A Guide to Pool Surfaces and Finishes
A Guide to Pool Surfaces and Finishes for Gunite Pools in Northeastern Oklahoma
Gunite pools are a great choice for those looking for an easy to maintain pool. With these pools, you don't have to worry about cleaning them or adding chemicals.
These pools are made from a mixture of sand and cement that is sprayed with water until it becomes the desired thickness. Once the gunite pool is finished, it will be ready for swimming all summer long.
One of the great things about gunite pools is how customizable they are. You can choose to build any shape or size, and then you'll be able to transform that into your very own pool oasis. Here are just a few popular designs available for your new gunite pool:
The kidney pool, which is the most popular shape
A classic rectangle
The L-shaped pool, which creates a great place for everyone to swim and then hang out together on the surrounding patio area
But due to the porous nature of concrete and gunite pools, and their constant exposure to sunlight, water, chemicals, and natural wear and tear, they need to be properly sealed and protected.
Surfaces and Finishes
Pool finishes come in many shapes and sizes.
Importance of a Pool Finish and Surface
Pool finishes come in many shapes and sizes. Some prefer modern simplicity where others adore vintage extravagance. Pool finishes are like the clothes that complete the look of your dream pool. They can be remodeled later on, but that will be another pool major investment, so consider the pool appearance, pool durability, and budget of your pool finish and get it right the first time.
It’s important to keep in mind that your pool finish will always be submerged in water, so the chemicals in your pool water can potentially damage your pool finish over time, especially if your pool is poorly managed.
The finish you choose for your pool will:
- Eliminate water leakage
- Determine the look of the pool
- Determine the longevity of the pool
Choose the Right Finish for your Pool
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 pool multi-colored pebble finishes, and a spectrum of options between, the choices can be exciting - and also somewhat daunting without reliable information.
There's a lot to consider when it comes to choosing the right pool finish for your home.
Your choice will determine how much or little pool maintenance is required, and it'll also be influenced by the environment in which you live, as well as what you'll use your pool for. You'll want to think about both short-term and long-term needs when deciding on a finish.
Benefits of Finishes and a Quality Surface
Choosing the right surface for your pool is important because of how it affects maintenance responsibilities.
This includes how easy or hard it is to clean up after use, which can range from being relatively easy with a paint finish to being difficult with a pebble-tec finish.
Choosing which type of pool surface has other consequences as well for your pool. Such as whether or not certain activities are more appropriate based on the surface's properties.
Pros and Cons
In general, pool and spa finish belong in their own special category, because, unlike other masonry or “hardscape” finish products, finish in pools and spas are constantly submerged in water.
This obvious fact means that any pool finish will be exposed to varying pool 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 the mineral content of the finish and water are constantly interacting.
This interaction between water and the surface is unavoidable and in many cases will cause the appearance of the pool surface to change, either slowly over time, or in some rare instances, far more rapidly.
In many cases these phenomena 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.
How long does a Pool Finish Last?
Unfortunately, no pool surfaces material is immune to problems and degradation if a pool or spa is improperly maintained. Consequently, the decisions you make are critical to the long-term appearance and condition of your pool.
The better you take care of your pool, the longer your swimming brand pool finish will last.
Vinyl - Safety Cover
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Laminated
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Heat-sealed
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Reinforced with strong webbing material
The seams are heat-sealed liners to prevent leakage and a water-tight seal is provided by the heat welding. A cross-laminated construction is used to give pumps or strength in all directions.
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The cover can last for many years, even when exposed to ultra-violet light from direct sunlight over time.
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Vinyl safety covers come in different thicknesses depending on your requirements.
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They also come in a wide variety of parts and colors, giving you the pumps to match your pool color scheme or to choose a cover that works best for your needs.
