Whether it’s a pool plastering project or a major pool remodel, knowing the different types of pool finishes matters. Being familiar with the different types of pool interior finishes can help you customize and personalize your pool.
Check out these different types of pool finish.
Different Pool Finishes Explained
Your pool interior finish plays an important role when it comes to improving both the aesthetic design and the structural integrity of your pool. Our goal here is to give you information about the basic types of swimming pool finishes so you can get acquainted with what each pool finish has to offer.
Knowing these small, yet significant details makes matching the right materials and the right style easy. So, let’s begin.
1. Pool Plaster Finish.
Pool plaster is one of the most common pool interior finishes mainly because of its affordable price. Although considered traditional, these types of pool finishes are still used by many pool owners today because of their practical features. Here are a few.
- Gives your pool a clean look.
- Allows you to easily spot stains.
- Lets you see if someone needs help from a distance.
- Highly customizable.
Using pool plaster gives your pool a clean white finish. Moreover, it complements your clear pool water. Its beautiful white surface makes it easy to spot stains and lets you address cosmetic issues from the get-go. And if you have kids at home, its plain white finish acts as a safety feature as it lets you see if anyone needs help even from across the deck.
Pool plaster is also highly customizable. It’s typically made out of white Portland cement with marble dust. However, the modern pool plaster can be had in a wide variety of colors. Just talk to your pool contractor so they can add color pigment additives to produce various shades of plaster. Other contractors even add small aggregates like quartz, glass, or ceramic which helps give your pool plaster the shine and shimmer it deserves. The most popular tone added to white plaster is often medium grey as it helps imitate an ocean blue color. Also, darker pigments can help create different depths and dimensions.
Plaster, as a pool interior finish, can be durable, especially when applied by an experienced pool professional. It is usually blasted into the walls and the floor of the pool using pneumatic equipment. Under the right conditions, you can expect your pool plaster to last for seven to eight years before you see significant damage and dilapidation. Maintenance is usually addressed through pool plastering and pool resurfacing.
2. Pool Pebble Finish.
Also known as exposed aggregate finish, pool pebble finish uses pebblestones which add texture and dimension to your pool’s interior. Walking on pool pebble might feel like walking on the bottom of a creek bed which means that pool pebble isn’t actually everybody’s cup of tea as it could work for or against you. Nevertheless, the traction it provides makes for an anti-slip function which helps if you have kids or seniors using your pool. It also offers some aesthetic value as pool pebble can emanate the look of natural stone. It can also be had in various colors which allows you to create a customized look. If you’re bothered with the texture of large pebblestones, some manufacturers offer smaller pebblestones which can make the finish smoother while still providing you the traction you need.
Apart from its natural beauty, pool pebbles are better known for their durability. While the average pool plaster can last you a good seven years, pool pebble can last anywhere from fifteen to twenty years. Furthermore, pool plaster is highly resistant to stains, be it organic or metallic in nature. It can also hold up well against heavily treated pool water which means that it can look as good as it lasts. It may also need less frequent maintenance as pool plaster and you can do away with just brushing the pool every one or two weeks.
Because of the nature of the material, many pool contractors apply the pebble by hand. It is later troweled to even out the surface and compact the pool pebble finish for better bond and adhesion. Because of the quality of material and the work involved in applying pool pebble, it’s often more expensive than plaster. Maintenance is often carried out during pool remodel projects or pool resurfacing.
3. Pool Tile Finish.
Known for its elegance and sophistication, pool tiles are considered to be the most luxurious pool finish. Pool tiles are specialized tiles designed and engineered to withstand the harmful chemicals and the pressure of water in an in-ground concrete pool. That said, it also boasts superior durability and reliability (around fifteen to twenty years, even longer, under ideal conditions) while offering unparalleled aesthetic beauty.
Pool tiles come in a wide range of styles and designs. One of the most popular ones is mosaic pool tiles, but there are also ones that come pre-made with designs that can easily be laid on the bottom of the pool floor. There are small pool tiles and even large ones that are used as centerpieces with striking and eye-catching designs. Pool tiles come in different varieties. Here are a few.
- Glass tile.
- Stone tile.
- Ceramic tile.
- Porcelain tile.
As you might expect from pool products that are as opulent as luxurious, pool tiles are often expensive which are used in hotels and resorts. But no one’s stopping you from using it in your residential pool. That said, it’s also imperative that the tiles are installed by an experienced pool contractor for best results. Maintenance is also easy as the smooth finish of the pool tiles prevents dirt, debris, and even small microorganisms like algae from latching on the surface which makes it an ideal pool finish.
Final Words
If you’re considering the best pool finish, it’s important to factor in the pros and cons of each material including the initial upfront as well as the maintenance costs. Alternatively, here’s a DIY method on how to build your own swimming pool in the yard. Also, make sure to hire experienced professionals when having the pool interior installed.