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The Ultimate Guide to Pool Interior Finishes
Choose a Pool Interior That’s Both Stunning & Built to Last
Your pool’s interior finish is more than just a surface—it defines the look, feel, and longevity of your backyard oasis. Whether you want the classic simplicity of smooth plaster, the durability of quartz, the natural beauty of pebble, or the shimmering elegance of glass beads, the right finish will enhance water color, resist wear, and elevate your pool’s overall aesthetic. Choosing a high-quality, long-lasting pool interior ensures a functional, low-maintenance, and visually striking space for years to come.
What Is a Pool Interior?
Your pool’s interior finish is more than just the surface you see—it’s what defines the look, feel, and longevity of your pool. The interior finish affects the color of your water, from a refreshing sky blue to a rich, oceanic teal, and sets the tone for your backyard oasis. It’s also what you feel when you swim and what protects your pool’s structure, ensuring beauty and durability for years to come.
Aggregate finishes, like pebble pool finishes or polished aggregates, are popular for their long-lasting quality and aesthetic appeal, offering a wide variety of textures and colors to complement your outdoor space. Whether you’re designing a new pool or updating an existing one, your pool interior plays a vital role in shaping the overall experience.
Popular Pool Interior Options
Sea Glass Pebble Finishes
For a truly luxurious and captivating pool interior, Sea Glass Pebble finishes offer an exquisite combination of beauty, strength, and brilliance. This premium pool finish blends smooth, natural pebbles with iridescent glass beads and luminous abalone shells, creating a dazzling, light-reflecting effect that enhances the water’s depth and movement.
The result? A shimmering, resort-style oasis right in your backyard. With a variety of color options, you can customize your pool’s water tone—whether you’re envisioning a deep ocean blue, a tropical turquoise, or a tranquil lagoon hue.
Pebble Tec & Pebble Sheen Finishes
Pebble Tec, the original natural pebble finish, offers a rich, textured aesthetic with unmatched durability, standing up to harsh chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy use. Its wide range of colors creates a deep, dimensional water appearance, perfect for those who love a lagoon-like effect. For a smoother, more polished feel, Pebble Sheen features smaller, refined pebbles, delivering the same strength and longevity with a sleek, elegant surface that enhances water clarity and shimmer while remaining comfortable underfoot.
Plaster & Quartz Finishes
For a clean, polished look, traditional white plaster remains a timeless choice. Its smooth, bright surface enhances water clarity, creating a crisp and inviting aesthetic.
For those seeking added durability and depth, Ultra Poz quartz finishes blend high-quality aggregates into the mix, resulting in a stronger, more stain-resistant surface with richer, more vibrant color. Both plaster and quartz finishes offer a cost-effective solution, combining simplicity, elegance, and performance.
Pebble Fina Finshes
Pebble Fina blends ultra-smooth aggregates with a durable cement formula, creating a refined, visually stunning pool interior. Designed for both beauty and longevity, this finish provides a soft, comfortable texture underfoot while offering superior durability compared to traditional plaster, ensuring long-lasting resistance to wear and tear.
How to Choose the Right Pool Interior
Selecting the perfect pool interior depends on your style preferences, durability needs, and desired water aesthetics. If you're looking for a luxurious, shimmering effect, Sea Glass Pebble finishes blend natural pebbles, iridescent glass beads, and abalone shells to create a dazzling, resort-like appearance. For those who prioritize durability with a natural feel, Pebble Tec offers a rich, textured surface, while Pebble Sheen provides a smoother, more polished alternative without compromising strength. If you prefer a classic, clean look, traditional plaster delivers a bright, crisp finish, while Ultra Poz quartz enhances color depth and stain resistance. For a balance of elegance and longevity, Pebble Fina combines a soft, ultra-smooth texture with reinforced durability, offering a refined, polished aesthetic. No matter your vision, each finish brings unique beauty and performance to transform your pool into the ultimate backyard retreat.
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How Long Do Pool Finishes Last?
The lifespan of a pool finish varies based on material, climate, and maintenance. Investing in high-quality materials ensures durability and low upkeep. Regular water balancing, surface brushing, and chemical maintenance help extend the lifespan of your pool finish.
