Whether you’re installing a new pool or need pool tile repair, choosing the right finish for your swimming pool is a crucial decision. The pool finish is one of the most important aspects of your pool and will make one of the biggest differences in its final appearance. 

From pool plaster to pool tile and from exposed to polished aggregate, choosing the finish that’s right for your lifestyle and desired look will ensure that you enjoy your pool to the fullest for years to come. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, consider these four popular types of pool finishes.

Pool Plaster

Plaster is one of the most common and most affordable pool finishes. It’s created using a mixture of white cement, marble sand, and water, which is then troweled onto the surface of the pool for a smooth and clean finish. Although most typically done in white, pool plaster can be dyed almost any color to suit your pool’s unique style. Many homeowners choose to dye their plaster bright blue to make the water look even more vibrant and appealing.

Pool plaster is one of the easiest and most affordable pool finishing options to maintain. It only needs to be resurfaced every 10 years to remain looking like new, and its classic look never goes out of style. If you have a large pool, are on a tight budget, or like the classic appearance plaster offers, pool plaster is likely the best pool finish for you.

Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate is a popular choice for those seeking a more natural and textured finish for their pool. An exposed aggregate finish is made by mixing cement with various aggregates such as pebbles, shells, or glass beads.

Exposed aggregate is beloved for its rustic, natural look, and it replicates the feeling of walking on the bottom of a creek bed. Some homeowners love this feature, but it can also be a turn-off for those with sensitive feet or kids to care for. Automatic pool cleaners may also find aggregate finishing to be a challenge, making maintenance more difficult. However, aggregate is far more durable than plaster, lasting between 15-20 years, and it’s highly stain-resistant.

Polished Aggregate

For those who like the rustic look of exposed aggregate but don’t want the rough, unrefined texture, polished aggregate offers the best of both worlds. Polished aggregate is made by mixing cement and aggregate, but it’s then polished to create a smoother and more refined pool surface.

Polished aggregate combines the durability of exposed aggregate with the sleek look of pool plaster, making it a popular choice, but polished aggregate is also more expensive than both options. This is due to the extra labor and materials involved, as well as the extra maintenance it requires long-term to keep it looking polished and smooth. For those who want uncompromising luxury and don’t have a tight budget, polished aggregate is a great choice.

Pool Tiles

Pool tiles are another popular choice for pool finishes, especially if you’re seeking a luxurious and high-end look. Swimming pool tiles come in a variety of materials including ceramic, glass, and natural stone, so you can choose a tile that suits virtually any budget or design style. You can also arrange your pool tiles to create a one–of–a–kind mosaic design.

Pool tiles are one of the most expensive pool finishes, at approximately $10 per square foot, but they’re also one of the most durable. You can expect your pool tiles to last up to 10 years before you need pool tile repair or refinishing.

With dozens of unique pool finishing options to choose from, So Cal Pool Plaster has styles to suit every home. Allow us to transform the look of your backyard through unique pool finishings and pool replastering options. We are proud to serve all of Southern California, and we always strive to give our customers the best experience possible. To find out more about what we provide and receive a free pool tile repair or replastering estimate, give us a call today at 714-617-8182 or contact us online.