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. As with polished aggregate finishes, exposed one are hand applied by trained craftsmen. Polished aggregate finishes have a timeless beauty that works well with classic pool designs.Įxposed aggregate finishes contain tiny river pebbles or glass beads. The flecks of colored quartz or granite give the finish a decorative sheen and extend the life of the plaster by 12 to 20 years. After the aggregate finish is hand-applied with a trowel to the pool shell, it’s polished to bring out the stone’s luster and create a smooth surface. Polished aggregate finishes contain finely crushed colored stones like quartz, granite, or marble. Polished Aggregates A polished marble finish gives this pool a smooth and even luster. HydroScapes, LLC Photography courtesy of Scott Sandler. They also offer an array of beautiful colors and textures and can be custom blended to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. These finishes, becoming more popular and desirable, provide a luxurious pool surface that’s more resistant to chemicals and staining than plaster alone. Aggregates come in two forms: polished or exposed. They combine white or colored plaster mixed with small pieces of quartz, granite, river stones, or glass beads.

It can also create a stunning mirror effect, reflecting the surrounding landscape or architecture.Īggregate Finishes A polished colored quartz finish was used to give this tropical pool its brilliant aqua blue interior. Photo courtesy of Essig Pools designed by Michele Sherman.Īggregate pool finishes are the new generation of plaster pool surfaces. A dark finish is often used to give the appearance of a natural lake or pond. The most popular colored plaster pool finish is medium grey, which gives the pool’s water an enticing blue tint.ĭarker plaster colors, like deeper shades of grey and black, add depth to the pool and enhance the water’s reflective quality. Plaster mixed with colored pigments or dyes gives more dimension and drama to the poolscape. The purple plaster gives the pool a deep blue hue, which plays off the deep burgundy red presented in the nearby mountains. Photo courtesy of Red Rock Pools & Spas photography by Michael Woodall. A combination of purple plaster and glass tiles merge this bold pool design with its striking desert setting.

The most inexpensive pool finish option, it typically lasts five to seven years before any signs of etching or chipping appear. 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. It’s a simple mixture of water, Portland cement, and either marble dust or silica sand. Plaster, a timeless option, is the most common pool surface finish.

Plaster Finishes The pool’s white plaster finish reflects light around the inside of the pool, creating a brilliant, light blue glow. Photo courtesy of Krisco Aquatech Pools, an Aquatech member. Explore the different pool finish options below to find out which option is best for you. Whether you’re building a new inground pool or starting a pool renovation project, make sure you choose a finish that complements your pool’s design aesthetic. Finishes include plaster, tile, and aggregate, 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. The interior finish of a pool can elevate the pool’s design to a whole new level of style and grace.

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