How Do I Choose a Pool Surface?
Every pool surface can experience a range of conditions throughout its lifespan. They can include hours of hot sun exposure, water chemical conditions and other factors that can etch, calcify, stain, discolor and corrode your pool surfaces.
Your choice of pool resurfacing will impact your home’s value and aesthetics. It can also influence how durable the finish is, and how easy it is to clean.
Aggregate
While pool surfaces may seem like an afterthought, choosing the right one can dramatically alter your swimming experience and save you money down the road. Surfaces – also known as finishes – act as a coat sitting on top of the raw materials that make up your pool and allow you to create your own unique aesthetic.
Pool surface options range from simple to swanky, and can add value, function and style to your new or existing pool. There are three main types of pool surfaces and finishes: aggregate, plaster and glass tile. Each option has different pros and cons depending on the desired look, durability, price and installation timeframe of your project.
Aggregate pool by pool builders the woodlands finishes are a popular choice for modern pools because they have more of a natural or rustic feel to them. They are made from tiny pebbles and stones that are tightly fused to a concrete base, and can be either exposed or polished. Exposed aggregate provides a bumpy texture that gives the pool a unique and appealing visual appearance, while polished aggregate has a smoother finish for a more luxurious look.
These pool finishes are a great alternative to standard plaster because they last longer than plaster and provide a more durable, stain-resistant and natural-looking surface. They are also a good option for those who prefer a more subtle color palette and a more low-key look than plaster.
Another advantage of these pool finishes is that they can be installed over your current gunite plaster pool, saving you the cost and hassle of having to rip out the old plaster. This is especially helpful if you’re building your pool over an older existing pool.
However, a downside of these pool finishes is that the water can react with them and cause damage. This can manifest as etching, stains, corrosion and bleaching. This is because the powerful chemical composition of water can wreak havoc on almost any type of pool surface if the water is not balanced properly.
Another great option for pool surfaces is to use a mix of both exposed and polished aggregate and then overlay the aggregate with a layer of sand or ceramic tiles. This provides a more eclectic, beautiful and versatile pool design with the option to add colored accents throughout the pool. This type of pool design is particularly popular in contemporary homes and can help to add a touch of luxury to your backyard oasis. These pool designs can be more expensive than other options because they require a more complicated and lengthy installation process. However, they are still relatively affordable in comparison to other pool construction methods and last for a long time.
Plaster
Plaster is a pool finish that has been around since the 1960s. It has a classic look that is easy to keep looking beautiful, as long as you’re willing to put in the work and money. It’s a hard surface that is usually painted a bright blue color, which makes your pool water look inviting and clean. However, it is porous and tends to show stains much faster than other finishes, meaning you will need to touch it up on a regular basis.
Aggregate is a newer type of pool finish that uses blends of different materials to create a unique look. This is a great option for those who want to make their pool stand out, as they can choose between a variety of colors and textures that will make their pool one of a kind. It also lasts longer than traditional plaster and is more resistant to pool chemicals. It’s important to talk to your pool builder before choosing an aggregate finish so that they can help you find the right fit for your needs.
While aggregate is becoming increasingly popular, plaster is still the most common choice for pool owners. This is because it’s inexpensive, easy to install and is extremely durable. It can last for several years before it begins to discolor and requires resurfacing. However, it’s important to note that plaster is porous, so you will need to do a lot of regular cleaning to prevent stains from forming.
Another option for pool resurfacing is glass tile. This material is available in a wide range of colors, shapes and transparencies, making it ideal for creating a custom design for your pool. It is also resistant to chemical corrosion, impervious to liquids and vapors and helps to prevent bacterial growth. It can be glazed or unglazed, with glazed tile providing an extra layer of waterproof protection.
If you’re looking for a luxurious pool surface that is durable, long-lasting and resistant to pool chemicals, then look no further than glass tile. While it may cost more than other options, it will provide a stunning visual appearance that is sure to impress. It is also worth mentioning that a glass tile pool takes significantly more time to install than other pool surfaces.
Glass Tile
A pool surface refers to the entire area of your pool that would be visible if it were not filled with water. The main factors that affect the appearance and cost of a pool’s surface are its material and color. There are several different types of surfaces available for pools, and the choice you make will depend on your budget and lifestyle. Some materials are more affordable than others, and each one has its own pros and cons.
Plaster is a popular option because it offers a classic look for a low price. However, it can become discolored and show signs of wear much sooner than other finishes. Plaster is also porous, which means that it can absorb chemicals and other elements from the environment, which can cause it to need resurfacing and touch-ups.
Another common option is an aggregate finish, which uses plaster mixed with small pieces of stone like pebbles, granite, or glass to create a more luxurious, one-of-a-kind look. Aggregate finishes are usually smoother than plaster and are more resistant to staining and chemicals. This type of finish is a great choice for a natural-looking pool or for those with sensitive feet.
Tile is the most expensive option, but it also has a timeless beauty that other finishes can’t match. It can be used to cover the whole pool, or you can opt for a tile accent around the edges.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary look, mosaic glass tiles are an excellent choice. They are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, making them ideal for customizing your pool’s design. Additionally, they are resistant to stains, mold, and mildew. Mosaic glass tiles also reflect light, rather than absorbing it, which gives your pool a luminous glow.
Mosaic tiles can also be used to create a work of art in your pool, creating a stunning visual display. If you opt for a colored tile, the best color options are dark hues as they resist algae growth better than lighter shades.
In addition to the aesthetic qualities of these surfaces, the material you choose will have an effect on how easy your pool is to maintain. Some finishes require more maintenance than others, and some may be prone to etching or scratching, which can affect the appearance and durability of your pool.
The bottom line is that the most important factor in deciding on a pool surface is how long you want it to last. If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality surface that will help raise your property value and resale potential. The other considerations are purely for aesthetics, and the most important thing is to find a finish that will fit your personality and lifestyle.
Every pool surface can experience a range of conditions throughout its lifespan. They can include hours of hot sun exposure, water chemical conditions and other factors that can etch, calcify, stain, discolor and corrode your pool surfaces. Your choice of pool resurfacing will impact your home’s value and aesthetics. It can also influence how durable…