There are actually many interior pool surfaces used throughout the world. The three most common, and the three we recommend you consider, are plaster, “quartz” and pebble. Quartz and pebble surfaces were developed as solutions to the shortcomings of plaster. However, like most improvements, they cost more than plaster. Here’s how they compare, so you can make up your own mind. . .
Plaster is still the most common interior pool surface (although it’s not the best). People like plaster because they’re familiar with it and it’s the least expensive of the three pool surfaces.
Most traditional plaster is white cement mixed with limestone or marble sand. By its nature, plaster has certain limitations.
Its porous surface is the most susceptible of the three to staining, bacteria growth and breakdown by the chemicals you add. Because plaster constantly reacts to water and chemicals, plaster pools “use” more chemicals to maintain a balanced water chemistry. And plaster doesn’t typically last as long as the other two surfaces (for these reasons).
You can expect a new plaster surface to give you 10 plus years of good service with proper care.
A quartz interior pool surface is actually a plaster surface with quartz aggregate mixed in. There are two benefits with quartz: First, quartz is a very hard material. And because a percentage of your pool interior surface is now covered with a hard, non-porous, stain-resistant material – quartz – you have a more stain-resistant, more durable and longer-lasting surface than plaster alone.
Second, people like quartz because you can introduce colors into your pool interior with it. We use diamond brite exposed quartz finish in our quartz pools, generally regarded as the best color quartz available. People choose quartz for beauty (colors) and durability.
A “pebble” interior pool surface is also a plaster surface with pebble aggregate mixed in. The pebbles actually comprise the majority of the surface of the pool, with the obvious advantages.
It is the most stain-resistant and most durable surface available. And you can select from many different interesting colors. But it’s a rough surface. It’s hard on feet and on automatic pool cleaners (any parts coming in constant contact with the surface of pebble pools will wear out much more quickly). A “mini” pebble surface is available from most suppliers. It is smoother than standard pebble because it uses small pebbles. This surface is actually polished smooth!
Pebble surfaces are about double the cost of traditional plaster. You can expect a new pebble surface to give you up to 20 years of good service with proper care.
Contact the Riverton Pool and Spa
It means a great deal to us to have great customer service. We are always trying to improve our company to better serve you. If we can not answer your question we will lead you to who can. Please call our professional staff at 844-209-1147. Riverton Pool & Spa is a local business that is here to work for you.