Plaster
Typically lasts 7–10 years before showing signs of etching or discoloration. Requires more frequent resurfacing than other finishes.
Pebble
Sea Glass Pebble & Pebble Tec/Sheene are highly durable, lasting 20+ years with minimal maintenance. Sea Glass Pebble includes a lifetime material warranty, ensuring long-term performance.
Quartz
Stronger than traditional plaster, offering 10–20 years of durability. Provides a balance of smoothness and longevity.
Tile
Lasts 20+ years, requiring occasional cleaning and resealing to maintain its premium appearance.
The Impact of Color on Water Appearance
The color of your pool interior directly influences how the water looks and feels, affecting brightness, depth, and reflection. From light, crystal-clear blues to deep, dramatic tones, every shade creates a distinct aesthetic. Choosing the right color ensures your pool seamlessly blends with your backyard design while enhancing the overall ambiance. Whether you're aiming for a refreshing, resort-like retreat or a bold, luxurious statement, the perfect pool finish transforms your space.
Light Colors for a Refreshing Look (White, Beige, Sky Blue)
Light-colored finishes create a bright, inviting atmosphere, making the water appear clear, fresh, and expansive—perfect for a Caribbean-style aesthetic. These hues maximize sunlight reflection, giving the water a cool, refreshing shimmer throughout the day. Beyond aesthetics, lighter finishes keep the pool water cooler by reflecting more sunlight, reducing heat absorption—an excellent choice for families looking for a comfortable swimming experience even in peak summer months.
Balanced Tones for a Natural Effect (Gray, Aqua, Teal)
Medium-tone finishes bridge the gap between light and dark, creating a balanced, rich aesthetic that mimics the serene beauty of natural bodies of water. These shades add depth and sophistication while keeping the water cool and inviting. They work exceptionally well in modern backyard designs, creating a chic, contemporary look that pairs beautifully with travertine pavers, stone coping, and lush greenery. Aqua and teal finishes give your pool a tropical, tranquil effect, while gray tones add a sleek, minimalist touch.
Dark Finishes for a Striking Aesthetic (Navy, Black, Deep Blue)
Dark-colored interiors create a striking, high-end look that instantly elevates any backyard. These deep shades give the water a rich, mirror-like reflection, intensifying the depth and drama of your pool. Whether you’re aiming for an ultra-modern aesthetic or a lake-inspired natural retreat, darker finishes provide an undeniably luxurious effect. The bold contrast also enhances LED pool lighting, making nighttime swims an immersive, visually stunning experience.
Glass Bead Finishes for a High-End Finish
Glass bead finishes are the ultimate in pool interior luxury, creating a dazzling, ever-changing water surface that shimmers under natural light. These finishes blend crushed glass and quartz aggregates, resulting in incredible water clarity and a luminous, jewel-like appearance. What makes glass bead finishes unique is their dynamic color transformation throughout the day—they shift from a light-reflecting brilliance in the morning to a deeper, richer tone at dusk. Homeowners looking for a custom, high-end design often choose glass beads for their exceptional visual appeal and long-lasting durability.
See What Our Customers Are Saying
Molly L.
So far, so good with CalPools. We are grateful we are working with Paul Swirski. He has guided us through the process thus far, and has been fair, honest, and professional. We came in with a vision, but a on a budget, and Paul's experience has helped us design an amazing pool for our new house. We will continue to update as the construction phase begins, but three cheers for Paul!
Carlos D.
