Choosing the Right Pool Plaster and Color Scheme: A Stylish Guide to Your Perfect Pool Finish

Posted on April 3, 2025

When designing or renovating a pool, one of the most important aesthetic and functional decisions you’ll make is choosing the right plaster finish and color scheme.

At Stylish Pools, we believe the finish should not only enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also reflect your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.

Understanding Pool Plaster Options

Pool plaster is the interior finish of the pool, applied over the gunite or shotcrete shell.

It acts as a waterproofing layer and directly impacts the color, texture, and longevity of your pool. Depending on the formulation, it can range from simple and smooth to highly textured and decorative.

In recent years, aggregate pool finishes have taken the top spot from traditional white plaster as the most desirable pool finish option. These finishes combine river pebbles, stones, ceramic-coated crystals, or glass beads with Portland cement-based pigmented plaster, and are applied pneumatically.

Their rise in popularity is due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and textured, high-end look.

Most pool owners now prefer aggregate finishes not only for their long lifespan but also for the wide variety of color and texture options they offer. Compared to traditional plaster, aggregate finishes are more resistant to staining, etching, and wear, especially in demanding climates like Florida.

To help you understand the difference:

Standard Plaster (like classic white or colored plaster) provides a smooth, traditional surface made mostly of white cement and marble dust.
Aggregate Plaster (like quartz or pebble finishes) includes hard materials like crushed quartz or river pebbles, offering greater strength, color depth, and visual texture.

Each type of pool plaster not only offers unique aesthetic appeal and texture but also varies in terms of longevity.

Below is a more detailed breakdown of popular finishes, along with how long you can expect them to last with proper care in Florida’s hot, humid, and sun-intense climate.

It’s also worth noting that saltwater pool systems and prolonged UV exposure can impact the longevity and appearance of your finish. Proper water chemistry and routine maintenance can help extend the life of any plaster type.

Classic White Plaster

Look: Crisp, clean, traditional light blue water appearance
Pros: Cost-effective, smooth surface
Cons: More prone to staining and etching over time
Lifespan: Approximately 5–7 years

Colored Plaster

What it is: White plaster mixed with mineral-based or synthetic pigments to achieve different water tones

Look: Adds depth and variation to water color (blue, green, teal, etc.)
Pros: More customized aesthetics
Cons: Color fading may occur with improper maintenance
Lifespan: Approximately 7–10 years

Quartz Plaster (e.g., Diamond Brite)

What it is: A mixture of plaster and crushed quartz aggregate, often with added pigments for color and sparkle. This type of finish can also incorporate glass beads to enhance shimmer and create a luxurious, reflective effect in the water.

Look: Speckled, sparkling finish; available in a variety of tones
Pros: Durable, stain-resistant, longer lifespan than standard plaster
Cons: Slightly rougher texture
Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 years

Pebble Finish (e.g., PebbleTec)

What it is: A blend of small, smooth pebbles mixed into plaster for a natural and highly durable surface. This is also a type of aggregate finish, similar to quartz, offering excellent durability and enhanced aesthetics through texture and natural stone variation. While traditional pebble finishes typically use pebbles alone, some advanced formulations may also incorporate glass beads for additional sparkle, though this is more common in quartz-based blends.

Look: Natural, lagoon-like appearance; rich color depth
Pros: Extremely durable, low-maintenance, wide color range
Cons: Higher upfront cost, textured surface
Lifespan: Approximately 15–20+ years

How Pool Plaster is Made, Colored, and Applied

Pool plaster is typically a blend of white cement, marble dust or silica sand, and water, which creates a smooth, hard finish once cured. Depending on the desired appearance and performance, additives like colored pigments, quartz crystals, or pebbles are mixed into the plaster blend.

Coloring the Plaster:

Color pigments are added during the mixing process to achieve various shades — from soft creams and blues to deep charcoals and teals.
For more sparkle or depth, quartz or pebble aggregates are used. These create beautiful textures and natural variation in tone.

Application Process:

Preparation: The pool shell is cleaned and prepped to ensure proper adhesion.
Application: The mixture is pumped into the pool and troweled by hand for a smooth, even coat.
Curing: The plaster is then cured over several weeks, during which the pool is filled with water and balanced chemically to protect the surface. During this phase, it’s important that the pool is not heated, and the pH should be kept low to prevent scaling, streaking, or damage to the fresh plaster.

Proper application and startup care are crucial for the longevity and appearance of your pool plaster.

How Plaster Color Affects Water Appearance

The color of your plaster has a big impact on the mood and style of your pool.

Lighter finishes, especially white or soft tan tones, can create a bright, Santorini-inspired look — crisp, clean, and reminiscent of Mediterranean luxury.

On the other hand, darker shades like deep grey, charcoal, or black can produce a more dramatic and sophisticated feel, offering a reflective, mirror-like effect or even the sense of a hidden lagoon.

Here’s how different colors typically translate:

White/Tan Plaster: Light, tropical blue water
Light Grey: Medium blue tone, clean and modern
Dark Grey/Charcoal: Deep blue water, dramatic and luxurious
Black: Reflective, mirror-like water surface with an elegant, bold look
Blue/Green Hues: Natural, lagoon or ocean-like feel

Tips for Choosing Your Pool’s Color Scheme

Consider Your Surroundings – Coordinate with your decking, landscaping, and home exterior.
Think About Light – Pools in sunny climates will look brighter and more vivid.
Factor in Maintenance – Lighter finishes show debris more, while darker ones may show scale.

Personal Style – Your pool finish is more than just a coating — it’s a reflection of your style, a functional surface, and a big part of your backyard experience. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of white plaster or the dramatic elegance of a dark pebble finish, our team at Stylish Pools and Spa is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Ready to transform your pool? As a custom building and remodeling company known for our unique designs, Stylish Pools specializes in creating personalized outdoor experiences.