Once you’ve decided to add that dream pool, the next step is to figure out the interior pool finish.
A finish that matches home decor and poolscape can elevate the pool to a whole new level.
There are many types of pool finishes to choose from, including plaster, aggregate finishes, and tile.
Secondary to this, each type of pool finish comes in an array of materials, colors, and textures.
Check out our pools to see Different Types Of Pool Finishes.
Pool Finishes Explained
Design aesthetics are defined by the pool finish, at Texoma Pools, we understand that. Our goal is to show all of the types of pool finish that are available to you to review.
We will then work to match your desired expression to the best type of style and pool finish. Once this is all in place and you have picked the best pool finish, work can begin!
Plaster Pool Finishes
A traditional white pool finish. Plaster is the oldest and most common pool surface finish. It is a simple mixture of water, Portland cement, and either marble dust or silica sand.
Plaster gives a pool that smooth, classic appearance and is still very popular, likely because it is the most affordable option. This finish typically lasts five to seven years before visible etching or chipping
There are options with plaster.
Mixing it with colored pigments or dyes can create dimension and drama.
The most common would be medium grey as it creates an ocean blue color and darker plaster colors create depth and enhance reflective qualities i.e. the look of a lake or a pond is obtained with this type of plaster pigmenting.
Aggregate Pool Finishes
Aggregate pool finishes are the new generation of plaster pool surfaces and demand for this type of pool finish has surged in recent years.
While plaster pool finishes were notoriously the most popular type of pool finish in the past, Aggregate pool finish sales have now superseded those of plaster.
They contain stones, glass, quartz, ceramic-coated crystals, and/or pebbles which are then combined with a type of cement-based pigmented plaster and pneumatically applied.
There are two different types of aggregate pool finishes, exposed and polished.
Both offer exceptional durability as they have a greater resistance to staining and chemicals used in the regular treatment and cleaning of the pool.
Due to the range of finishes, many of which can appear luxurious and aesthetically appealing, people tend to prefer aggregate pool finishes compared with the traditional plaster pool finish option.
What are the different types of aggregate pool finishes?
There are two types of aggregate pool finish options; these are polished aggregate and exposed aggregate. Here, we explained the main differences between the two:
Polished Aggregate Pool Finishes – will usually house finite crushings of stones such as marble, granite, or quartz. These highly decorative pool finish gems don’t just look great, they can actually help to extend the life of the plaster on the pool for anything between 12-20 years.
Exposed Aggregate Pool Finishes – will usually contain micro glass beads or tiny river pebbles. The overall pool finish is power washed with a blend of muriatic acid and water in order to remove the upper layer of concrete and expose either the glass beads or river pebbles underneath. This type of pool finish is known to add traction to the surface of the pool.
Overall, aggregate pool finishes offer a superb balance between having a luxury pool finish that is highly durable and which won’t break the bank in the process.
While a plaster pool finish is the cheapest, an aggregate pool finish offers the most options in terms of the materials and look of the pool finish, along with the added assurance of the durability of the finish overall.
Tile Pool Finishes
A tile-based pool finish is another popular option that is typically made of porcelain, but in some cases, a tiled-finished pool can be made with ceramic, glass or stone. It is also possible to blend these types of tiles together if that is your preference.
A tiled pool finish is another durable and long-lasting solution that has a huge range of design and aesthetic options. Out of all the types of pool finishes, a tiled pool finished is the most expensive option.
It is also a much longer installation process when compared with a plaster pool finish and aggregate pool finishes.
Out of all the pool finish choices, the tiled pool finished last the longest; without question. If there is ever any damage or there is a need to replace a tile, the work can be carried out quickly, it is affordable, and more importantly, it will be isolated.
Most people will usually tile the entirety of their pool. However, this is absolutely personal preference.
If you are considering the best type of tile to use for your pool, there are pros and cons for each that will need to be carefully considered and discussed with your local pool installation company.
Each of the different options for tile pool finishes is available in different sizes, colors, shapes, and permeability
