A Myriad of Finshes

The interior finish of a pool can transcend its design to a whole new level of style and grace. There are many types of pool finishes from which to choose, including plaster, tile, aggregate and aggregate effect finishes, and each type comes in an array of materials, colors, and textures - from classic white plaster, to sparkling iridescent glass tiles, to a kaleidoscopic blend of river pebbles or glass beads. Whether you're building a new inground pool or starting a pool renovation project, the pool finish you choose will have a significant impact on your pool's final design aesthetic. Explore the different pool finish options below to find out which options will best suit your needs and design aspirations.



Gunite Structure

Gunite is a product that was developed as a solution for tunnels, underground structures, slope stabilization, structural repairs, and pools. It is a mortar that is sprayed pneumatically onto surfaces at a high velocity. Gunite or shotcrete material is mortar or small-aggregate concrete applied using a wet or dry process. Once gunite has been applied it starts a simultaneous process of consolidation and settling. Gunite pools provide unparalleled levels of design flexibility and aesthetic quality. After the gunite is sprayed, shaped, cured and dry, it is time to apply the finish.



Plaster Finish

Plaster is the oldest pool surface finish. It is a simple mixture of water, Portland cement, and either marble dust or silica sand. Traditional white plaster (or marcite) gives pools a smooth, classic appearance and remains a popular choice despite the range of pool finishes that have emerged over the years. White plaster is the most inexpensive pool finish option and typically lasts five to seven years before any signs of etching or chipping appear.

Plaster can also be mixed with colored pigments or dyes to give more dimension and drama to the poolscape. Darker plaster colors, including deeper shades of grey and black, add depth to the pool and enhance the water's reflectivity. A dark plaster pool finish is often used to give the appearance of a natural lake or pond. It also creates a stunning effect where the pool acts like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding landscape or architecture.



Aggregate Finishes

Aggregate pool finishes are the new generation of plaster pool surfaces. They consist of white or colored plaster mixed with small pieces of quartz, granite, river stones, or glass beads. Aggregates come in two forms: polished and exposed. Aggregate finishes are becoming more popular and desirable because they provide a luxurious pool surface that is harder and more resistant to chemicals and staining than plaster alone. They also offer an array of beautiful colors and textures and can be custom blended to create a truly one-of-a-kind pool look.

Sundek Aggregate Effect

Aggregate Effects can be applied directly over existing systems or concrete. Aggregate Effects are the result of spraying multiple colors of acrylic finish coats over the systems creating the look of a washed aggregate concrete surface. This effect is the perfect camouflage for high traffic, high exposure areas as the multi-colored process helps hide the like of dirt, gum, cigarette butts, tires, bird droppings between cleanings.

Polished Aggregates

Polished aggregate finishes contain finely crushed colored stones, such as quartz, granite, or marble. After the aggregate finish is hand applied with a trowel to the pool shell, it is polished to bring out the stone's luster and create a smooth surface. The flecks of colored quartz or granite give the pool finish a decorative sheen and extend the life of the plaster to 12 to 20 years. Polished aggregate finishes have a timeless beauty that works well with classic pool designs.

Exposed Aggregates

Exposed aggregate finishes contain tiny river pebbles or glass beads. As with polished aggregate finishes, exposed aggregate finishes are hand applied by trained craftsmen. However, once the application is complete (and while the surface is still wet), the finish is power washed with a mixture of water and muriatic acid to remove the top layer of concrete and expose the colored pebbles or glass beads within. The exposed aggregates in the plaster add traction to the pool surface and come in various sizes and colors, which allows for a range of textures and color combinations.


• Pebble finishes have a more rustic look and complement natural surroundings; they are often used for tropical or lagoon-style pool designs.
  
  
• Glass bead finishes catch the sparkle of the sunlight and give the pool surface a 3D effect. A glass bead finish will add beautiful elegance to any pool design but are best for enhancing the visual effect of contemporary or modern pool environments.
  

Tile Finishes

Tile is one of the most durable pool finishes and offers an array of design possibilities. Tiles are often applied to the pool's waterline, floor, or steps to provide a colorful accent; they can also be used to finish the total interior of a pool. Tile's glossy appearance makes the most of water's reflective properties and are adored for the artistic look and upscale glamour they lend to pool designs and other watershapes. Though tile is the most expensive type of pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate finishes, it is the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes include ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone tiles. All pool tiles come in a vast selection of shapes, styles, colors, and sizes, offering virtually endless combinations and designs.

• Ceramic and Porcelain Tile are the most popular and least expensive tile pool finish. A number of ornate patterns and mosaics - from whimsical fish to flowers to Art Deco graphics to Mediterranean motifs - can be hand painted on ceramic pool tiles for a bold and unique look.
  
  
• Stone Tile, such as granite, marble, slate, and limestone, is popular for finishing natural pool designs because they help blend the pool with the surrounding landscape. Stone tile will also complement pools or homes with a modern architectural style.
  
  
• Glass Tile has been rising in popularity over the past few years thanks to both its resilience and mesmerizing aesthetics. Glass tile is impervious to moisture and non-porous, so it does not erode or stain. Glass tile also has the ability to manipulate and magnify light, which gives pools a bright, clear shimmer no other tile can produce.
  

All of the pool finish options will provide years of performance and dazzling beauty in a well-made and well-maintained pool. Feel free to discuss the various pool finish options with us and consider using multiple finishes throughout your pool design for a stunning, multi-dimensional effect.