Plaster And Tile
Concrete is a porous material by nature. If you made a swimming pool entirely of concrete, chances are, a lot of water would leak out from it. That’s where interior finishes come in. It enhances the resistance of the concrete pool to water permeation. On top of that, the interior finish can also improve the look of your swimming pool.
Whether you are building a new in-ground pool or renovating an old one, choose an interior finish that will complement your pool’s design and aesthetics. Read on to find out about the top two most common pool finishes and determine which one is the best choice for you.
Pool Plaster Installation
One of the most common pool finishes is plaster. It is considered the oldest finishing material not only of swimming pools but of other structures as well. When applied to the inground concrete pool, plaster creates a watertight seal and gives the pool a clean and smooth-looking texture.
What is Pool Plaster Made Of?
Plaster is made by mixing white cement, white sand, and water. You may substitute white sand with marble aggregate. It is usually white but you can add dyes to create different colors. Some of the popular color variations include blue and gray.
Pool builders apply the plaster to the concrete surface using a flat trowel with a round edge.
How Long Does Pool Plaster Last?
Pool plaster may last anywhere between five to 10 years under ideal conditions and with regular maintenance. Over time, it will degrade slowly, and you would need replastering services. Incorrect water chemistry and without proper maintenance, plaster may crack or stain. Colored ones tend to fade or lose their color.
How Long Does It Take to Replaster A Pool?
Replastering a pool involves sandblasting, choosing and buying the materials for the new finish, removing the old plaster, applying a new one, letting it dry, set, and cure. On average, the whole project can take as long as two weeks. Ultimately, how much time is needed for replastering depends on the size of the pool and the complexity of the job.
How Do You Maintain Pool Plaster?
Weekly pool maintenance is required to maintain the look and feel of plaster. You can start by skimming the pool, removing any debris that floats on the surface, cleaning the skimming baskets, and brushing the walls of the swimming pool. If you have a vacuum, you can also use it to remove any impurities that sink to the bottom of the pool. Check the chemistry of the pool from time to time and adjust the chemical levels accordingly.
Pool Plaster Benefits
Pool plaster is affordable and that’s why a lot of homeowners choose it for their pool finish. If used in plain white color, it gives the pool a clean look and lets you see any cosmetic and structural issues so you can address them immediately. You also spot stains easily so cleaning is a breeze.
Pool Tile Installation
One of the most durable finishes is tile. You have a lot of options when choosing tile – ceramic, glass, porcelain, and stone, or a combination of any of those tiles. Usually, tiles are applied just up to the waterline of the swimming pool but you can also choose to finish the pool’s whole interior surface with them.
What is a Pool Tile Made Of?
Pool tiles can be made of ceramic, glass, porcelain, or natural stone. You can also use a combination of any of those materials. Unlike kitchen tiles, the ones used for swimming pools are made using specific ingredients that are engineered to withstand water chemistry, temperature changes, as well as constant exposure to the sun.
How Long Do Pool Tiles Last?
Pool tiles are very durable and can last anywhere between 15 to 20 years under the right conditions. They are highly resistant to normal wear and tear, stains, and even the chemicals used regularly for the swimming pool. You wouldn’t need to resurface your pool for a long time.
How Do You Maintain Pool Tiles?
Less maintenance is required in maintaining your pool’s tile surface compared to plaster. You still need to clean your pool regularly by skimming the debris from the surface, brushing the walls and floors, then vacuuming to remove what settles in the bottom of the pool. Instead of weekly, you can get away with cleaning your swimming pool every other week if you don’t have the time.
Pool Tile Benefits
Using pool tiles can be very expensive especially if you decide to use them for your entire pool. However, it’s a practical long-term choice for its beauty and durability. Not only do pool tiles last longer, but they are also almost infinitely customizable and require far less maintenance than other finishes.
