Plaster And Tile Austin TX
You might say that a swimming pool is just a fancy crater in the ground with a pool finish and water features added for good measure. Because concrete is a porous material, the pool finish keeps water from seeping into the pool shell. Over the years, you might notice that the pool finish also deteriorates due to water, sunlight, and chemical exposure.
Whether you have a new pool project or a pool remodeling project, as one of the top pool builders in Austin, we will recommend the best pool finish for your swimming pool.
Pool Plaster Installation
Pool plaster finish has been around since the 1960s. It is one of the oldest and most affordable options for pool finishes. Some people might say that a white pool plaster finish is out of fashion. But if you are on a tight budget, it might be your best choice. These days, color is added to the plaster to make it more appealing.
Like concrete, plaster is also permeable by nature. Its main component is calcium hydroxide; it’s not a very strong compound and tends to degrade and get separated from the pool shell. Modern manufacturers appear to have found the remedy by adding pozzolana to significantly improve the properties of plaster.
Pool plaster typically lasts from five to 10 years. It will erode over time. Proper maintenance is needed to maintain pool plaster, with emphasis on the water chemistry levels. When the pool surface starts to cut or scratch your skin, it might be time to replaster your swimming pool.
The length of time it takes to replaster a pool depends on the size and depth. An average-sized swimming pool should take no more than two weeks. Replastering involves removing the old plaster, applying the new pool finish, and allowing it to set and cure properly.
With an average lifespan of five to 10 years, you might say that pool plaster is the most susceptible finish. Proper care involves regular acid washing with intervals and carefully monitoring the pH levels of the swimming pool. You can see spots and stains easily with a white pool finish, but it is just as easy to spot imperfections with darker finishes.
Pool plaster is an affordable option for pool finishes. Modern manufacturers have added pozzolans to plaster to make it more durable and less reactive. The addition of pozzolan has lessened some of the problems that occur with plaster finishes.
Pool Tile Installation
Unlike a plaster finish that’s applied by pouring the mixture and smoothing it over, pool tiles are meticulously applied by hand that’s why you can create pretty patterns and mosaics with it. You can mix and match different types of pool tiles.
There are different types of pool tiles. You can choose from glass, stone, quartz, or ceramic tiles. They also come in different sizes ranging from 1-inch to six-inch squares.
Pool tiles are as beautiful and durable as a pool finish. At about 15 to 20 years, the lifespan of pool tiles is beyond compare. They are expensive and take a long time to install, but the time and money are well worth it once you see the results.
The easy maintenance of pool tiles more than makes up for the cost and time it takes to install them. Cleaning your pool weekly is still recommended – skimming the surface, brushing the sides and pool floors, removing the debris that sinks to the bottom of the pool with a vacuum. If time is an issue, cleaning the swimming pool every other week also works.
Swimming pools with tile finishes are very durable. Because tiles are waterproof by nature, you never have to worry about your pool leaking. You can add a layer of protection by choosing glazed tiles.
The decision about which pool finish to choose for your swimming pool depends on your budget and the appearance you want to achieve. If you are still on the fence, you may book a consultation with our expert in-house designers to discuss your options.
We have been installing pool finishes for years, both on new swimming pools or remodel projects. If you are wondering about the costs, we can provide estimates during your consultation, and we provide local sources if you need assistance with financing.