We are first time pool owners and had our first pool completed about a couple months ago and from the get-go we knew that Calpools AZ was our right pool builder choice. Mike L was so patient and helpful when we were selecting the finishing and layout of our pool. Our construction manager was Howard-what a nice and knowledgeable man, he walked us through the entire build process and kept us informed throughout the 8 weeks it took them to complete the pool. Last but not least, Marcee Walker, the superb customer service she provided us with was something you expect but rarely received. Anytime we asked for status she always responded promptly and if we had any concerns or reported any issues, she always responded with "we'll gladly take care of that for you right away". If you are looking for a pool builder, we would strongly recommend Calpools AZ, you will not regret it. Thanks again, we are truly enjoying and loving our new pool. The Delgadillos
SR HG
We had a spool remodel done last year! Cody, our remodel designer was wonderful to work with. He was personable and explained the process of our remodel! He was always available via text, email or phone call to answer any questions or address any concerns. He truly cared about our remodel! Stephanie was fantastic as a scheduler…she was also great with communication via phone or the portal … she kept things moving, not an easy job! Eric stepped in as project manager mid remodel and was also very helpful in checking on the job and keeping us informed! Noah has been terrific too…answering any questions we have about warranty! We’ve been very happy with CPL…they were the original builders of our spool almost 20 years ago, and now our remodel! It’s been a pleasure working with them!
Charles C.
My project was medium sized, I guess, based on the different options that we originally discussed vs. what we ended up getting, which was a design for my entire empty backyard that included a pool, spa, fire pit, gas grilling island, artificial turf, pavers, and landscaping plants, trees, and the like. The project was divided into phases to allow us to get the grilling island and artificial turf at a later time, while having the necessary electrical and gas connections installed in the correct location, while the plumbing for the pool and spa where being done prior to putting down the pavers. When deciding on a company for our backyard project, we talked to several companies. Robby S. met with us, after hours on a few occasions to accommodate our schedules, and designed a very nice backyard. This accommodation was one of the deciding factors on choosing CPL. The communication of the status of the project was pretty good. Theresa G. sent e-mails detailing the schedule, which was spot on for the most part and updated as needed. When I (or my wife) had questions or issues, they were answered/resolved immediately, even after the project was completed. Thanks Robby, Duane, and Theresa! The construction manager, Duane Y., is awesome! He is very responsive, in that everytime I called or e-mailed him with a question or issue, he showed up at my house the next morning to make sure it was resolved. When filling my pool, Duane noticed that I had two hoses connected together. He reconfigured them so that they filled the pool twice as fast. The pool startup guy, Ryan, I believe, was very patient with us when training us during the pool start up and optimization. The construction crew did really nice and efficient work. They also kept the place tidy during construction and worked quickly. I'm really happy with the work that was done on my backyard transformation design, pool, spa, fire pit, and pavers by CPL. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking to get a pool or transform your backyard, as I did.
Arlene A.
I am in love with my new backyard... and CA Pools and Landscaping! From complete dirt (litterally) to a colorful masterpiece! Who would have thought that some trees, plants, lighting and turf would make me want to hang out in 100 (plus) degree weather. The entire job took two days. The crews were in and out and were very respectful and clean. I would highly recommend CA Pools not only for your pool, but for your landscaping remodeling needs!
Tysha K
California Pools did an amazing job with our backyard! Everyone we came in contact with was amazing and so professional! It was also completed so quick!! We were very impressed!! Special shout out to Myra during the dig, that part is one of the most stressful and she was awesome. Also Sara D, was The ABSOLUTE BEST!! She was on top of everything all the time and made sure the experience was awesome! Cammy stepped in and helped as well and was great! And our project Supervisor Jordan was amazing!! He was always on top of everything, explaining in detail anything we didn’t understand and making sure our project turned out the exact way we wanted. This team was excellent!!
Jim L.
California Pools did an excellent job on our pool remodel all steps were handled professionally. From the start with Kyle through completion with Ernie, great people to work with. Their subcontractors were professional and helpful.
Art Maese
California Pools is hands down the best pool builder in the Valley. Competitive pricing, reasonable construction duration, top contractors and professional supervision.Design went easily and quickly with changes along the way met with a “no problem”attitude. Our construction Superintendent Adam Redding was on top of every process along the way, was very responsive to any and all questions and or concerns. I’m a 100% satisfied customer, thank you!
Melissa K.