Mesh Pool - Custom Covers
Pool Surfaces and Finishes near You
Regardless of your situation or reason, anytime a new pool surface is in question, there are several factors to be considered when making the decision for your pool like:
- Water Color of the Pool
- Depth and Shape of the Pool
- Durability of the Pool
- Texture of the Pool
- Water Temperature of the Pool
Classic White Cement Plaster
This classic white plaster or marcite gives pools a smooth plaster pool finish appearance and is still a popular choice. It is the most inexpensive choice compared to the range of new pool finishes that have developed over the years. This is the most inexpensive option and it lasts you from 5 to 7 years with proper maintenance.
White plaster can also be mixed with different colored dyes to change the appearance of the poolscape. Darker plaster for example, such as gray or dark green, adds depth and gives the pool a natural pond look.
Pros
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Color Options
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Lifespan 7 to 8 years
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Affordability
Cons
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Greater likelihood of Chipping
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Greater likelihood of Scaling and Etch
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More susceptible to staining
These are the new generation plaster products for pool surfaces. This finish consists of white or colored plaster mixed with quartz, granite, or river stone. They come in polished and exposed forms.
Polished - Includes marble and other composites to achieve silky smooth polished aggregate finishes
Exposed - Rougher finish includes stone, pebbles, or glass beads into the plaster
Aggregate pool finishes are becoming more popular because it provides a more luxurious pool finishes. It also offers a harder and more resistance to chemicals and staining pool surfaces pool than regular plaster alone. There is an extensive selection of colors and textures ready to be blended into a unique look.
Aggregates are a step up from just classic plaster. There is a price increase, but it will be a better investment in the long run because of the higher quality of the product. It lasts from 7 to 10 years until your next replastering depending on maintenance.
Exposed Aggregates
This is the highest quality finish, and of course, the most expensive one. It is a harder product to install, it lasts the longest, and it's the best looking of them all. Pebble and Glass blend finish are part of this category.
Pros
- Unparalleled stylishness
- Trusted durability
- Easy to maintain
- Money-saver
Cons
- You cannot do it on your own
- The material can be prone to damage
- You could deal with unprofessional and inexperienced installers
Pebble finishes or pebble tec pool add more of a rustic look and they complement natural surroundings. For example, tropical or lagoon-style designs go hand in hand with pebble pool finishes.
This look is great if you are looking for something more on the natural-looking side.
Pros
- Durability
- The Color
Cons
- Finish Texture
- Cost
Glass blend finish catches the sparkle of sunlight and gives the pool a 3D effect. A glass finish will add elegance to any pool design but are best for enhancing contemporary or modern pool designs.
These exposed aggregate products are the best in the industry and they last the longest, always with proper maintenance. These products can easily last you from 10 to 15 years. It is a great investment for your pool and home gives it a significant change in appearance.
Pros
- Quick installation
- durable
- UV resilient
- good insulator
- low maintenance
Cons
- Higher cost to install
- Will require buffing every 15 to 20 years with specialized equipment
- Not as easy to customize as other options
All types of pool finishes have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which is the best that fits your budget. But if you need professional pool builders on Northeastern Oklahoma to help with your pool project, Elite Pool Services is the right place to go.
All of the pool finishes options will provide years of performance and dazzling beauty in a well-made and well-maintained pool. Discuss the various pool finishes options with your with our pool builders and consider using multiple finishes throughout your pool design for a stunning, multidimensional effect.
Call us today at 918-893-3893 or Send us a FREE quote. We would love to hear from you about your personal thought on what Finish you love the most for your Gunite Pool.
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James Monsalve
I loved the professionalism and knowledge that the technician demonstrated. The employee performed a wonderful job cleaning the pool and maintain the equipment; and the office staff I spoke with was both wonderful and patient. I highly recommend this service!Posted on GoogleSteffani GrandeAfter several attempts with other companies we FINALLY found Elite Pool Service. As first time pool owners in 2020, it was difficult to find someone to just explain the basics and help me understand how to maintain a pool. They have been amazing! We have been working with them for over a year and they have treated me with respect and patience answering all my questions and helping me learn how to maintain our pool. They replaced the old original pool pump with an upgraded one with a scheduler, which I love. The weekly service over the Summer has taken so much stress off my plate and our pool has been in great condition. I am no longer dreading another Summer of pool care.