Which pool finish is right for you?

While your local Phoenix pool service company can help you plan out the remodeling of your swimming area, you can take some initiative by approaching them with specific requests and design choices. From fountains to new jets, there are many options for you to choose from in order to upgrade your pool.

However, beyond aesthetics, you can opt to update the surface of your swimming pool to ensure it has a finish that looks and feels brand new. With a range of options available, it can be tough to narrow down your choices.

Why change it?
Unlike most surface products, pool finishes remain submerged in water for almost endless periods of time. With the exception of emptying the pool to clean it or flush the water, the swimming area is constantly exposed to various chemical conditions over time. This can be especially true if the pool isn't properly maintained by its owners. According to the National Plasterers Council, when there's an imbalance in powerful chemicals, the interaction between the water and pool surface can change its appearance either slowly over a period of years or rapidly during the course of weeks and months.

Sometimes, the changes that occur are strictly cosmetic and the decision is centered on improving the pool's aesthetics. Yet the chemicals, in rare instances, can make the surface deteriorate and become a danger to swimmers. If you're planning to alter the pool's finish, you have to know the impact each type can have on your pool's appearance.

Are tiles the best choice?
Contrary to common beliefs, the tiles used in your bathroom or kitchen are different than the ones used in swimming pools. These come in a wider array of colors and designs to give your pool's surface a customized look that can't be found anywhere else in the area. Adding in patterns can completely change how your pool looks to visitors and swimmers. However, the biggest advantage to tile is that it's a durable option that requires little maintenance, Pool Corporation explained. Tiles are built to endure the chemical reactions associated with pool water and can last a long time before needing to be updated.

If you want your finish to look versatile, you may choose to have mosaic tiles installed by professionals. This allows you to include designs that are child-friendly, such as dolphins and other tropical fish. Customization with pool tiles is practically endless, and can make your pool stand out among the rest.

What about plaster?
Although tiles are an exceptional choice, pool owners shouldn't overlook the aesthetic appeal of plaster finishes. Standard white is the most common option selected by owners for their surface, but there's a range of colors and textures to sift through before making your final decision.

Because it's a simple mixture of cement, marble aggregate and water, plaster is a primarily economical choice for owners who want to give their swimming pool a classic look. Due to the number of colors available, you can toy with reflecting the natural environment around your Phoenix home. With the proper care and maintenance, you can have a beautiful, long-lasting finish that's unique to your own pool.

What's an aggregate finish?
Akin to plaster surfaces, aggregate finishes are becoming the new generation of pool remodeling options, according to Luxury Pools. By taking plaster mixtures and adding in small pieces of river stones or glass beads, aggregates can give your pool a wholly original finish. They've gained recent popularity because they provide swimming pools with a lavish surface that's more resilient to chemicals than traditional plaster bottoms. With a range of colors and textures, aggregates can make your swimming pool one-of-a-kind from the rest of the neighborhood.