance, so that it comes from one production batch and has the same shade.
Frequently asked questions
What adhesive should Bonaire be installed with?
The most suitable is a white flexible cement adhesive, class C2TE S1 – it does not change the shade of the glass.
Which grout should I choose?
Grey grout preserves the natural look, while white makes the blue brighter. For a pool, epoxy is required.
Can I order less than a carton?
No, it is sold only in multiples of a 1 m² carton. Order everything together so that it comes from one batch.
Is it suitable for salt water and chlorine?
Yes – chlorine and salt do not affect the glass, and the shade stays constant.
Can it be installed over old tiles?
It can be laid over an old tile layer when the tiles are stable, clean, free of grease and treated with a suitable primer. For a pool, new waterproofing is recommended.
Colour in photos and on site
The colour of glass mosaic is perceived differently under different conditions, so on site it may not exactly match the photos and 3D images. The reasons are:
- the calibration and brightness of the display you are viewing it on – computer, phone or tablet;
- the lighting – direct sun, clouds, lamps and the time of day;
- the viewing angle, because glass reflects light differently;
- the water in the pool – depth, clarity, chemical composition and the sky above – all of this makes the colour more saturated and bluer;
- the shade of the grout and adhesive, and how large the tiled area is;
- the surroundings – the coping, paving, walls and greenery around;
- the production batch – the shade may differ slightly between two batches;
- the natural differences between individual chips in the mixes.
The visualisations are illustrative and serve as a guide only.
See also: Wellness, Pools and Equipment, Cladding and Paving, Pools, Pool Chemicals, Pool Accessories.
