fbpx

Pool Surface Types

What are the different types of surfaces for a pool?

The entirety of a pool that you’d see if it wasn’t filled with water constitutes a pool surface. This primarily refers to the walls and floors of a pool. You might imagine that there’s a huge amount of variety to these surfaces.

But while there’s a nearly infinite number of options for a surface’s look, there are only three main types of pool finishes.

And it’s your choice of type that will determine both options for appearance and possibly different associated costs for elements like maintenance.

Gunite/Concrete

You might not be overly familiar with gunite. But you probably know one of its major components – concrete. Gunite is a mixture of concrete with water and sand. This unique mixture isn’t poured out like concrete. It’s instead sprayed out with a special high-pressure system. This is really the main difference between Gunite and concrete.

If it’s sprayed it’s gunite and if it’s poured it’s considered concrete even if it has sand and water mixed in.

When you keep that similarity in mind you’ll know what to expect this surface to look like. But unfortunately, it also inherits some of the longer pool installation timeframes associated with concrete. This makes it the slowest of the three main surface types.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is one of the quickest to install options. This is thanks to the fact that it’s not actually constructed within the confines of your pool area.

Fiberglass pools are instead constructed offsite using a mold. They’re then lowered into the ground at your desired location.

The fiberglass is, just as the name suggests, a surface made from fiberglass and plaster. They generally are available in various shades of blue with different mixes added to them to get different effects when water and light hits it.

Vinyl

Like fiberglass, the name of this surface type tells you exactly what you’re getting. A vinyl surface is made of layers of vinyl that are laid out over a frame in your pool area.

This is generally the most cost-effective option. But at the same time, it’s also the least durable.

A vinyl surface will typically only last about five to ten years. And damage to it is fairly common, especially tears.

Pool Finish Types

If you’re wondering how three types of surfaces can lend themselves to the infinite variety of pool designs then you’ll find a large part of that answer in pool finishes. A pool finish acts as a coat or cover sitting on top of the raw material. And you have a wide variety of options for finishes, each lending itself to different aesthetics. For example, dark pools have become one of the more popular design trends. A dark, or black bottom pool leveragers these finishes to simulate the look and feel of bottomless depths. And this general principle holds true for a wide variety of other choices. Finishes can essentially be used as the canvas by which you design the pool of your dreams.

Plaster:

looking top down to a plaster finished pool in full sun
Plaster finishes give that smooth and even look to a pool, not just limited to white you can get colored plaster too.

A plaster finish is typically made with a white design aesthetic. It’s one of the more classic looks and makes for an appearance that’s refreshingly nostalgic to a lot of people. Plaster might not seem overly glamorous at first glance. But this emotional element adds allure. And the fact that it’s among the most inexpensive options doesn’t hurt either. However, there are also some interesting variants of plaster to consider.

Aggregate:

close up of steps of a pool that have an aggregate finish
There are many varieties and colors of aggregates available which cover a wide spectrum of colors, textures and looks.

Aggregate pool finish combines plaster with small pieces of hard, colored, material. Colored quartz, glass beads, and river stones are the most common choices for embedded materials. They lend both some extra flourish and durability to standard plaster.

Polished Aggregates

If you crush the aggregate into plaster then the result is known as polished aggregate. This technique is typically used with colored stones like quartz or marble. The result is then applied by hand in order to maximize the beautiful sheen.

Exposed Aggregates

Exposed aggregate finishes expose the material to both eyes and air. But it gains a special appeal because of its advanced craftsmanship. Pebbles or beads are applied by hand, as is the case for polished aggregate. But it’s then power washed with muriatic acid and water. This removes the top layer and exposes the beauty laying beneath the surface.

Tile:

close up view of swimming pool and outdoor daybeds
Tiles can dramatically change the look of the pool and when selecting the color and style you need to consider many things like the amount of shade the pool gets, the angles within the pool design and the surrounding pool colors and background.

Tile has an inarguable elegance. But at the same time, it’s also the most expensive finishing option. But that higher cost does bring multiple different options which each have their own unique benefits. However, going with tiles tends to become a continual slide into ever-increasing prices. If you do choose tiles for your pool finish there is then the decision on which types of tiles you want.

