Pound Pool Plastering cares a great deal about our clients and their concrete pools. We want to ensure that your plaster pool is finished with the utmost of care. Standard white plaster is a classic, timeless, look that many homeowners still choose today however, there are other options available that may change your mind.
Standard White Plaster Pool Finish
Plaster is made of a combination of white cement, white sand or a marble aggregate, and water. Professional pool builders use a flat, rounded trowel to apply the plaster to the concrete (Gunite) base structure. White plaster can be dyed different colors during the combination process if the homeowner desires.
Advantages of Plaster
Plaster is a well-known material that has been used in pool design since the beginning of pool construction. As a pool finish, plaster is an inexpensive option that provides a simple, classic look to your in-ground swimming pool.
Disadvantages of Plaster
The main disadvantage of plaster is that it can feel rough to the touch. As with any pool finish, plaster required regular surface maintenance to prevent algae build up. Once every three to five years plaster requires acid washing which removes staining. If a plaster pool is not maintained correctly it is prone to cracking however this is the same of many pool finishes. Plaster, if well maintained is durable, and can lasts upwards of ten years.
Aggregate Pool Finish
An upgrade from a plaster finish is an aggregate which is a combination of pebbles instead of sand to cement, water mixture. Once the pebbles, concrete, and water are combined it is applied to the pool. The top later of plaster will be wiped away to reveal the pebbles. Although pebbles are a common aggregate material other material such as glass beads and quartz can be used. Aggregate finishes can be exposed or polished. An exposed aggregate reveals the whole pebble which provides a bumpy texture. A polished aggregate is polished flat and provides a smooth texture.
Advantages of Aggregate
Aggregate pool finishes, when maintained, can last longer than standard plaster finishes. Quartz finishes can last twelve plus years while pebbles can last some twenty plus years. Glass beads are small and soft on feet.
Disadvantage of Aggregate
The larger the aggregate material, the less comfortable it can be to walk on. Consider the last time you have walked into a rocky Great Lake; large rocks make navigation tricky to the feet. Smaller aggregate materials are less of an issue. If glass beads are used in creating the aggregate, it is common to experience some fading and discoloration.
Tile Pool Finish
Pool tiles are created from several different materials including standard porcelain, stone, and glass. Some homeowners choose a combination of the three to create a unique pool design. Porcelain pool tiles can be glazed, textured, or hand painted. Porcelain tile is usually used around the waterline of the pool.
Advantages of Tile
Tile is the longest lasting material that can be used as an interior pool finish on concrete pool foundations. Tile is easier to maintain as well.
Disadvantage of Tile
Tile is costlier than plaster or aggregate which can add thousands of dollars to finishing your pool. Another disadvantage is that tiles chip and crack easy and if installed incorrectly can have sharp edges.
Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings. More information can be found at http://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.