The most predictable and unpredictable variable about the interior surface of a pool.

Colored surfaces, and characteristics of the pool interior.

I remember back when I first used to work for my father and grandfather. There was only one product which was traditional plaster. 4 trucks every morning loaded to the top with cement, marble sand, and a bag of black color. All going their different directions to
plaster pools from sunup till sundown. At the time he offered 3 shades of gray. This color was dubbed “Tahoe Blue” by the plastering industry, and this was all there was other than white plaster. This became the most selected color during the time and still is to this day. This shade of gray seems to be the most predictable and is often the safest selection for pool owners. This color can look “lake like”. Once the pool is filled. It can be arranged with any type of surface by simply adding a certain amount of black. Though there are far more products, surfaces, and color selections, there is one thing that will never change. Color has always been a huge topic. 

The cements natural inherent trait, and water spectrum.

An interior plaster surface is not like paint. All cement mottles (shade variation). Even white cement does. This is due to the way cement dries. This is a natural inherent trait when installing any kind of cement. Weather, the substrate it’s applied to, the thickness of the material, how long it takes to cure, the water source used to mix, and finally the after care are all factors. Think of a plastered surface as being the same as a piece of wood found in a forest. Though the same species as the others, each piece will have its own character, each does not look the same. Each will have subtle changes due to its environment.

When adding color. 

There are many colors, and types of color out there. All with different price ranges. Over the years the industry has become so obsessed with color. Often people come to our showroom stressed about what color to use. They will hold a swatch sample to a tile selection. This is not the way to choose. When adding color the water’s color will change. Color can be introduced to the surface in the tumbler and mixed thoroughly with whatever material you use. Once filled can produce a beautiful color that compliments your pool, yard, and mood. The darker the color the more shade variation is present. Color can also be subject by it’s environment once filled. These are all characteristics that are natural. Adding color to the pools surface is not like painting the
interior. It is subject to details you need to know. Often people that go from a white surface in their pool, to resurfacing in color struggle with this as this mottled appearance is visually something they are not used to. Scale from high ph or calcium levels, can also produce changes in the color, Chemicals that contain metals, and or high amounts of other chemicals do as well. Selection of color is not always what you may envision. Color selection is only part of creating the water’s color. Overall, any selection will have some shade of blue  water. The color of the water has many factors that become variables. Depth of pool, volume of water, the water clarity, color of the sky, direction of sunlight, time of day, and even season. It’s just like selecting a car on the lot. You take it home, park in the garage, or under a tree. It may not be what it seemed. If you come to our showroom, you may bring a picture of what you want. We will do our best to tell you what color is suited for your pool. Even then rarely are photos exact. Close enough though.

Pros

• Produces beautiful color of water.
• Can compliment design of pool, and landscape.
• Can set a mood.
• Depending on depth and sunlight can add 3 to 7 degrees to water temperature.
• Does camouflage certain stains.
• Lighter color can cost much less than most colors, and have less shade variations.

Cons

• Will mottle and have shade variation.
• Can be compromised with poor care and maintenance.
• Color does change or fade over time.
• Waters color can change due to it’s environment during application, and water
• conditions.
• Certain colors can be more costly due to amount of color needed, and have even more
  shade variations.