At first glance, the Fire House Show Pool in Terrell, Texas, looks like a luxury backyard oasis – a glass-tiled spa, natural stone waterline, and a dramatic infinity edge that shimmers in the sun. But beyond its beauty, this project serves a bigger purpose: it’s a working showroom for Fire House Pools, designed and built by Owner Taelor Brewer to showcase his craftsmanship to customers.
Building such a showcase comes with high stakes. Every detail – from the waterproofing system to the tile setting materials – needed to meet the highest standards for performance, durability, and warranty coverage. For Brewer, the choice was clear: partner with ARDEX Americas to deliver a complete system solution.
The challenge: out-of-square gunite and a demanding material palette
When Brewer and his team began the project, they encountered challenges common in custom pool construction but amplified by the high-visibility nature of a showroom build.
- Out-of-square and out-of-plumb spa: The gunite shell was off by more than an inch and needed significant correction before tile installation could begin.
- Material demands: The project included translucent glass tile for the spa and infinity edge, paired with natural stone coping and waterline tile. Each required specific setting materials and techniques.
- Environmental factors: Texas heat posed another challenge. With temperatures soaring, installers needed to adapt their workflow to maintain product performance.
As Brewer explained, “This pool wasn’t just for a client – it was for us. We knew every detail would be scrutinized, so we had to get it right the first time.”
The team
- Contractor/builder: Fire House Pools – Taelor Brewer
- Installer: Eric Vera
- Sales professional: Cristian Bautista, ARDEX Americas
Bautista worked closely with Brewer and Vera, helping ensure the installation followed best practices and qualified for ARDEX’s SystemOne™ Limited Warranty.
Correcting the spa with ARDEX AM 100™
The first priority was correcting the out-of-plumb spa shell. ARDEX AM 100™ Rapid Set Pre-Tile Smoothing and Ramping Mortar provided the ideal solution.
Installer Eric Vera applied AM 100 to smooth and reshape the spa walls, correcting the 1-1/4” deviation. Thanks to AM 100’s rapid-setting properties, Vera was able to waterproof the same day – an advantage that helped keep the project on schedule despite hot working conditions.
Waterproofing with ARDEX 8+9™ and SK Mesh
With the substrate corrected, attention turned to waterproofing. For submerged applications like the spa and infinity edge, ARDEX 8+9™ Rapid Waterproofing and Crack Isolation Compound was applied in three coats.
At all changes of plane and penetrations, Vera reinforced with ARDEX SK MESH to ensure long-term flexibility and protection. The result was a fully waterproofed system that exceeded industry standards (ANSI A 118.10 and A 118.12).
Tackling the heat
To combat the Texas sun, the team started early in the morning and used chilled water during mixing. All ARDEX products were stored indoors to keep polymers cool and maintain workability. These simple adjustments made a big difference in ensuring performance consistency.
Setting glass and stone with ARDEX WA™ and ARDEX X 77™
Because the spa and infinity edge were finished with translucent glass tile, the specification called for ARDEX WA™ High-Performance, 100% Solids Epoxy Grout and Adhesive. WA’s superior bond strength and resistance to water and chemicals made it ideal for submerged glass applications.
For the coping and waterline natural stone tiles, ARDEX X 77™ MICROTEC® Fiber Reinforced Tile and Stone Mortar was used. Known for its creamy consistency, open time, and bond strength, X 77 gave the installers confidence that the stone elements would perform as well as they looked.
Finishing touches with ARDEX FL™ and SX™
Once the tile installation cured, Vera grouted with ARDEX FL™ Rapid Set, Flexible, Sanded Grout, which provided color consistency and resistance to shrinkage and cracking. At all changes of plane, he sealed with ARDEX SX™ 100% Silicone Sealant for Tile and Stone Applications, ensuring long-term flexibility and waterproofing.
Why the ARDEX System matters
For Brewer, choosing ARDEX wasn’t just about product performance. It was about the confidence that comes from using a complete, warrantied system. By installing the full line – AM 100, 8+9, SK Mesh, WA, X 77, FL, and SX – the Fire House Show Pool qualified for the ARDEX SystemOne™ Limited Warranty, offering coverage that protects both the installer and the owner.
“The warranty gives us and our clients peace of mind,” said Bautista. “When you’re building a showcase project like this, you want to know the system will stand the test of time.”
A showcase pool with lasting impact
For Brewer, the Fire House Show Pool isn’t just a personal project – it’s a living portfolio. Prospective clients can see firsthand the beauty and durability of glass tile installations when executed with the right products and expertise.
“People can stand right here, see the spa, touch the glass tile, and understand what their own pool could look like,” Brewer said. “That’s powerful. And I know that with ARDEX, the performance behind the beauty is just as strong.”
Lessons learned
This project underscores several key takeaways for installers and builders tackling similar challenges:
- Start with prep: Substrate correction is critical. AM 100 provided a fast, reliable way to correct out-of-square conditions.
- Waterproofing is non-negotiable: With submerged glass tile, a robust waterproofing system like 8+9 with SK Mesh is essential.
- Adapt to the environment: Working in extreme heat required adjustments like chilled water and early starts.
- Use the right mortar for the material: Translucent glass requires epoxy adhesives, while natural stone benefits from a high-performance thinset.
- Think system, not single product: A comprehensive ARDEX system, backed by SystemOne warranty coverage, ensures long-term success.
Conclusion
The Fire House Show Pool stands as a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship meets the right product system. Despite hot weather, out-of-plumb conditions, and demanding glass tile requirements, the team at Fire House Pools – led by Taelor Brewer and installer Eric Vera – delivered a flawless showcase project.
By leveraging the full ARDEX system and support from sales professional Cristian Bautista, they not only achieved a stunning, warrantied installation but also created a lasting tool for their business: a living, shimmering showroom that demonstrates excellence in every detail.
For builders, architects, and installers alike, the lesson is clear: when the stakes are high, a complete system solution makes all the difference.
