Pool Refinishing

5 Surefire Strategies for Choosing

Your Perfect Pool Finish

by “The Pool Prof”

When it comes to the look and feel of your pool and outdoor living space, few choices are more critical than the ones you make when refinishing your pool.

Before making any decisions about your pool refinishing project, consider these 5 surefire strategies for choosing a pool finish you’ll love as much five years from now as the day it’s completed:

1.  CONSIDER SHORT-TERM COSTS AND LONG-TERM BENEFITS.

Every pool owner needs to think about cost and quality when refinishing a pool. Pool finishes can last anywhere from eight to 25 years. If you think it’s likely you’ll be selling your home in the next five years, a less expensive finish might be your wisest financial decision. But if you’re planning to live in your home for the next 15-25 years, a more expensive, high-end pool finish will actually save you money. That’s because a finish costing only 30% more can last more than twice as long as a less expensive finish.

2.  ZERO IN ON THE “LOOK” AND “FEEL” YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE.

Have you ever noticed some pools feel warm, vibrant and inviting, while others feel cool, elegant and sophisticated? Many people don’t realize that the pool finish they choose will determine the look and feel of their pool water.

Think about the finished look you want before choosing color and materials for your pool finish.  A pure white finish, for example, will make your pool water appear sparkly blue.  A blue or gray finish will make your pool water appear a richer blue, but less vivid than when using a pure white finish.  A tan finish tends to make water appear green. Darker finishes, like those featured in black bottom pools, project a contemporary, classy feel, but can sometimes make a pool appear smaller than a lighter finish.

3.  BE SURE TO FOCUS ON THE “BIG PICTURE.”

When you choose a new sofa, you consider the surroundings in which it will be placed—the wall colors, flooring or carpeting, lighting, the other furniture in the room, and the overall “look” and sense of style you want to project in your living space.

To end up with a finished pool area you’re proud of, it’s essential to do the same thing. While your pool may be the centerpiece of your outdoor living space, there are other elements at play in creating an inviting space for you and your family.  Lighting, outdoor furniture, hardscape and landscaping are all important elements in creating a space you’ll love to live in.

Before finalizing your decision on a pool finish, answer a few simple questions:

• Why did you choose the particular color and/or texture you’ve decided to go with?

• Have you consulted with your contractor and asked him or her for suggestions and input?  Remember that pool refinishing and remodeling is what they do every day. Take advantage of their advice and perspective.

• Does the color and texture you’ve chosen work well with the existing coping, tile work and landscaping?

4.   EXPLORE ALL YOUR OPTIONS BEFORE MAKING A DECISION.

The days when your choice in pool finishes was either white plaster or light blue plaster are long gone. There are a wide variety of products, textures and colors available today—everything from traditional plaster to high-end products like PebbleBrilliance™, a unique, luxurious pebble/glass finish that lasts 25 years or more. An abundant array of dozens of color options are also available—everything from “Cielo Blue” and “Jamaican Mist” to “Sahara Sand” and “Emerald Galaxy”.

Some of the more popular pool finishes include:

• PebbleFina™ incorporates the ancient Greek and Roman use of pozzolans into the cement mixture to provide strength and durability. Most colors contain small seashell pieces, which enhances the beauty of the pool interior while adding a brilliant sparkle to the water.

• PebbleTec™ is created with pebbles from around the world that are selected for their color and beauty. This stain-resistant surface has a natural, non-slip texture that provides durability, natural elegance and exceptional value.

5.  LOOK BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE.

After refinishing their pools, many people find they spend much more time in their outdoor living space. And when they do, they start thinking about other improvements they’d like to make—such as the addition of a firepit, decking or rock work.

If there’s any possibility you may want to improve and customize your outdoor living space in the future, give some thought now to what those improvements might look like.  Your future plans could influence your present pool refinishing choices. It’s better to factor in that information now than to second-guess or regret your decision later.

 “The Pool Prof” column is written by the expert professionals at Gardner Outdoor & Pool Remodeling. Serving Southern California homeowners and commercial clients since 1969, Gardner has offices in San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs. To learn more, visit gardnerpoolplastering.com.