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—Design decisions

Choosing a pool interior finish

The interior finish is what you see through the water and feel underfoot. It also sets how soon the pool will need renovating.

Tiled interiors — ceramic, porcelain or glass mosaic — are durable and offer a wide range of colours and patterns. Glass mosaic gives depth and shimmer, ceramic and porcelain give clean, consistent surfaces. Plaster interiors are smooth and traditional, usually white or tinted; they are less costly initially but wear over time. Pebble finishes combine small stones in a cement base, giving texture and a natural look.

Design guides set out the choices that are hard to change once the shell is built.

Each finish feels different underfoot and ages differently. Tiles can last a long time if grout and waterproofing are maintained. Plaster may need resurfacing after some years. Pebble is durable but rougher. The choice affects water colour, cleaning and future renovation.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Tiles last

    With good grout and waterproofing.

  • Plaster is smooth

    But resurfacing comes sooner.

  • Pebble is textured

    Durable, rougher underfoot.

02Detail

Finish options

  • Ceramic tile

    Widely available and practical.

  • Porcelain tile

    Dense and low-absorption, often in larger formats.

  • Glass mosaic

    Shimmering colour and depth; more grout lines.

  • Plaster

    Smooth and classic; wears over time.

  • Pebble

    Natural texture; firm underfoot.

03Before you start

Before choosing

  • Feel samples

    Underfoot comfort matters.

  • See them wet

    Colour changes underwater.

  • Ask about lifespan

    And future renovation.

—In practice

How to use this

Decide what matters most to you: colour and pattern, feel underfoot, durability or initial cost. Look at samples under water rather than dry, since appearance changes considerably when wet. Ask how each finish is maintained, how it ages in strong sun, and roughly how long before renovation is usually considered, so the comparison covers the whole life of the pool.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Choosing from dry samples
Finishes look noticeably different under water and in sunlight. View samples submerged before making a final decision.
Ignoring renovation cycles
A lower-cost finish may need renovating sooner. Comparing over the pool’s life gives a fairer picture than the first price.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Which finish lasts longest?
Well-installed tile generally lasts longest, with grout maintained.
Is plaster cheaper?
Often initially, but it may need resurfacing sooner.
Does finish affect water colour?
Yes; lighter finishes give paler water, darker ones deeper colour.
Is pebble rough on feet?
It is textured; some find it firmer than tile.
Can I mix finishes?
Yes, for example a tiled waterline with a different floor finish.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Choosing a finish?

Tell us the look you want. We will explain the options.

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