Pool Finishes
Pool Finishes
Exposure to water, sunlight, chemicals, and of course, regular usage will degrade your pool. Since a concrete pool is porous, proper sealing is needed. A good swimming pool finish eliminates water leakage, determines how your swimming pool looks and how long it will last.
A pool finish enhances the appearance of your swimming pool. Additionally, some finishes will also determine the shelf-life of a swimming pool and its maintenance.
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Plaster
Plaster finishes have been around as early as the 1960s, making it one of the oldest options for a pool finish. It is also one of the more affordable options. If you have a large swimming pool, are working on a tight budget, or just like the look of plaster, this is a good choice for you.
Pool plaster doesn’t have to be just white. You can use colored pool plaster to add another dimension to your pool. However, imperfections on your pool surface will be more noticeable. A plaster finish will typically last between seven to ten years before you need to replaster a swimming pool.
Pebble Finishes
Pebble finishes are also called aggregate finishes. Concrete is mixed with pebble and then applied to the surface of the swimming pool. You can choose between two options.
Pebbles may be embedded directly into plaster for a different look and texture. Sometimes, it’s also called an exposed aggregate finish. Aesthetically speaking, this finish looks beautiful and has a natural effect. However, some people may not like the roughness of exposed aggregates. It is more durable than plain plaster but less durable than the polished aggregate.
Polished aggregate uses ground and sanded river pebbles mixed with concrete. Sandblasting will remove the old surface before the concrete mix is applied. After sandblasting, coating the pool with ceramic is essential to smooth out and enhance the durability of your swimming pool.
You can use different size pebbles and customize the colors to create a striking look. Polished ceramic has a smoother finish as compared to exposed rocks.
Tile
If a homeowner wants a luxurious pool finish, tile is the best option. Unlike plaster and pebble finishes, tile application can provide creative patterns such as mosaics. However, working with tiles can be expensive. There are different types of tiles to choose from as well as different sizes.
Ceramic tiles are the most basic as well as the least expensive option. You can choose to glaze ceramic tiles depending on the way you want your swimming pool to look. Glazed or unglazed, ceramic tiles are waterproof and make the pool leak-resistant. Glazing adds a layer of protection to your tiles.
Like the pebbles used in aggregate finishes, stone tiles have the most natural look. It could be rougher than ceramic in terms of texture. You could choose different colors though the most common choices would be blues, greens, and other similar colors.
Quartz tiles are the second most expensive option. It is a mixture of crushed quartz, cement, and pigment. Most quartz tiles have a blue accent, which makes the water look good. You can accentuate it further by choosing a deeper shade of blue, depending on your preference. Quartz tends to create a shimmering finish and refract summer light.
Glass tiles are the most expensive option among the different types of tiles. It is heat and UV-resistant. Its colors will not bleach in the sun, which makes it an excellent choice. It never needs to be replaced unless something breaks. Because you can reshape glass, it’s easy enough to use even on curved swimming pool designs.
You can also choose different colors, patterns, and shapes. Choosing the best finish for your swimming pool depends on the look you want to achieve and your budget. Plaster is the most affordable option, but its appearance might be lacking compared to the other finishes.
Aggregates look better though it can be time-consuming as well as a little more expensive than plaster. Any tile options would be costly among the three finishes, but you can’t beat tile in strength and durability. Contact us to discuss your options and get free estimates.
