Stoneware grates for swimming pools: beauty and technology together

In the field of outdoor architecture, the swimming pool has now become a central element in design—not only in private settings but also in spas, sports centers, and hotels. Functionality is increasingly intertwined with aesthetics, and every component must meet high standards of quality, durability, and visual harmony with the surrounding environment.

This very need gave rise to the new patented plastic and porcelain stoneware pool grate developed by Nexus. It is the only grate in the world that combines plastic and porcelain stoneware without the use of adhesives, using a patented system that ensures maximum strength, durability, and freedom of customization.

This innovation represents a true breakthrough from both a technical and aesthetic perspective, meeting the growing demand for products that combine design and functionality in water-exposed environments, such as overflow pools or pools with hidden edges.

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of this exclusive technology, starting with the inherent qualities of porcelain stoneware.

Porcelain stoneware for swimming pools: features of a high-performance material

Porcelain stoneware for pools is one of the most popular solutions for cladding and paving outdoor areas. This ceramic material, compact and non-porous, stands out for its exceptional resistance to wear, temperature fluctuations, and moisture. It is precisely this combination of technical features and visual appeal that makes it ideal even for perimeter grates.

Porcelain stoneware for pools is obtained by firing a mixture of refined clays, feldspars, and silica sands at very high temperatures. The result is a compact, non-porous material with a surface resistant to scratches, chemicals, and UV rays. But the real strength of porcelain stoneware today lies in its stylistic versatility: modern technologies allow it to faithfully reproduce the appearance of other materials such as wood, marble, natural stone, or concrete, without sacrificing performance.

In particular, wood-look porcelain stoneware flooring is appreciated for its ability to offer visual warmth and natural appeal, while maintaining ceramic resistance. The same goes for stone-effect porcelain floors, ideal for minimalist and contemporary spaces, or for the refined marble-effect porcelain, perfect for elegant and sophisticated settings. All these possibilities can now be applied even around the pool, thanks to the integration of porcelain stoneware directly into the grate.

The Nexus innovation: plastic and porcelain stoneware pool grates

The new Nexus pool grate in plastic and porcelain stoneware marks a technological breakthrough. It is the only patented grate in the world where the porcelain surface is joined to the plastic base without the use of adhesives, making the entire system more resistant, safer, and more durable over time.

The core of the grate is made of a technical polypropylene base, already tested and certified according to the strictest European standards for use in humid and sports environments. This material ensures structural stability, resistance to bending, and excellent workability, even in curved or shaped formats. The porcelain stoneware is then applied to the surface using a patented mechanical system that eliminates adhesives, reducing the risk of detachment over time and simplifying production and recycling processes.

The absence of glue also makes the grate more eco-friendly, making maintenance or replacement of individual elements easier. This technical detail has a direct impact on the perceived quality of the product, its durability over time, and its ability to adapt even to highly exposed environments, such as pool edges subject to intense daily stress.

The key advantages of this innovation include:

  • Perfect bonding between porcelain and plastic even after years of use;
  • High resistance to weather, chlorine, UV rays, and frost;
  • Full customization in terms of size, shape, and surface finish;
  • Adaptability even to curved or complex-shaped pools;
  • Ease of installation and maintenance.

A perfect match for any type of outdoor flooring

One of the main benefits of integrating porcelain stoneware into perimeter grates is the visual continuity between the pool edge and the outdoor flooring. The grate is no longer a technical and jarring element but becomes an integral part of the design, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

Thanks to the wide range of finishes available, Nexus grates can be perfectly matched with any type of porcelain flooring, whether it’s:

  • Wood-effect porcelain stoneware, widely used for terraces, solariums, and residential settings;
  • Natural stone-effect porcelain, ideal for spas and wellness centers;
  • Concrete-look porcelain stoneware, perfect for industrial-style environments;
  • or the sophisticated marble-effect porcelain stoneware, preferred in hotels and high-end facilities.

This design flexibility makes it possible to maintain a cohesive aesthetic around the entire pool perimeter, without resorting to compromise solutions.

Textures and finishes: endless creative possibilities

One of the most appreciated qualities of porcelain stoneware is its ability to faithfully replicate other natural materials, offering a virtually limitless range of aesthetic effects. The swimming pool grates developed by Nexus fully leverage this potential, integrating porcelain stoneware inserts that can reproduce textures, veining, and shades that harmonize perfectly with the chosen outdoor design style.

Among the most requested finishes:

  • Wood-effect porcelain stoneware, warm and welcoming, ideal for villas, gardens, and residential settings;
  • Stone-effect porcelain stoneware, perfect for a rustic, natural, or Mediterranean look;
  • Marble-effect porcelain stoneware, for sophisticated and luxurious environments;
  • Concrete or resin-effect porcelain stoneware, suited for modern, urban, or minimalist spaces.

All finishes are available in a wide range of color tones, which can be matched with the plastic structure of the grate. Nexus offers a broad selection of colors both for the polypropylene body and for the porcelain stoneware covering, allowing for two-tone solutions or embossed logos. In this way, each grate can become a unique piece, designed to seamlessly integrate with its surrounding context.

Maintenance and long-term durability: no compromises

When it comes to outdoor environments—and pools in particular—maintenance is a critical factor. Constant exposure to chlorine, weather elements, sand, and debris requires the use of materials that are both easy to clean and highly durable.

The plastic and porcelain stoneware pool grates developed by Nexus fully meet these needs. The porcelain surface is extremely dense and non-absorbent, meaning it does not trap dirt or mold, and is resistant to the chemical agents typically used for pool cleaning. Even after years of use, the porcelain retains its original color and texture.

The polypropylene structure, already tested in other Nexus models such as the TWIN series, provides mechanical strength and resistance to bending, heavy loads, and accidental impacts. The glue-free junction between the two materials prevents detachment or infiltration and makes cleaning easier and faster, as there are no gaps or critical points where dirt can accumulate.

This combination of materials and technology ensures minimal maintenance and long-term durability, even in highly demanding environments such as sports facilities, public pools, hotels, or seaside resorts.