California Pools is an absolute amazing company to work with. We met with many different companies to build our ideal pool. From the first meeting with Christopher Robinson, we knew this company was special. Chris listened to exactly what we wanted and made a computer image of our vision within 15 minutes. It was exactly what we had described!! Our Construction Managers Jordan and Steve were great people to work with. They kept us updated and on schedule. If something changed, they would contact us immediately with updates. Karl our Hardscape Manager was also on top of everything. He took every concern we had and made them right. We have heard horror stories of people building pools and things going wrong, not with this company. They were amazing!! We can not recommend CA Pools enough. Thank you CA Pools for making our dream backyard a reality!!!
Daniel Peyton
Our experience was excellent with California Pools and Landscape. We met with Steve R the project manager at the Chandler office. Steve was helpful and knowledgeable. In a 1 hour appointment we had a design we could see and a price to perform the work. The design/discovery session was very helpful as several of the ideas and materials Steve presented we had never seen and would not have known were options. We informed Steve that the most important aspect to us was a quality, safe, quick turnaround. Steve moved the process through design and permitting quick (our project was a landscape project no pool) within three weeks of our appointment Jamin W had his crew on site performing work. The crew showed up everyday and cleaned up at the end of their workday. I actually never saw or met the crew. Had I not looked in the backyard I would have never known they were there. California Pools and Landscape had the job substantially complete in just over a week (some minor asthetic items took a bit longer but we're not critical to our project and were not a huge concern.). After they completed the project Luis came by to walk the quality and perform an owner training. The one negative is the payment process. You must make most of the payments (significant amounts) prior to the work being performed. If you want to pay on a credit card there is a 3% fee which adds up. We were very nervous about paying before the work was complete. We called Steve to talk through this and he assured us they were not the type to run with your money. California Pools did not let us down and is a trust worthy company that holds up their end of the bargain. The bottom line you will pay a little more going through California Pools, but you will get a well planned design, a safe professional crew and a project that looks amazing.
Deanna L.
Grace Johnson with California Pools has been an amazing support through our initial process for financing. David Craw, our project manager, has also been outstanding and we are excited for our new pool and backyard!!!
Stan Chaput
I wish to express my thanks and gratitude for the service quality I experienced from dealing with California Pools and especially Leslie Gallegos and to Todd the Technichan. Their efforts in response, communication and professional repair are commendable. My compliments to the company, and these two individuals who represent the company.
Jeanne Franco
I love my California pool. I’ve had it for almost three years, and any time I have an issue the staff at California Pools take care of it immediately. The staff truly cares about their customers and their product. If you let California Pools build a pool for you, you won’t be disappointed.
Eric Auxier
Can't say enough about California Pools and Landscape. Working with design planner Paul and construction manager Matt was courteous and professional from start to finish. Everything was laid out in advance, no surprises, proceeded like clockwork. When inevitable issues arose, we worked through several design changes, all without headache. Surprisingly, they even went above and beyond at times, exceeding even our high expectations. Today, we can't believe the paradise we live in, thanks to California Pools and Landscape!
Troy Glover
When we first selected California Pools, we were extremely happy with the service and attention to detail. The end product was perfect! We recently had a need to engage with California Pool for some work that is within warranty and a item outside of warranty. And they immediately stepped up and sent out technicians and the communication was very consistent as they kept me informed throughout. From start to finish, California pools stepped up and delivered. We sincerely appreciate the support from the team, especially Leslie and Cari for their terrific coordination!!
Patrick B.
I had the pleasure of working with Sara Dougan during the construction of our pool, Sara was always communicating and was our advocate which was very helpful during the stress of building a pool during the complications of Covid related issues, delays, selections etc.
Kaio A.
our experienced with California Pool and Landscape was very enjoyable. Paul Swirski was the Designer and he made our selections such an easy process, mainly because of his knowledge and experience of many years helped a lot for us to complete our project. Definitely will recommend this company to any one looking for a pool project. Leah Ahhing
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Interiors
Which Pool Finish Lasts the Longest?
What Is the Most Low-Maintenance Pool Finish?
What Is the Best Pool Interior Surface for Durability?
What Pool Finish Stays the Coolest in Hot Climates?
How Often Should a Pool Interior Be Refinished?
Can a Pool Interior Affect Water Chemistry?
What Is the Best Pool Interior for a Luxury Look?
Can I change the color of my pool interior?
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