In fairness, all plaster finishes will eventually develop some degree of checking and crazing, but it is more easily seen in colored plaster. Here is a list of common complaints about colored plaster, which are considered acceptable by plastering standards: mottling, pigment stains, streaks, unevenness of color, variation between color and sample, checking and crazing.Ĭhecking and crazing refer to a type of superficial cracking that looks like the spider cracks on aged china dishes.

Those that do offer it will have you sign a long disclaimer about all of the inconsistencies involved with colored plaster. There are numerous complaints about colored plaster, which in turn has led many companies to discontinue this option as an interior finish. The most popular color is varying shades of grey. Colored plaster will usually change color and fade over time. Colored plaster can be any color but don’t expect an exact match from a color sample.

Simple huh? Colored plaster is white plaster with colored pigments added in the mixer before application. Standard plaster can also be colored and it is commonly referred to as just “colored plaster”. There is an additional expense to additives and it is not a complete solution to countering the effects of pool chemicals and environmental effects on your plaster. There are also silicon additives which can be added to help maintain the plaster finish. Pozzolans change the chemistry of the cement and make the plaster more impervious to the effects of poor chemistry. There are hardeners called “pozzolans” which can be added to the plaster mix. Standard plaster will have the greatest chance to change appearance over time. Standard plaster is more susceptible to damage from imbalanced pool chemistry, which can result in slight shading, scaling, staining, etching, cracking or delaminating in extreme cases. Standard plaster is hand troweled like all other interior finishes, but will tend to show trowel marks more easily. Standard plaster is considered by the National Plasterers Council as a “soft” product when compared to other finishes. Standard plaster is the smoothest finish of all plaster types. Standard white plaster gives the pool an inviting light blue hue and a classic look that will stay white with proper maintenance. Standard white plaster is the original plaster which was used on your grandparent’s pool. Standard plaster is basically made of white cement and crushed marble. Standard White or Colored Plaster Finish: We will try to keep this informative and not to clinical. Let’s take a look at each of our options for interior finishes to help make our decision. There are a few more things to consider, other than price, when making the decision about how the interior of your swimming pool will look and function. The most commonly used finish is standard white or grey plaster this is because it is the most cost effective option. In the pool industry the term “plaster” may be used to describe standard plaster, quartz plaster, pebble plaster or a variation which can include glass beads or some kind of hybrid plaster. Of recent, mosaic glass tile has become very popular for swimming pool interior finishes, but is usually reserved for specific applications and only recommended for particular areas of the world. For in-ground gunite swimming pools and spas, this may be a plaster or tile finish. The “interior finish” is considered the finish on the walls and floor of the pool below the tile line. In this article I will help you make an informed decision on resurfacing the interior finish of your upcoming swimming pool construction or renovation project.

Photo of pool plaster colors