Kathryn Alexander explores the options available to finish your swimming pool.

Building a swimming pool means decisions. Even when you’ve decided what type to build, you will have to decide what finish you want on the inside as well as what material you are going to use for the coping and for the surround.

The only pools which are not finished in some way once construction is complete are vinyl-lined and fibreglass pools. All the rest need a coating of some kind to make the shell fully waterproof and smooth. Marble plaster Probably the most common finish for the contemporary swimming pool, marble plaster gives the inside walls and floor a smooth, waterproof skin. Essentially a mixture of white cement and granular marble dust, it is applied to both gunite and handpacked concrete surfaces with a trowel.

Traditionally referred to as marbelite and originally manufactured in white, marble plaster products are now available in a range of colours. Combined with light and the chemically-treated water, different shades make the pool appear to be a different colour. For example, white marble plaster will make the water look bright and blue, while sandy hues will tend to give a greenish cast. Charcoal looks more natural and can raise the temperature of the water significantly.

Fibreglass A popular option for finishing structural concrete pools, fibreglass provides a hard-wearing, long-lasting, smooth finish. It is also a finish frequently used when old pools are renovated. However, it is essential that it is applied correctly, using reliable specifications. So beware of companies that do not belong to the NSPI giving quotes which are considerably lower than most. Chances are they will skimp on materials and so the job will not last.

When a new pool is lined with fibreglass, the concrete must be thoroughly cured before the lining is applied. Tiles Even though it is a fairly expensive option, tiles may be used as an interior finish for swimming pools. A more common choice, particularly in the Eastern Cape, is chip tile.

Article sourced from the NSPI website: http://www.nspi.co.za/ with their full knowledge and permission.