Tile Mastery (w/ Jimmy Reed)

In the world of luxury swimming pool construction, there's a crucial moment when concrete shells transform into stunning aquatic masterpieces. While most pool owners think of tile as simply the decorative border around their pool's edge, the reality of high-end tile work is far more complex—and far more beautiful. Jimmy Reed, founder of Rock Solid Tile, has spent decades perfecting this craft, creating pools that shimmer like jewels and water features that flow like works of art.

From Helper to Master: A Tile Journey That Started at 12

Not many people can say they found their life's calling before becoming a teenager, but Jimmy Reed's story is unique. His introduction to the tile world came through an unexpected source—a neighbor across the street.

I started in the tile industry when I was about 12 years old, working for a contractor that lived across the street from us in our neighborhood. And that's really when it started. He was a stone and tile contractor. He let me work for him on the weekends and in the summers.

— Jimmy Reed, Rule Your Pool Podcast

What began as weekend and summer work for a young Reed evolved into a deep understanding of craftsmanship. Those early years as "the bottom line helper for all these, you know, big, massive dudes" provided him with a foundation that would prove invaluable decades later when he specialized in swimming pool applications.

The transition from interior work to pool specialization wasn't immediate. Reed spent years honing his skills on high-end residential interiors, participating in intense weekly construction meetings and working on designer-driven projects. But it was in the mid-to-late 1980s when everything changed with his first pool project.

The Pivotal Moment: When Pools Became Everything

The shift from general tile work to pool specialization came with a revelation that many craftspeople dream of—being left alone to create without constant oversight and criticism.

I remember the first weekly meeting while we were on site there and everyone just kind of walked by and was, were, you know, eyes open and jaws dropped and they just kind of let us alone. I liked that feeling a lot.

— Jimmy Reed, Rule Your Pool Podcast

This experience, combined with the lack of competition in the Los Angeles market for high-quality pool tile work, created the perfect opportunity. In the 1980s, most pools were production-level installations with basic ceramic waterlines. Anything beyond "a six by six turquoise ceramic tile waterline was a little unusual," according to Reed.

Today, Reed's company focuses exclusively on pools and water features, occasionally taking on special interior projects like steam rooms, but always returning to their aquatic specialty. This laser focus has allowed them to perfect their craft in ways that generalist contractors simply cannot match.

The Science of Preparation: Why 70% Happens Before the First Tile

One of the most surprising revelations from Reed's expertise is the time distribution in tile projects. While a plaster job might be completed in a few hours, an all-tile installation requires weeks of work—and most of that time isn't spent placing tiles.

My answer to that usually is 70% of the project is preparation. Once the sculpting is done, once the finessing, the honing of the surface, then the tile should go up fairly quickly, pretty easily.

— Jimmy Reed, Rule Your Pool Podcast

This preparation phase involves multiple critical steps:

• Surface sculpting and honing: Creating the perfect substrate for tile adhesion
• Layout calculations: Ensuring patterns align perfectly across complex curved surfaces
• Problem anticipation: Identifying potential challenges before they become costly mistakes
• Material preparation: Proper mixing and preparation of adhesives and mortars

For a simple rectangular spa of about 1,000 gallons, Reed estimates four to five weeks of work. This timeline can be compressed when working out of town with extended hours and seven-day schedules, but the preparation phase remains non-negotiable.

Precision Engineering: The Art of the Perfect Edge

Perhaps nowhere is Reed's expertise more critical than in the creation of vanishing edges and perimeter overflow systems. These features, which create the illusion of water extending to infinity, require a level of precision that would make a watchmaker proud.

The challenge isn't just creating a level edge—it's maintaining that level across hundreds of feet while ensuring perfect water flow. Reed's team works within tolerances of 1/30th of an inch, using multiple tools to cross-check their work.

We always cross-check our tools, whether we're using spirit levels or transits and or lasers. Regardless of what we're using, mainly, we always cross-check with other tools to make sure we're absolutely perfect all the way around.

