Is it Time to Renovate Your Pool’s Surface?

Pools can last for decades when maintained properly, making them a great investment in your home. However, even if you pool is still working great, it may be looking a little worse for the wear. Over the years, the surface of your pool can become discolored, chipped and generally ugly, even when maintained. It may be time to give your pool a face-lift with a surface renovation this summer.

New Surfacing Options for Your Pool

If your pool is older, it probably was built with the plain cement or fiberglass surface that was common in most pools 10-20 years ago. The good news is that there are many more surfacing options available now that can transform the look of your pool. Some of the most popular trends in pool surfaces include:

  • Travertine or marble
  • Glass or porcelain tiles
  • Diamond brite finishes
  • Pebble or bead finishes

These new surfaces are available in a wide variety of color options, allowing you to create a bright and beautiful pool area. Choose from bright azure and Mediterranean colors or go for a natural finish with marble or travertine. Once it is completed, it will look like you added an entire new pool even though all you did was resurface your existing pool.

You won’t believe the difference a pool resurfacing can have on the aesthetic appeal of your entire backyard area. It can make your pool area more enjoyable and also add value to your home. Call your local pool renovation service today to schedule a consultation on the options available for your summer pool resurfacing project.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

Diamond Brite Pool Finishes

Traditionally commercial and residential pools have always been constructed with a white coping along the edge, with a tile band below the coping to the water level and then a white plaster finish in the pool shell.  While functional, it was also pretty plain and is not visually very appealing.  The use of various colors in the coping and stone have helped, but it was the introduction of Diamond Btite pool finishes really took pool design to the next level.

Available in a wide variety of colors, Diamond Brite finishes are possible due to state of the art polymer modifications to cement and natural quartz.  The result is a very hard and durable pool finish that will last for years.  The finished product provides both a wide range of functional and aesthetic benefits, which will enhance any commercial or residential pool or spa.  Functional benefits include a slip resistant surface, which is still easy of the feet of swimmers, as well as a surface that is fade and etch resistant.

Aesthetic benefits include a pool surface that adds depth and another dimension to the pool.  One of the big things that most people notice is that the finish makes the water and sparkle, especially in the sun, as the sunlight reflects off of the quartz in the pool and the water, which is actually very calming and makes the pool even more inviting!  Diamond Brite pool finishes are used in both new pools, as well as in pool renovations, where combined with a new coping and new water line tile can make any pool look like new!

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
401 East Las Olas Boulevard #130
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Brighten Up Your Pool by Resurfacing

As beautiful as a underground pool can be when it is new and clean, it can over time lose its luster and become dingy and even dirty looking. The surface of the pool can erode over time, giving in to chips, scratches and other elements that affect the way the pool looks. However, there are several ways to brighten up your pool and make it look brand new again with pool resurfacing.

Types Of Resurfacing

There are four main ways you can resurface your pool: fiberglass, plaster, tile and paint. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to expense and longevity. Depending on how much you want to spend and how deteriorated your pool’s surface is, all can give new life to a dingy pool.

–         Fiberglass. One of the most reliable resurfacing materials is fiberglass. This is applied in multiple coats with resin and can come in a variety of colors and textures.

–         Plaster. For cement pools, an affordable way to resurface is to use plaster. First the old plaster must be removed then the new plaster will be applied. Filler pebbles or quartz are often added to protect the plaster.

–         Tiles. A beautiful way to resurface is to use tile. However, this is one of the most expensive options.

–         Painting. In some cases, resurfacing is not necessary and you can brighten your pool by just repainting it if there is no major damage to the surface.

Whatever method you choose, your pool will have a new look and better appeal once it has a new surface. It will add years to the pools life and can even add to the value of your home.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools LLC

Pool Renovations

Often many older pools will begin to show their age and a ‘facelift” is necessary to restore the appearance of the pool.  A qualified swimming pool contractor who specializes in pool restoration can do this quickly and economically.  These renovations can range in size from minor cosmetic changes to extensive structural changes where the pool shape is modified.  However, in most cases the pool renovations are usually related to either re-plastering the pool shell, changing out the tile and coping, or replacing the pool deck.  In many cases all three options are selected.  A qualified and experienced pool contractor will be able to assist in the selection and colors of the materials, which will dramatically transform the appearance of the pool.

Some pools will need to have the shell re-plastered due to cracking and flaking of the existing plaster coat.  In other cases the owner of the pool may just want the shell to be any color besides “white”.  Some of the new coatings available reflect sunlight in a unique manner, due to the reflective materials used in the plaster.

Often the tile at the waterline, as well as the coping, will be in either poor condition or the homeowner will get tired of deep blue tile and a stark white coping.  The tile and tile grout selections available for pool applications are amazing.  Pool copings are also available in a number of custom colors as well.

The replacement of the pool deck is also a very popular pool renovation project as well.   There are a number of custom colors available in concrete today, as well as a number of patterns.  In addition, there are a number of deck coatings that can be applied on existing concrete, which will keep the concrete cool enough to walk on, while retaining a “no slip” surface.  They are also available in a wide range of colors.

Adding A Beautiful Pool Deck

Nothing accentuates your pool better than beautiful pool decking. If your deck is old, worn out or even worse, does not exist, it is time to create a deck that will be a pleasure to spend time on. There are many style and materials you can choose from to make the perfect landing area to surround your pool.

Concrete

If you have plain concrete and want to just work with what you have, there are plenty of options. You can add boulders and other features to your pool decking and just resurface the concrete into something special. Some ideas:

  • Paint. Experienced pool renovators are creative in their designs and can paint your concrete in many ways. One idea to use blues and textures to create concrete that looks like water.
  • Glow-in-the dark. There is subtle paint that glows in the dark, perfect for pool areas. Create designs that look great during the day and glow in the night.

Resurface

If you want an entirely new look, you can resurface the old pool deck. Tiles, both stone and ceramic can add natural beauty or brilliance to your pool deck. Talk with your pool designer about the hundreds of options you have to choose from.

New Pool Decking

If you are adding an entire deck where there was none before, you have a blank canvas and can make your deck into whatever you have dreamed of. This should be a reflection of your taste and a design that is beautiful, yet relaxing.

The area surrounding your pool should be as refreshing as your pool is. By giving your pool area a facelift, it will be even more enjoyable on those hot summer days and balmy nights!