What is Glass Bead Pool Finish
A glass bead pool finish is a type of pool surface finish that incorporates small, smooth glass beads into the plaster or aggregate mix applied to the interior of a swimming pool. This finish offers several benefits:
Aesthetic Appeal: Glass beads come in a variety of colours and can create a sparkling, visually appealing effect, especially when sunlight or pool lights reflect off the surface. They can give the pool water a brilliant, shimmering appearance.
Smooth Texture: The smoothness of glass beads provides a pleasant texture underfoot, making the pool comfortable for swimmers.
Durability: Glass beads are durable and resistant to chemical damage
Ease of Maintenance: The smooth surface is easy to clean and maintain
Difference between glass bead pool finish and quartz pool finish
Glass Bead Pool Finish: A glass bead pool finish offers a sparkling, visually appealing effect with a shimmering appearance, especially when sunlight or pool lights reflect off the surface. The smooth texture provides a pleasant feel underfoot, making it comfortable for swimmers. This finish is also known for its durability, being resistant to chemical damage, which helps extend the pool’s lifespan. Additionally, the smooth surface of a glass bead finish is easy to clean and maintain.
Quartz Pool Finish: Quartz pool finishes are highly durable, with quartz being one of the hardest and most resilient minerals. This makes the finish highly resistant to scratches, etching, and general wear and tear, allowing it to withstand harsh pool chemicals and the elements for a longer period compared to glass beads. Quartz finishes maintain a consistent colour and texture over time, avoiding the fading or discolouration that other materials may experience, ensuring the pool looks new for years.
The inclusion of quartz particles adds significant strength to the plaster mix, resulting in a robust and long-lasting finish capable of handling heavy use and high traffic. While providing a smooth feel, quartz finishes offer a slight texture that enhances traction, making the pool safer for swimmers by reducing the risk of slipping. Quartz finishes are also relatively low maintenance; their resistance to staining and etching means less frequent cleaning and fewer chemical treatments are needed.
Overall, quartz finishes tend to be more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability and lower maintenance requirements, offering excellent value for pool owners. In summary, while both glass bead and quartz pool finishes offer aesthetic appeal and durability, a quartz pool finish stands out for its superior strength, consistent colour, enhanced safety features, and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferable choice for many pool owners.
Glass Bead Pool Finish Qualities
A glass bead pool finish is known for its aesthetic appeal and durability. The finish consists of small, smooth glass beads mixed into the plaster or aggregate that lines the pool’s interior. This combination results in a shimmering, visually appealing effect that enhances the pool’s appearance, especially when sunlight or pool lights reflect off the surface. The texture of a glass bead finish is smooth and comfortable underfoot, making it pleasant for swimmers.
Glass Bead Pool Finish Colours
Glass bead pool finishes are available in a wide range of colours, allowing for customisation to suit different aesthetic preferences. Common colour options include shades of blue, green, white, and multi-coloured blends. The variety of colours can create different visual effects in the water, from a tranquil, clear blue to a vibrant, tropical look. The reflective properties of the glass beads enhance the water’s appearance, making it sparkle and shimmer. Pool owners can choose from single-colour finishes or combine multiple colours to achieve a unique, customised look for their pool.
Blue Glass Pebbles
Blue glass pebbles are a popular choice for pool finishes due to their striking appearance and calming effect. These pebbles are typically smooth and rounded, offering a comfortable texture for swimmers. When used in a pool finish, blue glass pebbles can create a stunning, clear blue water effect that mimics the look of tropical waters. The reflective nature of the glass enhances the pool’s visual appeal, making the water appear bright and inviting. Blue glass pebbles are available in various shades, from light aqua to deep sapphire, allowing for further customisation of the pool’s appearance. Oceania Pool Interiors offers a range of colour options incorporating different hues of blue glass.
How Long Does Glass Bead Pool Finish Last
The lifespan of a glass bead pool finish can vary based on factors such as maintenance, usage, and environmental conditions. On average, a well-maintained glass bead pool finish can last between 10 to 15 years. Proper care, including regular cleaning and balanced water chemistry, can help extend the life of the finish. The durability of glass beads, coupled with their resistance to chemical damage, contributes to the long-lasting nature of this type of pool finish. However, over time, factors such as exposure to harsh chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, and physical wear can impact the finish’s longevity.
Glass Bead Pool Finish Cost
The cost of a glass bead pool finish can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the pool, the type and colour of the glass beads used, the ratio of glass bead, and the complexity of the installation. Generally, glass bead finishes are considered a premium option and can be more expensive than traditional render finishes. On average, the cost can range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more for a standard-sized pool. This higher cost is due to the higher material cost, as well as the labour involved in the application process. While the initial investment may be higher, the longevity and low maintenance requirements of a glass bead finish can provide good value over time especially when incorporated into a quartz based pool render.