Inground Pool Finishes

Now that the summer is winding down, you may be thinking of renovating your pool for the fall. You might also be thinking about winter projects to be ready for spring and a revitalized pool season.

If you’re thinking about a project, you may want to look at your pool finish. Over time, that once-sparkling pool finish will become colorless and lusterless. You may be asking, “What are the different types of pool finishes?” Here is a guide on the types of inground pool surfaces. This will be helpful to look at before you begin your project.

Polished Aggregate Pool Finish

A polished aggregate finish is a plaster finish with pebbles embedded in it. The grounded and sanded pebbles come crushed in the plaster or concrete. The polished river pebbles give the pool a natural look. They also give it a bit of a shine.

Some aggregate finishes use concrete instead of plaster, which lasts longer. The quality of concrete is already proven by stamped concrete portland. Pure plaster finishes are smooth. However, a polished aggregate finish is rough. Many people compare the finish to a rocky creek bottom. If you want a natural look, this may be the way to go. However, if you don’t like the feel of pebbles on your feet, this isn’t the finish for you. Pebble pool finishes come in exposed aggregate, which is more durable. Polished aggregate uses concrete. Aggregate finishes can give you a natural touch with a budget-friendly eye.

Glass Bead Pool Finish

Glass tile or glass bead pool finishes don’t come cheap. However, they’re one of the best choices you can make for the life of your pool. If you’re lucky, you will never have to replace the glass. It is heat and UV resistant. Glass beads or glass tiles also come in a wide variety of colors that won’t fade. If you choose Mediterranean blue and have it installed today, it will still be Mediterranean blue in 10 years. Even though tile or beads are glass, they are very strong. However, if they break, you will have to replace them. Glass beads or glass tiles are also perfect for finishing pools with curved edges, such as oval or free-form pools. A glass bead pool finish is certain to last beautifully and colorfully for years.

Quartz Pool Finish

If you want the best material for finishing your pool on the market today, you should consider a quartz finish. Quartz tiles are a blend of crushed quartz, a pigment to color the quartz, and white cement. Usually, pool designers have tinted the tiles with blue or teal pigment. Therefore, it shows off your pool and the water. However, a designer can make the quartz tiles whatever color you want.

You can have the quartz pool finish made to match any pool color or décor that you want. If you’re looking for the durability of quartz vs. pebble pool finish, quartz is going to win hands down. Also, quartz crystals shimmer when the sun is out. People say the quartz finish does a great job refracting the light from the summer sun as well.