When installing a pool there are many options that need to be considered to give homeowners that picturesque view they dream about when coming home every day for relaxation and leisure. One of the many choices that need to be made is the type and style of finish the pool will have; whether it’s made of plaster, tile, or aggregate. Each finish has a variety of materials, colors, and textures to choose from. The options seem endless; which is the best to use and in what combination? If you’re renovating or installing a new inground pool it’s important to select the best finish that compliments your design and vision. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of finishes so you can find an option that fits your budget and your pool needs perfectly.
Plaster
Plaster is the most common material used for pool surface finishing. It is made from a mixture of water, Portland cement, and either silica sand or marble dust. Many choose a traditional white plaster, also known as marcite, which gives the pool a clean, smooth appearance. An available option with plaster is to mix color pigments or dyes to give the pool finish more depth and create a unique appearance. The color that is most popularly added is medium grey because it gives the pool water an amazing blue tint that many are looking for. Darker colors like dark grey and black are used to create more depth or to appear like a natural lake or pond. Plaster finished pools remain the least expensive pool finish and generally lasts 5 to 7 years before signs of repair are needed.
Aggregates
The newest form of pool plaster surfaces is called aggregates. They are a combination of white or colored plasters mixed with little pieces of stones such as quartz, granite, or glass beads. Aggregate finishes are growing in popularity due to its resistance to chemicals and staining compared to standard plaster and it also extends the life of the finish by 12 to 20 years. Since there is a beautiful variety of colors and textures to mix together, every finished pool has a one-of-a-kind look that many people are after making this another great choice.
When choosing aggregates, you’ll need to decide if you want the stones polished or exposed. A polished aggregate finish has crushed colored stones that are applied by hand to the pool shell by a professional plaster company. It is then polished to show the stone’s luster more clearly and makes the surface smooth. Exposed aggregates contain small river pebbles or glass beads that are also hand-applied. After application and while still wet, the exposed aggregates are power washed using a mixture of muriatic acid which removes the top layer of concrete exposing the colored pebbles or glass beads. This style has a rough texture to create traction to the pool surface.
Tile Finishes
If your looking for one of the most durable finishes with endless design options, look no further than tile. Tiles are typically applied at the waterline of a pool or onto steps to accent the pool, but they can be used to finish the entire interior of the pool as well. The biggest disadvantage in using tile, however, is most definitely the cost and the amount of time required for installation. It may be well worth it in the end though since the life of the tile should never need to be redone, unlike other finishes. Tile can be made from ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even stone which gives a large variety of shapes and colors for a unique appearance.
No matter which finishes you choose, they all offer stunning beauty to your pool in which you’ll enjoy for many years to come. Consult with a professional plaster company to help you decide between the many options available for your pool. Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides all pool-related services to meet your needs including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.