Pebble Plaster or Porcelain Tiles for Pools?

Highlighting that aesthetics are just as important as cleanliness and hygiene for hotel operators, Kurt stated that Olcay Mix from the Natural Series met their expectations.

Let’s start our interview by getting to know you. Can you tell us a little about yourself and Elite World Hotels?

I have been providing technical coordination services for the group for approximately 15 years. Elite World Hotels serves the industry with eight hotels. The chain includes Elite World Asia Hotel (5-star) in Küçükyalı, the first Elite World hotel on Istanbul’s Asian side; Elite World Prestige Hotel (4-star plus) and Elite World Istanbul Hotel, both located in Taksim Talimhane, the heart of Istanbul; Elite World Van Hotel (5-star) in Van city center; Elite World Business Hotel (5-star) in Florya, conveniently close to Atatürk Airport and exhibition centers; Elite World Europe Hotel (5-star) on Basın Ekspres Road, one of Istanbul’s rapidly developing business districts; Elite World Marmaris Hotel (4-star) in İçmeler, where green meets blue; and Elite World Sapanca Convention & Wellness Resort, which reflects the experience and brilliance of the Elite World Hotels chain, offering a serene getaway in the heart of nature for business, leisure, and wellness stays.

Can you also share some details about Elite World Sapanca, one of Turkey’s most preferred hotels?

Elite World Sapanca Hotel, where we are currently, is the group’s largest hotel. It has 500 rooms and a total enclosed area of 230,000 square meters, including an 8,000-square-meter indoor SPA facility. Elite World Sapanca is the most comprehensive SPA and wellness center in the region, offering guests a unique combination of SPA rituals, non-invasive anti-aging treatments, holistic wellness rituals, and easy-to-follow fitness programs. In fact, I can confidently say that it is Turkey’s largest SPA center in this field.

The hotel features three adult swimming pools, several smaller pools, and a total of approximately 11 swimming pools, including decorative pools outdoors.

Additionally, there is one outdoor adult swimming pool, one children's swimming pool, and an aquapark catering to both adults and children. Our facility offers many different activities for guests.

How did you decide to use Serapool products at Elite World Sapanca Hotel? Which Serapool products did you choose?

Initially, when we first opened Elite World Sapanca Hotel, we used pebble plaster in our pools. We continued with this product for about 2 to 2.5 years but encountered several challenges over time. Since it was our first experience with pebble plaster, we were unfamiliar with its characteristics. As we started facing various issues, we, as always, reached out to Serapool Porcelain to find solutions regarding the best product selection and how we could transition to a better alternative.

After mutual discussions, we decided to go with Serapool Porcelain products, which are now applied in our pools.

We observed that the Olcay Mix products from the Natural Series provided numerous advantages, both in terms of aesthetics and hygiene, and significantly increased guest satisfaction.

We have collaborated with Serapool Porcelain across our entire group and continue to do so. In our upcoming projects, Serapool remains our top choice.

What advantages did working with Serapool bring you? What aspects of Serapool’s corporate culture and products appeal to you the most?

We have had a very successful and harmonious collaboration with Serapool Porcelain, especially in terms of product quality, variety, and engineering services.

I would particularly like to highlight the quality of Serapool’s products.

Since Olcay Mix is made of porcelain, it prevents the formation of bacteria and dirt in pools. Additionally, Olcay Mix provides a significant visual enhancement to our projects, making it incomparable to other ceramic-based products.

Thanks to its natural properties, Olcay Mix is truly a premium product, both aesthetically and in terms of hygiene. Since we have been highly satisfied with all the Serapool Porcelain products we have used in our pools so far, we have continued to work with Serapool for nearly 15 years across eight hotels.

How do you plan to continue your collaboration with Serapool?

Serapool Porcelain is a leading company in this industry. I can say this with complete confidence. We plan to continue working with Serapool Porcelain in our future projects as well.

In terms of product and service quality, including on-time deliveries, Serapool is a company I would highly recommend to all investors.

Investors will see for themselves how successful and appropriate these products are in terms of application. One of the most important aspects for us is that Serapool ensures deliveries on schedule without any disruptions.

From a business perspective, we have also observed that Serapool provides numerous conveniences in terms of mutual commercial relationships. The continuation of our 15-year partnership is a testament to our confidence in them.

You mentioned that Olcay Mix is a hygienic product. How has it made pool maintenance easier for you, given the high usage in your pools? What kind of feedback have you received in terms of both usage and aesthetics?

As hotel operators, providing service to people, hygiene, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal are of utmost importance to us. Serapool Porcelain meets all of these expectations.

Across all our group hotels, we provide seamless service, and our guests have given highly positive feedback on this matter.

Any final thoughts?

I would like to thank Serapool Porcelain and wholeheartedly recommend their products to all investors and businesses.