In today’s fast-paced world of construction, the art of tile installation is often rushed, misunderstood, or oversimplified. Add water into the equation, such as in submerged environments, and problems can quickly arise — typically due to poor substrate preparation, improper product selection, or a lack of understanding around bonding, coverage, and cure times.
In this age of information overload, where manufacturers, distributors, and home improvement centers constantly promote products that promise faster, easier, one-step solutions, the true mechanics of our trade risk getting lost in translation.
As faculty members of GENESIS, Ken Milbery and I share the responsibility of teaching dampproofing, coping, and tile installation. These classes are critical for introducing the principles of our trade, but they are not substitutes for vocational training; they offer a broad, well-rounded overview.
While we both have a deep love for the craft, we’re equally concerned about the direction the industry is headed. Ken travels weekly to job sites across the country and regularly encounters tile failures, most of which would have been preventable with proper material selection and sound installation practices. These problems usually stem from a lack of training or a misunderstanding of the basics.
Some might argue that Ken sees only failures, but I assure you, he’s also seen excellent work. Still, the volume of preventable issues he encounters is alarming. I see the same pattern in my own travels: some beautiful work, but far too much that reflects a lack of knowledge or efficiency. And what troubles me most is how quickly the craft itself is being lost.
I often meet talented installers doing quality work, but they’re often working twice as hard as they need to, simply because they’ve never been taught a better way. Over the years, I’ve picked up dozens of techniques, some passed down from seasoned masters, others developed through trial and error, and now, Ken and I are teaming up to pass those practices along. If we can help today’s installers work smarter, prevent failures, and raise the bar for craftsmanship, then we’ve done our job.
Aside from understanding core principles, which provide the scaffolding for quality work, what really excites students is learning the “tricks of the trade” that save time and energy. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re refined techniques that streamline the process and instantly elevate a tile professional’s game.
FLOATING AND THE USE OF JIGS AND TEMPLATES
Of all the topics we teach, two that consistently draw the most interest are floating and tile installation — beyond the basics. Students are eager to learn the specialized techniques that take these practices to the next level.
Creating custom jigs and templates is an essential part of floating, especially when dealing with curved or freeform surfaces. Take roller skate jigs, for example, which are simple wheeled devices that glide along coping lines, carving uniform mortar beds along the waterline. They’re particularly effective on circular pools or freeform designs.
Building on that, these jigs can be combined with swing arms that rotate from a central point, perfect for creating flawless radii in circular spas. With this system, you can float the walls, seating, tops, and faces of spas with exceptional accuracy. All it takes is a few rollers, some plywood, metal studs, and a bit of ingenuity.
Once the principles are understood, the possibilities for adaptation are virtually endless.
Three custom jigs, each using the center point and a fixed revolving radius, helped create this circular tiled spa.
INFINITY EDGES MADE EASY
Infinity edges, rim flows, and negative edges all share one requirement: They must be level. The concept is simple, but in practice, especially with curved edges, it can be intimidating.
All too often, installers rely on plywood or bender board nailed into place, only to discover later that the edge isn’t perfectly level. The nails can’t be easily adjusted, and what started as a promising setup turns into a frustrating rework.
By using clamps and adjustable supports instead of nails, the entire form becomes fully adjustable. With careful pre-leveling and a few support points beneath the bender board, you can eliminate the need for a level entirely during setup. Set it, clamp it, and go.
These subtle techniques can make a huge difference in both precision and time saved.
SMARTER TILE INSTALLATION
Tile layout may seem straightforward, until you introduce curves, depth transitions, and coved surfaces. All-tile pools can appear overwhelming at first, but we’ve learned to approach them like a puzzle: break them into manageable segments and move methodically.
Even the most complex shapes become approachable when you understand how to sequence the work. Strategic planning, combined with cutting tricks and prefabrication, can turn intimidating designs into routine projects.
Other important tips and techniques include:
Advanced cutting techniques using core bits for fittings
In-place cuts with precision tools
Prefabricating elements like seat tops, benches, and drain covers
Proper blade selection and setup for flawless results
As always, a little upfront planning yields faster, cleaner, and more accurate work in the field.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Between Ken and me, we bring over 70 years of combined hands-on experience. We’ve faced the challenges, earned the scars, witnessed the failures, and celebrated the victories. But more importantly, we’re committed to elevating the trade.
When I look back on my apprenticeship, I remember the struggle to learn in a culture where many veterans kept their methods to themselves. Thankfully, I worked with generous craftsmen who believed in sharing, and that spirit continues in the way we teach.
Nobody owns this trade; it’s a craft to be preserved, refined, and passed down. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Our job is to honor that by improving what we do and equipping the next generation to do it even better.
This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
Three custom jigs, each using the center point and a fixed revolving radius, helped create this circular tiled spa.
