Ultimate Guide to Pool Finishes in Australia: Types, Options & Comparison

Pool finishes transform the interior of your swimming pool, affecting aesthetics, durability, and maintenance. Choosing from various pool finishes options ensures a stunning, long-lasting inground pool tailored to Australian conditions.

Types of Pool Finishes

Pool finishes generally fall into plaster, aggregate, tile, and modern alternatives. Plaster remains the traditional base, while aggregates like pebble and quartz enhance durability.

• Plaster finishes: Mix of cement, sand, and water; classic white marcite or colored versions last 5-10 years but need frequent resurfacing.

• Aggregate finishes: Combine plaster with pebbles, quartz, or glass beads for textured, resistant surfaces lasting 15-20 years.

• Tile finishes: Ceramic, porcelain, glass, or stone tiles offer luxury and 20-30+ year lifespan, ideal for full interiors or accents.

• Other interiors: Polymer coatings, epoxy, or fiberglass provide quick, low-maintenance options for renovations.

Pebblecrete Pool Finishes Australia

Swimming pool finishes pebble, including pebblecrete, mix small pebbles with cement for a natural, slip-resistant look, popular in Australia. Exposed aggregates create a rustic lagoon style, while polished versions smooth the surface.

Pebble finishes excel in concrete pool finishes Australia due to chemical resistance and 15-20 year durability. Pebblecrete pool finishes suit tropical designs but may feel rough on sensitive skin.

Pebble Pool Finishes Pros and Cons

Pebble and pebblecrete excel in natural textures for Australian backyards.

Pros:

• Durable 15-25 years with excellent chemical resistance.

• Slip-resistant, ideal for families.

• Custom colours; hides dirt well.

Cons:

• Rough feel uncomfortable for some swimmers.

• Higher cost $80-120 per sqm.

• Longer curing time, 28 days.

Quartz Pool Finishes

Quartz pool finishes blend crushed quartz with plaster for a shimmering, smooth texture. Polished quartz offers modern appeal, resisting stains better than plain plaster and lasting 12-20 years.

In Australia, quartz suits contemporary pools, providing colour consistency and easier cleaning than pebbles. Blue quartz plaster creates vibrant water effects but requires balanced chemistry.

Quartz Pool Finishes Pros and Cons

Quartz provides shimmer and smoothness, bridging plaster and pebble.

Pros:

• 12-20 year lifespan; stain-resistant polish.

• Smooth yet textured options; vibrant colours.

• Easier clean than plaster.

Cons:

• Mid-range cost $70-110 per sqm.

• Can feel gritty if not polished.

• Requires precise installation.

Plaster Pool Finishes

Plaster pool finishes provide the most affordable interior pool finishes, with white or coloured options giving a classic smooth surface. They cost less upfront but demand weekly maintenance and resurfacing every 5-7 years.

Coloured plaster, like medium grey, tints water blue, while dark shades mimic natural ponds. Drawbacks include etching and low algae resistance.

Plaster Pool Finishes Pros and Cons

Plaster offers smooth, traditional appeal but higher maintenance.

Pros:

• Lowest upfront cost at $40-60 per sqm.

• Wide colour range tints water naturally.

• Quick application, 1-2 days.

Cons:

• Short lifespan of 5-10 years with etching.

• High maintenance; weekly brushing needed.

• Porous, prone to stains and algae.

  
  

Tile and Modern Pool Finishes

Tile finishes dominate best pool finishes for luxury pool design, with glass tiles sparkling via light refraction and non-porous properties preventing stains. Porcelain and stone tiles blend with landscapes.

Modern pool finishes include glass bead for shimmer, polyurea/epoxy coatings for quick renovations, and ecoFINISH polymers resisting algae. These suit inground pool finishes needing low upkeep.

Tile Pool Finishes Pros and Cons

Tiles deliver premium aesthetics with minimal upkeep.

Pros:

• Exceptional 25-50+ year durability.

• Non-porous; zero algae/stain issues.

• Luxurious designs, light reflection.

Cons:

• Highest cost $150+ per sqm.

• Complex install risks leaks if poor grouting.

• Fragile during handling.

Modern Polymer and Other Finishes Pros and Cons

Eco polymers, epoxy, and glass beads suit renovations and low-maintenance needs.

Pros:

• Fast install, 1-day cures; 10-15 years life.

• Algae-resistant; smooth, warm feel.

• Seamless, no grout lines.

Cons:

• Limited colors vs aggregates.

• $90-130 per sqm; UV fading possible.

• Best for resurfacing, not new builds.

This table highlights pool finishes comparison for Australian homeowners, factoring local harsh sun and salt pools.

Key Factors for Concrete Pool Finishes in Australia

Australian homeowners face unique challenges like intense UV sun, salty coastal air, and hard water when selecting concrete pool finishes. Start with your budget: basic plaster runs $40-60 per square metre, while premium tiles exceed $150, but factor in total ownership costs over 10-20 years since cheaper options like plaster need resurfacing every 5-7 years.

Prioritise slip resistance for family safety, pebble and quartz finishes provide natural grip without added chemicals, outperforming smooth plaster on wet surfaces. Algae resistance matters too; non-porous tiles or polymer coatings shrug off green slime, while porous plaster demands weekly shocking and brushing.

Water chemistry plays a big role: maintain pH at 7.2-7.6 to prevent etching, where acidic water eats away at plaster but barely fazes tough pebblecrete. Saltwater pools (common in Australia) suit aggregates better as they resist corrosion; always test your local water hardness first. Durability wins long-term, pebble or quartz lasts 15-20 years versus plaster's short life, saving thousands in the end.

Get site-specific advice from pros: shaded pools enhance glass bead shimmer, but full sun might fade colours faster. Consider your pool's shape too, curves favour flexible plaster, while straight edges shine with tiles.

Best Pool Finishes for 2026 in Australia

For 2026, pebble pool finishes Australia top the list for most homeowners, blending rugged grip, natural stone looks, and 20-year durability at a mid-range $80-120 per square metre. They mimic lagoon vibes perfect for Aussie backyards, hiding dirt and algae while handling harsh sun and salt brilliantly.

Quartz pool finishes follow closely for modern shimmer, imagine, sparkling blue water from crushed quartz aggregates, smoother than pebbles yet tough for 12-20 years, ideal if you want low-maintenance luxury without tile prices, a popular option for plunge pools. Glass or porcelain tiles claim premium spots for forever pools, offering zero upkeep and dazzling light play, but only if your budget stretches to $150+ per square metre.

Skip plain plaster unless cash-strapped; it's outdated for Australia's conditions. Emerging polymer finishes like ecoFINISH suit quick renos with algae-proof smoothness, but pebbles win for new concrete inground pools overall.