Choosing a Surface for Your Pool: What You Need to Know

You’ve decided what type of pool you want—the features, the dimensions and the style—when your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA suddenly asks you what type of surface you want for the interior of your pool.

The surface interior is one aspect of your dream pool design that you probably never thought of, so you start researching your options. It turns out that there are a lot of options available—and a lot of opinions about which one is best. If you’re not familiar with surface interiors for pools, wading through the choices can seem overwhelming. To help you decide, we’ve broken down a few of the most commonly used surface interiors for you.

Plaster

In previous years, plaster has been the most common choice for pool interiors. Plaster is the least expensive option available. Plaster is also easy to dye, so the color is customizable. However, plaster is more susceptible to erosion from water chemicals, so maintaining proper water chemistry is a must. Plaster can also become stained by debris, such as fallen leaves or high metal levels in your water supply. Colored plasters are also more susceptible to fading over the years. Keep in mind, however, that a plaster interior can go five to seven years without any signs of wear or fading if cared for properly.

PebbleTec

PebbleTec is a brand that made its first appearance in Australia. During the 1960s, tradesmen began attempting to create an alternative to plaster for the interior of pools. The end result was PebbleTec, an aggregate finish that incorporates natural pebble materials with concrete. There are several benefits to choosing PebbleTec over plaster. First, the combination of pebbles used in this aggregate finish allows for the creation of a more natural look to your pool interior, similar to that of the ocean floor or a riverbed. Second, PebbleTec is more durable and has an exceptional stain resistance. Keep in mind, however, that PebbleTec can be significantly more expensive than plaster.

Tile

Tile is considered the premium surface for your pool interior. Tile offers endless possibilities when it comes to design. You can create intricate and custom designs for the interior of your pool by using a variety of tile colors and shapes. But tile offers more than aesthetics—it is also durable and easier to clean than PebbleTec. However, there are some drawbacks. As with a plaster finish, it’s important to maintain the proper chemical balance in your pool to avoid white calcium buildup on your tiles. Tile, depending on the color, can also sometimes create a blinding glare when hit by direct light from the sun.

Now that you understand a little bit more about your surface options for the interior of your pool, you can better determine which option is best for you. However, it is important to consult your pool designer in Los Angeles, CA before making a final decision. They can offer you advice on which option will best suit your lifestyle and budget. Contact Avanti Pools, Inc. today for more information about designing your custom pool.