Swimming pool finishes

Due to their porosity and composition, concrete or gunite pool basins require a coating for sealing and protection against chemicals. Likewise, this finish also determines their final appearance and durability. There is a wide variety of applicable solutions for this purpose. Amusement Logic studies each particular project and proposes the ideal solution according to the economic, aesthetic or climatic needs, as well as the technical requirements.

Paints

There are different types: acrylic, chlorinated rubber, epoxy. Acrylic paints are more economical, whilst chlorinated rubber and epoxy paints give a similar result. It should be noted for renovation cases that these paints are incompatible with each other. Although most paints are waterproofing paints, a specific coating for this purpose is recommended prior to the application of any paint, especially if acrylic paint is to be used. Although this is an economical solution, it has the disadvantage of showing any imperfections in the concrete. The duration of the epoxy paint solution is 5 to 7 years.

Reinforced PVC Liners

This is actually two PVC sheets with an intermediate polyester mesh with a thickness of 0.75 mm. It can therefore be installed on any stable support. As it is independent of the pool, it is resistant to expansion and/or cracking. However, damage by a sharp element or similar can cause leakage. Otherwise, this solution allows for a wide variety of designs, although these fade over time at the height of the water line. As it is a very smooth seal, it makes it difficult for algae to grow. It may feel a little strange to the public, compared to more traditional finishes. Attention needs to be paid to its slipperiness characteristics for compliance with slip regulations, and also its difficulty in adapting to complex shapes despite its variety of formats. They last 6 to 10 years.

Fibreglass reinforced polyester

In this case we are referring to the lining of the pool basin in situ. The use of pre-moulded fibre (for one-piece pools), although much more common, is outside the scope of this article. Its low porosity makes it difficult for chemicals and algae to adhere, but also makes it slippery. It is a highly specialised application, with the danger of osmosis bubbles in case it is not properly applied (with determining parameters such as temperature, thickness, etc.). In case of wear and tear of the gelcoat, the fibre may be exposed, for whose repair, the use of paints other than the gelcoat itself is not recommended. Like the PVC liner, it can be affected by the presence of chemicals in the water. Given the complexity of application, it is not a very common sealing solution. On the other hand, it lasts 16 to 22 years.

Plaster/Marcite

This is a coating for swimming pool basins made from a mixture of white cement and hand-troweled marble powder. It is a tried and tested system, well developed, and also one of the most economical. It gives the pool a classic, smooth, although unsophisticated appearance. If a light colour is chosen, this material is sensitive to the appearance of stains, limescale marks or wear and tear. A grey or blue tint, on the other hand, gives a more natural water colour and somewhat masks these defects. Even so, it requires constant attention to the pH levels in the water, in order to achieve a maximum lifespan of 10 years. 

Aggregates

In this case, a pigmented cement mortar with aggregates of natural origin such as stones or crystals is used as the base of the coating. It is initially applied by hand, followed by surface treatments to make its components visible: polishing (in the case of quartz or marble), or pressure washing to expose the aggregate (in the case of pebbles or glass beads). As most of the exposed surface is formed by the non-porous aggregate, pool basins with this coating are resistant to chemicals and algae growth. In addition, far from damaging the feet, they have a non-slip feel and an attractive, natural appearance. Its cost may be three times that of marcite, but so is its longevity, lasting up to 30 years, although it may require surface treatment around 15 years.

 

Quartz aggregate

This is the most cost-effective system among the aggregates. The aggregate can be tinted and more or less rounded, giving rise to different appearances. It lasts 8 to 12 years.

Marble aggregate

When polished it gives a smooth shiny finish with very beautiful water colours. It is also known as Hydrazzo because of its resemblance to terrazzo. It lasts 15 to 20 years.

Pebble aggregate

In this case, the aggregate for the pool basin is exposed instead of polished. It offers an anti-slip quality and a natural, coarse sandy beach-like appearance. Excellent water colours are also achieved with it. 

Addition of glass beads

The glass beads in this coating can be mixed with pebble or left on their own. They give shiny accents and a three-dimensional effect to the surface. The look is very exclusive.

Tiles

This cladding system is expensive due to the complexity of its installation. The format of the tiles can be 2.5 cm on a side (mosaic), or from larger pieces, from 5 to 15 cm on a side, although the latter is less common. Although it is a system that offers great durability of the tile itself, maintenance work is usually necessary to replace the tiles that tend to come off due to knocks, or to clean the joints between them. Creative mosaic designs can be made by alternating the colours of the tiles. Finally, calcium stains may appear over time. It lasts between 12 and 16 years.

Glass (Gresite)

Glass tiles are the most commonly used type of tiling. As it has no porosity, it hinders the growth of fungi and bacteria. The pieces have rounded edges and do not damage the foot. They are also manufactured with a non-slip finish. They are installed by adding 30x30cm meshes. There are many finishes available and their different combinations give a refined look. Vessels covered by this method can be easily repaired or modified by replacing only part of the tiles.

Ceramic or porcelain

This is the most economical pool lining option among the tile systems. Porcelain tiles are more resistant than stoneware tiles. As it is not an exclusive product for swimming pools, ceramic or porcelain tile cladding offers a multitude of finishes available on the market. At the same time, they can be combined with the material used around the pool. However, their format makes it difficult to adapt them to complex shapes and curved or organic geometries.

Stone

Stone cladding is a very current trend, although its cost limits its use to luxury projects such as spas or private residences. Otherwise, it unifies the aesthetics of the pool with its perimeter. Its classic appearance, usually with orthogonal pieces, limits its use in parks or pools with curved geometries. There are brands available that offer specific ranges for swimming pools. Finally, the possible reaction to chemicals or the final shade of the liner are less predictable than with ceramics, so it is advisable to carry out tests prior to installation.

Sand

This coating for concrete pools is made with a mixture of resins and sand. There is a wide variety of sands and stones to choose from. They are particularly suitable for basins with a gently sloping entrance, which imitates a beach. To finish off the edges of the pool, it is usually advisable to use landscaping work, artificial rocks, etc. This is a costly coating, which is carried out by only a few companies.

Of all the materials shown, paints, marcite or aggregates, in increasing order of cost, are the most common for the lining of swimming pool basins in water parks, due to their price/durability ratio, as well as their adaptability to complex shapes (lazy river, wave pools, etc.).

By Miguel Solís Llistó, architect in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.