Selecting the perfect pool finish can feel like a daunting task, but understanding your options makes the decision easier. In this post, Pool Tek’s plaster experts will explore the most popular pool finishes, highlight their unique benefits, and provide practical tips for choosing the best option for your needs. Whether you’re prioritizing durability, style, or maintenance, this guide will help you create a pool that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

• The advantages of concrete pools
• Plaster finishes
• Aggregate pool finishes
• Pool tile finishes
• Making the decision

The finish of your pool greatly impacts its longevity, ease of maintenance, and overall style—all things every pool owner values. Finding the right balance between style and functionality requires a clear understanding of your options. If you’re building a new pool or refreshing an existing one, this guide will walk you through key considerations to help you make the best decision for your swimming pool.

While there are other pool construction options besides concrete, most notably fiberglass, none offer the strength and customization options that concrete does.

Concrete can be installed in virtually any shape and size and can hold large amounts of water without issues, especially if reinforced with steel. It can also incorporate custom features, such as tanning ledges, custom steps, and swim-up bars. All these benefits make concrete a popular pool choice, especially for those looking for a unique, custom, or large design or those with awkward backyard spaces.

Concrete comes with a variety of finishes that mostly fall into the categories of plaster, exposed aggregate, or tiles. Even within those, there’s room to make your pool truly your own. Let’s look at the options.

Plaster has been a go-to pool finish for decades due to its affordability and timeless appeal. Composed of a cement mixture, sand, and water, this finish creates a smooth, matte surface that’s ideal for those seeking a classic pool design.

Plaster is one of the most affordable pool finish options, offering customizable colors to achieve a unique look. Its smooth texture is comfortable underfoot and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for many pool owners.

Plaster typically lasts only 7-10 years before needing resurfacing and is susceptible to staining from mineral buildup and algae over time. Improper installation or harsh weather conditions may cause cracks, requiring more frequent maintenance and repairs.

Aggregate finishes combine plaster with small stones, pebbles, or quartz crystals to create a textured, eye-catching surface. This type of finish offers a natural, luxurious refinement that’s sturdy yet attractive.

With diligent care, aggregate finishes can last an impressive 20 years. Not only does this material outlast some pools, but it’s also stylish, adding depth and sparkle that makes a pool truly shine.

Plus, the textured surface isn’t just about looks—it helps keep swimmers safe by providing better slip resistance than smoother finishes. With textured aggregate finishes, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: beauty and the safety of slip-resistant swimming.

Aggregate finishes come at a higher cost than standard plaster and may feel coarse underfoot for the first few swims. Additionally, proper application requires highly skilled professionals, making installation more challenging and potentially more expensive.

Tile finishes are a premium choice that allows for maximum customization. When shopping for tile, the options are nearly endless. From sleek glass tiles to intricate ceramic designs, this option lets you create a truly unique pool that stands out.

Tile finishes open the door to endless design possibilities, with an impressive range of materials, colors, and patterns to choose from. They’re incredibly durable and long-lasting, resist stains, and are easy to clean—making them a hassle-free, low-maintenance choice.

Tiles are one of the pricier options for pool finishes, and installing them can take a long time due to the need to place and grout each tile. Additionally, grout lines often require occasional cleaning or resealing to keep them looking great and holding up well.

Since all the options listed above are enticing and seem promising, you might be unsure how to narrow your choice.

To help, here are the main factors to consider:

• Budget: Your budget is a big factor in choosing the right pool finish. If budget is your priority, plaster is a solid choice. On the other hand, tiles bring a luxurious feel but come with a higher price tag.
• Style: The finish you pick will shape the overall vibe of your pool. Want something with a natural feel? Aggregate finishes are perfect for that. If a sleek, modern look is more in line with your style, glass tiles are a fantastic option.
• Maintenance: Some finishes are easier to care for than others. Aggregate might need regular scrubbing to keep stains at bay, while options like tile are much lower maintenance and easier to keep clean.
• Lifespan: Think about how long you want your pool finish to last. Plaster is affordable but doesn’t last as long as aggregate or tile finishes, which hold up better over time.
• Safety: Smooth finishes like plaster feel great to walk on, while textured finishes like aggregate add extra grip, making them a safer choice if slip resistance is a priority.

Choosing the right pool finish takes time, but it’s all about finding what works best for you. Whether you prefer the timeless durability of plaster, the textured elegance of aggregate, or the high-end look of tile, there’s an option that’s perfect for your style and needs.

At Pool Tek, we make the process simple and stress-free. We offer professional pool plastering services and can install any finish you choose. Call us at (661) 817-7909 to set up an appointment—protecting and perfecting pools with expert plastering and finishes is what we do best!