Selecting the Proper Pool Finish
Pool Finish Pros
and Cons
Today's pool and spa owners have many reliable and
beautiful swimming pool finish options available to
them. From the straightforward simplicity of
standard white plaster to the rainbow of
multi-colored pebble finishes, and a spectrum of
options between, the choices can be exciting - and
also somewhat daunting without reliable information.
With so many finish options offered by today's
quality pool-finish specialists, it's understandable
that savvy customers should want to explore the
specific benefits and drawbacks inherent in the
various surface products. Unfortunately, the
choices can be confusing and the information about
these products is at times even somewhat
contradictory.
To
help guide you through the process of choosing the
best finish for your home's pool or spa, we'll cover
some of the relevant information you should keep in
mind as you discuss your choices with your designer
or pool surface contractor.
Perspectives on
Finishes
In
general, pool and spa finishes belong in their own
special category, because unlike other masonry or "hardscape"
surface products, finishes in pools and spas are
constantly submerged in water. This obvious
fact means that any pool finish will be exposed to
varying water chemistry conditions over time,
especially if the pool or spa is maintained
improperly.
This constant exposure to pool and spa water, which
is treated with a variety of powerful chemicals,
creates a dynamic environment where mineral content
of the surface and water are constantly interacting.
This interaction between water and the surface is
unavoidable and in many cases will cause the
appearance of the surface to change, either slowly
over time, or in some rare instances, far more
rapidly.
In
many cases these phenomena's are purely cosmetic, in
other more extreme situations, some surfaces will
start to deteriorate. The decision you make in
the planning stages of the pool or spa installation
process will have a significant impact on how well
your pool or spa maintains its appearance over time.
Classic White
Standard white plaster is the tried and true pool
and spa surface finish. White plaster has been
around as long as people have been building swimming
pools and it remains a popular choice in spite of
the myriad of choices that have come into the market
in recent years. Its simple combination of
white cement, white marble aggregate and water make
for an economical choice that will give you that
classic swimming pool look.
Strengths:
When
filled with water, pools and spas surfaced in white
plaster create a brilliant, clean, light blue
appearance that is very smooth to the touch. A
long-time favorite for many customers, it remains
the most affordable pool finish product on the
market today. Standard white plaster is a
reliable product when installed by a quality
contractor and properly maintained.
A Note on Colored
Plaster
By
its nature, colored plaster will accentuate all of
the characteristics normally found in white plaster.
Mottling, for example, can be more pronounced in
colored plaster than in white. Colored plaster
may also exhibit pigment stains, streaks, unevenness
of color and more noticeable checking and crazing.
Also, variations of shade will exist between color
sample chips and mixed plaster. Over time, the
color may fade completely or grow gradually lighter
and will often not be the precise shade that was
anticipated. It's important to note that none
of these conditions are considered a deficiency of
the product.
Additives to the
Mix
Because many customers want the economy of standard
plaster surfaces, but would also like to avoid some
of the problems listed above, material suppliers
have developed highly innovated chemical additives
that can be used in the mixing and application of
plaster. These products alter the physical and
chemical composition of the plaster surface
increasing its strength and durability - without
sacrificing beauty or the smooth texture!
These products contain chemicals known as "pozzalans"
that essentially take the weakest element in plaster
(calcium hydroxide) and "lock it up" so that it is
less susceptible to chemical attacks.
Pozzolans - based products have been proven to
reduce etching, cracking, mottling and other
problems, as well. Another category of
admixtures is based on silicone chemistry which has
been proven to increase the plaster's ability to
repel water, thus helping protect it from chemical
attack.
Strengths:
The advantages to such innovative products are
obvious. Without disrupting the natural beauty
and smoothness of standard white or colored plaster,
these admixtures increase the surface's ability to
resist the effects of fluctuating water chemistry.
Aggregate Effects
- Colored Ceramic Quartz
Another highly innovative addition to the palette of
surface options has been the use of special colored
ceramic aggregate products. These aggregates
are basically a very specialized form of
ceramic-coated sand that comes in a variety of
pre-mixed plaster products.
Strengths:
When combined with white or colored plaster,
aggregates afford a broad range of colors, from
vivid blues and reds, to more subtle hues such as
beige or soft greens as well. It also has the
advantage of creating, a much more durable surface
than standard plaster, one that is harder and far
more resistant to fluctuating chemical conditions.
The Exposed
Aggregate Revolution
Perhaps the ultimate answer to all pool surface
concerns comes in the form of pebble surfaces.
Pebble surfaces consist of small, smooth river
pebbles embedded throughout the product. Over
the past decade, pebble surfaces have increased
dramatically in popularity and come in a broad range
of colors and color combinations.
Strengths:
Pebble surfaces are beautiful, extremely natural in
appearance, come in a wide range of colors and they
are the most durable surface available.
Because the stone material that comprises river
pebbles is “chemically inert", it is unlikely to
react with swimming pool or spa water and is
therefore less impervious to attack or alterations
in appearance.
The Choice is
Yours
Any
of the products and surface options listed here can
provide years of reliable performance and dazzling
beauty in a well-made and well-maintained pool or
spa. The key to enjoying that success, and
avoiding unexpected frustration, is to understand
the strengths and weaknesses of each, and to choose
wisely.