Tiles are generally more expensive than other options due to the labor involved in installing them as well as the tiles themselves. It is easy to see how the material and preparation of tiles costs more than plaster for example. But there are options out there, like Viking Capital, which can ensure you get the financing you need to get the pool of your dreams.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Porcelain and ceramic are among the least expensive options if you’d like to go with a tile finish. But don’t let the lower price fool you. It’s amenable to some truly dazzling designs and there are a variety of colors to choose from. Many people even go with hand painting for their ceramic tiles in order to add an extra element of classic style.

Stone Tile

Stone has a beauty that lends itself to most designs. For example, it’s a popular choice for modern and standard pool styles. But stone tiles are perhaps best suited to natural pool designs. That inherent appeal of marble, granite, limestone, and other decorative stone fits perfectly into any design focused on natural beauty.

Glass Tile

Glass tile may have been around for a while now. But it’s only recently started to really get the credit it deserves. Glass tile has some inherent benefits like the fact that it stands up to potential stains or danger of erosion. But it’s simply the sheen and shimmer of glass tiles that tend to attract people to the idea. Pool water already has a way of refracting light to create dazzling displays. But the reflective quality of glass tile can take that effect to the next level.

Making a Final Decision on the Perfect Pool Surface Type

Your choice of pool surface can make a huge difference in a wide variety of areas. But the number of choices is a testament to the fact that there’s no objective right answer. Instead, it’s one of the many options pool owners must make a decision on after weighing up all the pros and cons. Talk to your pool builder and get their on what would be best for your situation.

Disclaimer:

At Viking Capital, we try to provide accurate information on loans, credit scores and pool care, but it may not apply directly to your individual situation. We are not financial advisors and we recommend you consult with a financial professional before making any serious financial decisions. The content on poolloan.net is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. Should you need such advice, consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

Why Choose Viking:

Share This Post:

Download our "Top Pool Trends" eBook

Other Useful Info:

Pool Renovations – What You Need To Know

You undoubtedly want to get the most out of your property, and there are few better ways to do so than renovations. But there are some areas of renovation, like pools, that aren’t exactly straightforward. However, when you learn about what goes into the process you can get the most out of it. The renovation

Read More »
A swimming pool in the backyard of a house surrounded by palm trees.

Vinyl Liner Pools

Vinyl inground pools are one of the most popular swimming pool types. But their popularity doesn’t always go hand in hand with familiarity. There’s a lot to learn about vinyl before deciding on whether or not it’s the right option for you. And you’ll soon discover every important point about it. So when the time

Read More »

Concrete Pools – A Run Down

You might think that you already know exactly what a concrete pool is. After all, the name does a good job of describing it. And a concrete pool is, in fact, a pool made from concrete. But there are a few more points to consider when you’re weighing the options for a pool of your

Read More »

What’s the Deal With a Shipping Container Pool?

There are some tried and true favorites in the world of pool design. But that doesn’t mean people aren’t trying and discovering some amazing new ideas. In fact, it’s almost certain that some of them might be in the running to become the pool of your dreams. Shipping container pools in particular have been rising

Read More »

Solid vs Mesh Pool Cover – Which Should You Choose?

New pool owners are generally quick to discover that pool covers aren’t quite as simple as they might have thought. Most people know that pool covers are an important part of owning a pool. But what’s less well known is just how many types there are and how much of a difference they make in

Read More »

How Much Does a Pool Raise Your Electric Bill

Key Takeaways Homes in the US that have swimming pools consume approximately 49% more electricity compared to homes without pools. This higher energy usage results in an additional cost of approximately $500 per home annually. If you’re like most people then you’ve had moments of concern when looking over your electric bill. Those bills are

Read More »

How Much Would You Like To Borrow?

Payment Calculator

FREE Loan Consultations and payment details for all applicants!

Example 1

Loan amount $40,000
Rate 5.49%
Term 15 Years
Monthly payment $327/mo.

Example 2

Loan amount $50,000
Rate 7.99%
Term 20 Years
Monthly payment $418/mo.

Loan Terms

* Loan terms and availability vary based on borrower qualifications and are subject to change without notice. Monthly payment amounts are for demonstrative purposes only and are not guaranteed to match final payment amounts for all borrowers. Your Viking Capital Loan Representative will go over all your loan options and their respective terms and payment amounts.

We are proud to offer these great loan options to our Military Families

*Eligibility requirements:

The applicant or co-applicant (or Family Member*) is active duty, military retiree, reservist, or veteran.  Branch of service: Air Force, Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Marine Corps or reserves for these branches. 

Family members must be “lineal” (spouse or direct-line ancestors and descendants. Includes family by adoption and marriage).