Pool Finishes that Change the Color of the Water

When building a swimming pool, one of the most important design choices you’ll have to make involves the pool finish. As the final layer applied to the interior of the pool, the color, texture, and material of the finish can have a significant impact on the perceived color of the water, as well as the pool’s overall aesthetic. Read on for an overview of various pool finishes and how they may affect the color of the water in your pool.

Plaster Finishes

Plaster is a traditional and popular choice for pool finishes. Standard white plaster, the most common type, reflects light, giving the water a crisp, light blue hue evocative of a tropical paradise.

If you’re seeking a different effect, colored plaster options are available. For instance, blue plaster can deepen the blue color of the water, creating a lagoon-like effect. Black or gray plaster can give the water a dramatic, dark, and reflective quality, often resembling a natural pond or lake.

Aggregate Finishes

Aggregate finishes combine plaster with small pieces of materials like quartz, pebbles, or glass beads. These finishes are not only durable, but also provide unique visual effects. For example:

  • Quartz finishes mix colored quartz with plaster, which enhances the durability and appearance of the pool. Light-colored quartz can make the water appear bright and inviting, while darker quartz can give it a rich, deep tone.
  • Pebble finishes consist of small, smooth pebbles embedded in plaster, creating a natural, earthy look. The water color varies depending on the pebble mix, with light pebbles tending to produce a turquoise shade and darker pebbles resulting in a deeper blue or green color.
  • Glass bead. At the costlier end of the pool finishes spectrum, this option features tiny glass beads mixed with plaster and/or pebbles. The reflective quality of the glass beads can create a mesmerizing shimmering effect in the water, elevating its overall aesthetic. The color of the beads can significantly influence the water color, with lighter beads providing a sparkling blue and darker beads giving a more intense hue.

Other Factors Influencing Water Color

While a pool’s finish has a major impact on the perceived water color, it’s important to keep in mind that other factors will also play a role. For instance, the depth of the pool, the surrounding landscape, and lighting (both natural and artificial) can all affect how the water appears.

Whether you’d prefer a pool with a bright, beachy aesthetic, a dark, alluring hue, or anything in between, the team at Aqua Pool & Patio is here to help! With over 50 continuous years of experience, we specialize in designing and building high-quality gunite pools. One of the main advantages of gunite is that it can be customized to suit any style. Call us today at (860) 623-9886 to start bringing your pool dreams to life!