Over the last few years, architecture has evolved exponentially, incorporating new technologies to help customers preview their ideas before starting the construction process. In pools’ case, it has allowed people to create 3D layouts of their finished outdoor spaces, including functional swimming pool ideas. This type of visualization would be helpful to refine the last details of the project and achieve the desired result.
Videos and images have become part of the market in different areas nowadays, architecture being one of them. They are fundamental elements not only for the architect but for the client as well. In the preview of the construction plan, where the client will be informed of all the details of the process and check on different options, this could be a great support to co-create a proposal that adjusts all the technical and aesthetic necessities of finishing.
When it comes to finding the best finish for a pool, deciding which colors and textures would be more suitable, and giving a better idea of the aging and water leaks, this could be very relevant. Choosing a specific finish might be challenging due to the variety in the market. These are the most popular on concrete pools:
Aggregate Finish
The most common aggregate materials are pebbles, glass beads, and quartz, however, there are other types of added finishes that contain river pebbles, stones, ceramic, or glass coated crystals that are usually combined with cement-based pigmented plaster and applied pneumatically.
This aggregate can be exposed, which means that they would be fully unfolded, resulting in a rough texture, or could be a plane polish added, providing a smooth texture. Another relevant feature of the aggregate is that the bigger it is, the more discomfort when walking on it.
Plaster finish
This type of finish is one of the oldest methods for pools, it has been around since the 60’s and is a mixture of white cement, white sand or marble aggregate and water. This type of finish is one of the most used options in the market, as it can be dyed in different colors, usually white or a light gray that makes the pool look classic and tropical, yet these are not the only colors. Mixing the plaster with other darker pigments can give another kind of dimension to the pool, these can create a mirror effect reflecting the surrounding landscape. One of the great advantages of plaster is that it creates a watertight seal and a pleasant texture for swimmer’s feet. It is economically friendly and can be adapted to the clients needs. Its durability is between 10 and 20 years, for this reason people are really drawn to pools with this type of finish in the design.
Here is an example of how plaster finishes for swimming pools are made.
Tile Finish
Tiles are usually made of porcelain, stone and glass. They can be mixed with each other in some cases. Regarding colors and textures, the varieties of stones like limestone, sandstone, or granite can be used to create a natural aesthetic. These porcelain tiles can be glazed to showcase a more elegant appearance or texture. Tiles are also commonly used to cover the flotation line on the pools. This finish is one of the most durable for concrete pools, and is an easy-cleaning, fire, heat, and UV ray resistant option.
Modern pool finishes give us different possibilities. The visual attractiveness of a material like this is highly important. This is why knowing the distinct types of finishes could help not only the design process, but also, with the budget, specific characteristics and requirements of the pool that we want to build.
Getting enough information about materials will ensure that the final designs turn out as well-executed as they can be. It could also be useful to get a better understanding of the maintenance and durability of the pool. Finally, beyond the aesthetic aspect, the key for choosing the adequate finishes for the project remains on having a clear idea of what the pools main use is, and then picking the finishes according to that.