With a myriad of reliable and beautiful pool finish options out there today, pool and spa owner’s of today, have a challenge in choosing the best finish for their home’s pool or spa. Today’s customer’s are more educated than ever before because of the internet. But, often times the information out there can be contradictory or incorrect.

If you are in the process of choosing the best pool finish for your swimming pool project, this should help educate you as a consumer.

With any pool finish, the appearance will change over time due to the constant contact with water that is chemically treated. The longevity of the plaster is determined by maintaining proper water chemistry with any pool finish.

Standard White Plaster

This type of plaster has been around a long time and it remains a popular choice partly because it is the most affordable choice and it looks good. It is made up of a combination of white cement and white marble aggregate.

When the pool or spa is filled with water, this type of plaster makes the water appear light blue. This type of plaster is smooth to the touch. On the other hand, one of the downfalls of white plaster is it’s strength. It is relatively weak to the effects of water chemistry and is not able to withstand as much fluctuation in water chemistry as some of the newer finishes on the market today.

Colored Quartz finish

These are a specially formulated aggregate product consisting of ceramic coated sand. One of the benefits of this product is the wide range of colors available. Another advantage is the strength and durability when compared to that of classic white plaster.

The downside of the colored quartz finish can be the expense. It is more expensive than classic white plaster.

Exposed Aggregate of Pebble Finish

Another option when it comes to the finish on your pool or spa is pebble aggregate. This consists of small, river pebbles embedded in the surface of the product. There is a wide range of colors available in this product. This product is the most durable on the market today. Because the make-up of the product, river stones, is “natural”, it is less likely to have a reaction with the water.

The downside of pebble finish is the texture. It can be more rough to the touch than other surfaces when compared. Also, pebble finish is the most expensive of the three choices listed in this article.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing the plaster finish for your swimming pool or spa. It is best to discuss all of your options with your swimming pool designer/builder. All of the options listed will create a beautiful finish for your project with years of enjoyment as long as you maintain proper water chemistry.