Sea turtles are the most requested pool mosaic for good reason: they read clearly through moving water, suit almost any pool style, and come in sizes from a 4-inch step accent to a centerpiece for the pool floor. Here's how to pick the right one.
The main sea turtle mosaic styles
- Porcelain turtles. Handcrafted by Artistry in Mosaics and the most popular choice. The Loggerhead Turtle comes in Blue, Aqua and Natural in three sizes (8" x 10", 15" x 14" and 20" x 24"). The Sea Turtle comes in Natural from 9" x 12" up to 23" x 30".
- Turtles with a shadow. These include a separate mosaic shadow piece, so when the water moves the turtle appears to float above the pool floor. See the Sea Turtle with Shadow and the Loggerhead Turtle with Shadow.
- Fusion iridescent turtles. Iridescent porcelain in Sapphire, Caribbean or Rainbow with a pool-rated non-slip finish. The Fusion Loggerhead starts at a 6" size, which makes it a favorite for steps and sun shelves.
- Glass turtles. Hand-assembled from glass pool tile for the richest color underwater. The Sea Turtle glass mosaic (14" x 24" or 21" x 36") and the Loggerhead Turtle with Shadow glass mosaic are true statement pieces.
- Minis. The Mini Loggerhead is about 4" and comes in three swimming poses (A, B and C), so a few together look like a small group.
What size sea turtle do you need?
Think about where people will be when they see it. A good rule of thumb:
- Steps, benches and sun shelves (shallow water, seen up close): 4" to 10" pieces.
- Pool walls and the shallow-end floor: roughly 9" to 16".
- The deep end or center of the floor (seen from the deck or the house): 20" and up, or a glass turtle.
When in doubt, tape a piece of paper the size of the mosaic onto the empty pool floor and look at it from your patio.
Where sea turtles look best
- Sun shelf or tanning ledge: two or three minis or 6" Fusion turtles swimming toward the steps.
- Pool floor: one large turtle, or a family of different sizes all heading the same way.
- Two turtles facing each other: Artistry in Mosaics can make most porcelain designs in a mirrored (reversed) direction as a special order.
- Spa floor: a single medium turtle is a nice surprise when the jets are off.
Before you order
- Plan it with your remodel. Mosaics are set by your tile installer while the pool is empty, so the best time to add one is during a new build, replaster or retile.
- Custom options. Most porcelain designs can be special-ordered with custom colors, a mirrored direction or a slip-resistant coating, usually with about a 3-week lead time. Special orders are final sale. Ask us for a quote.
- Match your waterline. Pairing a turtle with blue or aqua glass tile? Order a $5 tile sample to see the color in person.
- Fast shipping. In-stock orders ship within 1–2 business days, with free US shipping on orders under 20 lb.
Shop all sea turtle pool mosaics →
Want something one of a kind? We can have a turtle, or anything else, made to your size and colors through our custom mosaic builder.