Gunite Swimming Pool Finishes and Trims

Unlike vinyl and fiberglass pools which do not need an interior finish, gunite pools need to be finished using paint, plaster, fiberglass, ceramic tile, or an exposed aggregate such as pebble or quartz. Each of these options has advantage and disadvantages which you should discuss with your pool contractor.

Paint is the cheapest option, and you can do the painting yourself, but it needs to be reapplied every 1-3 years. If you are going to paint the interior of your gunite pool, the paint you choose must be compatible with underwater usage and must be handled carefully. Speak with reliable paint manufacturer or supplier before deciding whether to do your own painting.

Plaster is a more durable finish than paint, but it must be applied by a professional and generally must be re-plastered every 5-7 years. Plaster finishes are one of the most popular finishing choices because they are smooth yet slip resistant, and provide the gunite with a waterproof skin. White plaster, a mixture of white cement and white marble dust, is the most common color used, but other colors are also available and are increasing in popularity.

Fiberglass is a longer lasting, relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain option, which can be applied by hand or sprayed using a machine. Before applying fiberglass, the surface must be cleaned and patched to ensure that it will bond properly. Once properly applied, fiberglass won't leak and will inhibit algae growth, thereby making your pool maintenance chores that much easier. However, fiberglass may experience cobalt staining and can leak chemicals and exposed fibers to the water.

Another option that will last for the life of the pool is installing ceramic tiles over the gunite. Tiles are expensive to install and require professional installation, but they require little maintenance, and feel smooth underfoot. If your budget does not allow for ceramic tiles, but you like the look of tiles, you can plaster the interior surface of the pool and add just a few rows of tiles at the water line.

Finally, the most luxurious finish is an exposed aggregate finish made of quartz or pebble. This finish has a natural look and can be used for a custom look, since there are many colors and designs available. Furthermore exposed aggregates will last a long time, are slip resistant and absorb solar energy. Besides the high prices, the only other real negative is that this type of finish is bumpy and therefore may be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet.

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