Pools Overflow With Finish Options
Move over, plaster: Pebbles, colors and glow-in-the-dark glass are making waves on the pool finish scene
Katherine Caviness
August 1, 2012
Vice-President of Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Our nature-inspired designs have been published in numerous national and international media. We love out-of-the-box original creations that fit the personality and lifestyle of the client.
I am a mother of three sons and wife to a incredibly multi-talented man who does everything 110%. I am passionate about travel, outdoor design, gardening, cycling, reading, cooking and wine.
Vice-President of Caviness Landscape Design, Inc. Our nature-inspired designs have... More
Long gone are the days when plaster was the only pool finish you could get. While plaster has its benefits, new technology has given pool owners a wide variety of other choices. An abundant number of aggregate finishes and glass tiles gives homeowners more options with distinctive looks and an endless array of customizable features.
Upfront, these new finishes may be more expensive than plaster, but their longevity and style can outweigh price concerns. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of each of these finishes, and discover which one is right for your pool.
Upfront, these new finishes may be more expensive than plaster, but their longevity and style can outweigh price concerns. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of each of these finishes, and discover which one is right for your pool.
Pebble Tec is made of natural, polished pebbles that create a bumpy texture and a nonslip surface. There are 18 color options to choose from, and it also can be custom made to a homeowner's preference.
This Pebble Tec finish creates the look of a natural, sandy beach entry and blends in with the landscape's native boulders and grasses.
Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor)
Pros:
This Pebble Tec finish creates the look of a natural, sandy beach entry and blends in with the landscape's native boulders and grasses.
Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor)
Pros:
- Long-lasting, resilient finish (15 to 20 years)
- More natural looking than plaster
- Color options give homeowners a variety of looks
- Stain resistant
- Nonslip finish
- Low maintenance
- More expensive than plaster
- Needs to be installed by licensed, trained experts
- Non-slip finish can be rough on feet if not installed correctly
- Scale (calcium or mineral buildup) can be a concern
This pool's Pebble Tec finish provides a cool blue-gray color that complements the surrounding patio and stone columns.
The pool above has a black Pebble Tec finish that gives the pool water an elegant, dark blue look.
Homeowners also have the option of adding more colored pebbles to the original options provided. This pool is finished in Pebble Tec's Tahoe Blue, with 10 percent more black pebbles added.
Pebble Sheen has 16 brilliant color options. Some include small seashell pieces to add glitter and sparkle to the finish. Pebble Sheen incorporates the same technology as Pebble Tec, but uses smaller pebbles for a slicker finish.
This pool interior has the Aqua Blue Pebble Sheen finish.
Pebble Fina, another product of Pebble Tec's technology, incorporates the ancient Greek and Roman use of pozzolans (cement additives) into the cement mix, yielding a strong, durable finish that resists etching.
Pebble Fina, another product of Pebble Tec's technology, incorporates the ancient Greek and Roman use of pozzolans (cement additives) into the cement mix, yielding a strong, durable finish that resists etching.
BeadCrete pool surfacing is made up of solid glass beads that are locked carefully into a polymer-modified cement. This adds a three-dimensional effect to the finish.
Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor)
Pros:
Cost estimate: $92 to $105 per linear foot, installed (varies significantly according to region and labor)
Pros:
- Creates a smooth finish for your feet
- Glass beads capture light brilliantly
- Highly stain resistant
- Low maintenance
- Long lasting (15 to 20 years)
- Very expensive
- Requires highly skilled installers
- Longer installation time
Glass tile is a luxurious pool finish choice. While the initial investment of anywhere from $75 to $100 per square foot (installed) is a jaw dropper, glass tile surfaces can last almost indefinitely if maintained properly.
Cost estimate: $75 to $100 per square foot
Pros:
Cons:
Cost estimate: $75 to $100 per square foot
Pros:
- Endless variety of design possibilities
- Longest lasting of all pool finishes
- A shimmering and luxurious effect
Cons:
- Depending on the glass tile and pattern chosen, can be the most expensive of all finishes
- Requires an experienced tile setter educated in the specific requirements to install glass tile properly
- Long installation time
The sky is the limit with glass tile's design possibilities. This pool has a custom glass mosaic design that gives it a formal finish and complements the surrounding structures.
Glow-in-the-dark glass tiles from Korel give this playful pool an iridescent feel at night and highlight the steps for nighttime safety.
Glass tile can be very expensive, but you can use it sparingly to save money. Incorporate it as a border or in a sun shelf, as seen in the pool above.
If these finishes don't quite suit your style, ask your pool designer how you can get really creative and customize your own type of finish. This pool, for example, uses fixed pebbles.
More:
Pretty Tiles Make Pools Perfect
10 Ways to Make Your Home's Pool Special
Strokes of Genius: 8 Stunning Lap Pools
More:
Pretty Tiles Make Pools Perfect
10 Ways to Make Your Home's Pool Special
Strokes of Genius: 8 Stunning Lap Pools
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Wanted to say there is another option to traditional swimming pool paints and plaster/cementitious surfaces. ecoFinish pool finishes is a pneumatically applied thermal plastic and 100% eco friendly alternative to traditional swimming pool finish options. Lux spa feel and designed for concrete/cementitious, fiberglass, steel, aluminum and hybrids. Colour continuity throughout for hybrids with various surfaces.
Zero VOCs and only requires a two person crew to install. 10 designer colours are available + custom colours upon request. Best pool finish option to enter the marketplace in last twenty years. Commercial and Residential; new build and/or renovations to existing pools (in situ) and spas indoor/outdoor.
Finally there is such a thing as a worry free finish.