Granite Pool Finish – Everything You Need to Know

What is granite pool finish?

Granite pool finish refers to the aggregate material used in finishing a swimming pool. In this particular case, the aggregate is granite.

Granite and cement are mixed together at a certain ratio to give a look of granite and the workability of cement. Color can be added as well as other properties to achieve the look, texture, and overall performance of the plaster.

Granite pool finish is becoming a more sought after pool finish over the classically traditional white plaster. The benefits from the aggregate polished look and durability of the aggregate materials are making this a better choice for pools.

Granite pool finish begins with a base of portland cement which is a white cement. It is different from regular cement in that it doesn’t contain iron or manganese which gives cement the traditional gray color. 

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Is granite a good pool finish?

When choosing the right pool plaster, it’s important to know what you want the end result to be. You decide the type of finish that will give the look you are looking for in your pool. 

Granite is one choice in a polished aggregate pool finish. Granite’s durability and classic style make it a good choice.

There are several pros and few cons when it comes to choosing a granite pool finish for your pool. Granite is also a good choice when thinking about the tiles and coping used around the pool.

Finish , design and durability are high on the list of reasons why people are choosing granite finish for their pools. 

Pros

Finish

The end product of a granite pool surface is a finish that is smooth and gentle on the feet. Unlike the conventional foot feel of the standard white plaster pool, the granite finish is abrasive on the feet.

Design and Color Options

With granite pool finishes there are many choices and options involving color and design. 

Color options and sparkles can be used to give a pool style and glimmer. 

Durability

Granite and durability go hand in hand and by going with a granite finish you are adding the strength and durability of granite to the pool surface. Once polished the granite is a durable and smooth finish that will add years to the life of your pool.  

Chemical Damage Resistant

Granite finish pools, or aggregate finish pools using granite are less susceptible to chemical damage or chemical abrasion damage adding years of life to the pool and ultimately less cost in maintenance.

Less Maintenance

Granite pool finish takes less maintenance than plaster finish alone. It resists stains and that means less maintenance.

Plaster alone has several more issues that need to be taken into consideration, but when a granite finish is used there is less worry and more time for enjoying your pool. 

White plaster requires an acid wash every few years in order to keep it bright, whereas that is not an issue with a granite pool. 

Cons

Cost

Cost may be one of the few and only real drawbacks of using granite finish in the construction or refurbishing of your pool. It adds a few more dollars per square foot when building or refurbishing compared to a plaster only pool finish. 

Discolors

Discoloration may be an issue after several years. There are methods being used that may make this less of an issue but it is a concern.  

Granite pool finish vs plaster

What is the difference between granite and plaster finish?

The difference between granite and a plaster finish is that a granite finish is a polished aggregate or an exposed aggregate finish containing granite, and a plaster finish is a finish just made of plaster.

A standard white plaster pool is made from plaster only. Relatively inexpensive, iconic, and a type of finish style that is commonly used. It has a rougher texture, it requires daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance to keep it in good condition.

A granite pool finish or a polished aggregate pool finish using granite is polished smooth and is becoming more common given the added features, styles, colors, and smooth texture. 

Granite pool finish cost

If you decide to resurface a pool and you want to use granite it will cost around $5 per square foot. 

In new construction, a smooth and polished aggregate finish using granite depends on where you are located. Some places cost more than others to build an in-ground pool.

On average and in general, a new construction in-ground pool can cost from $25,000-$80,000

Depending on the size and custom features. A lap pool made would be significantly more.

How long does a granite pool finish last?

A granite pool finish that contains granite that is polished to a glossy and smooth sheen, will generally extend the life of the pool finish up to twenty years. 

As with all pool finishes maintenance is mandatory and the amount of daily, monthly and yearly maintenance can affect the overall longevity of the granite pool.

Is a granite pool finish rough?

A polished aggregate pool finish using granite is very smooth and soft.

There are two types of aggregate pool finishes. Polish aggregate and exposed aggregate.

The polished aggregate pool is polished to a smooth glossy finish. The exposed aggregate is rough and less shiny.

So depending on which type of pool finish you decide on will determine if a granite pool finish is rough or not on the feet.