The Top 3 Swimming Pool and Spa Interior Finishes
Updated: Mar 12, 2020
Interior finishes can elevate the entire design and appearance of a pool, so it’s important to explore all options and choose finishes that best compliment the style of your pool and landscaping. The most commonly used pool interior materials are plaster, tile, and aggregate. All of these options are available in an array of colors, materials, and textures.
Plaster
Plaster is the most traditionally used material and gives a classic, smooth appearance. It’s also the most inexpensive, and typically lasts 5 to 10 years. Plaster is often done in white, but can also be mixed with other colors. Different pool interior colors can add depth and dimension, and choosing darker colors like grey can enhance the water’s reflective quality, give it a blue tint, and make it appear more like a natural lake or pond.
Tile
Tile finishes are some of the most expensive, but with proper application and pool maintenance they are some of the most durable and may never need replacing. Tile options include ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular and least expensive option, and can be styled in a variety of patterns. Stone tile is popular for natural pool designs and landscapes, and glass tile is not only beautiful, it’s also non-porous and resistant to staining and erosion.
Aggregates
Aggregates are a combination of plaster and other natural materials like pebbles, glass beads, quartz, granite, or marble. They provide a more elevated and decorative style, are more resistant to staining and chemicals than plaster alone, and can extend the life of plaster by 12 to 20 years. Polished aggregates are made with crushed quartz, granite, or marble and are hand-applied then polished to create a smooth surface. Exposed aggregates contain pebbles or glass beads, and are power-washed after being applied to remove the top layer of concrete, which adds traction and texture to the pool’s surface.
Make sure to discuss all of your pool interior design options with your contractor to determine what finishes will look best and provide optimal performance for you to enjoy your pool for years to come.
Still not sure on which one to choose? Click here for more swimming pool and spa interior inspiration.