— Jimmy Reed, Rule Your Pool Podcast

This level of precision ensures that water flows evenly across the entire edge, eliminating dry spots that would reveal imperfections. While some might suggest simply "turning up the pumps" to compensate for uneven edges, Reed believes in getting it perfect from the beginning.

The Marriage of Mathematics and Artistry

When asked whether his craft is more science or art, Reed's response reveals the complexity of high-end tile work. It's not simply one or the other—it's a sophisticated blend that requires both technical precision and creative vision.

The mathematical component involves:

• Layout calculations for complex curved surfaces
• Proper mortar and adhesive mixing ratios
• Structural considerations for tile weight and water pressure
• Geometric planning for pattern alignment

The artistic elements include:

• Visual design and pattern selection
• Color coordination and transition planning
• Creative problem-solving for unique architectural features
• Aesthetic decision-making for transition details

Reed finds equal satisfaction in both aspects, noting that even the mathematical problem-solving provides artistic gratification. This dual appreciation allows him to approach each project as both an engineering challenge and a creative opportunity.

Beyond Basic Waterlines: The Evolution of Pool Tile

Today's high-end pools bear little resemblance to the simple production pools of the 1980s. Modern aquatic environments often include multiple water features, spas that transform into streams, narrow tiled channels, and complex geometric shapes that challenge even experienced craftspeople.

Reed's most challenging details typically involve:

• Vanishing edges: Whether Lautner-style or infinity edges, these require perfect precision
• Transition details: Moving from walls to floors, especially with radius transitions
• Complex geometries: Multiple depth changes, integrated seating, and architectural features
• Water feature integration: Connecting pools to spas, streams, and other water elements

Rather than viewing these challenges as obstacles, Reed embraces them as opportunities to leave his "signature stamp" on each project. This enthusiasm for complexity is what separates master craftspeople from general contractors.

Continuous Learning in a Changing Industry

Despite decades of experience and recognition as one of the premier pool tile specialists in California, Reed maintains a humble perspective on expertise. He emphasizes that learning never stops, regardless of experience level.

I've been doing this many years, more than six and a half years, believe it or not. What? And I never stopped learning, ever.

— Jimmy Reed, Rule Your Pool Podcast

This commitment to continuous improvement is what allows craftspeople like Reed to stay at the forefront of their field as new materials, techniques, and design trends emerge. It's also what makes him an ideal instructor for Watershape University's tile workshop, where he can share not just techniques, but the mindset required for excellence.

The Future of Aquatic Tile Work

As Reed prepares to share his expertise through formal education, the tile industry continues to evolve. New materials, improved adhesives, and innovative design concepts create both opportunities and challenges for tile specialists.

The key to success remains the same principles Reed has followed throughout his career: meticulous preparation, continuous learning, and an appreciation for both the technical and artistic aspects of the craft. For those entering the field or looking to elevate their skills, Reed's approach offers a roadmap to excellence.

The transformation from that 12-year-old helper to one of the industry's most respected tile specialists didn't happen overnight. It required decades of dedication, countless problem-solving experiences, and an unwavering commitment to quality. But the result—pools that function as works of art and water features that create magical experiences—justifies every hour of preparation and every precision measurement.

In an industry where the difference between good and great often comes down to millimeters, Jimmy Reed's story reminds us that true mastery comes from respecting both the science and the art of craftsmanship. Whether you're a pool professional looking to elevate your skills or a pool owner seeking to understand the complexity behind those shimmering surfaces, Reed's insights offer a fascinating glimpse into a world where precision meets artistry in perfect harmony.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 02:30 Jimmy's Origin Story - Starting at Age 12
• 05:45 Transition from Interior Work to Pool Specialization
• 08:15 The Evolution of Pool Tile Work Since the 1980s
• 12:00 All-Tile Pools vs. Traditional Waterline Work
• 15:30 Timeline and Process for Tile Installation
• 18:45 The 70% Preparation Rule
• 22:00 Precision Requirements for Vanishing Edges
• 26:30 Most Challenging Tile Details
• 29:15 The Art vs. Science of Tile Work
• 32:00 Teaching and Sharing Knowledge