Different Pool Plaster Colors & How to Find the Best One for You!

Your swimming pool is a refreshing oasis, but it’s also an aesthetic feature in your yard. If you’re looking to update the look of your pool, new or old, one way is with the color of your pool plaster.

Get to know common pool plaster colors along with the reasons you might choose one color over another.

Read on to learn how this is done, and what the project looks like.

How Is Pool Plaster Colored?

Pool plaster, a smooth seal that is used to finish pool surfaces including concrete and gunite (a mix of sand, water, and cement), is colored with a variety of dyes that are mixed into the plaster. If you are installing a new pool, you will choose your plaster color before the seal is applied. If you’re looking to re-color an existing pool plaster, your pool will need to be replastered with the new color. To replaster a pool, the original plaster will be chipped or sandblasted away, and the new plaster will be applied to the walls and bottom of your pool surface.

Because pools should be replastered about every 10 years for structural purposes, you can try different colors each time as your design style and tastes evolve.

What Are the Most Common Colors of Pool Plaster?

The four most common pool plaster colors are white, gray, blue, and black. Get to know more about these popular pool plaster colors:

White – This is a popular choice due to the clean finish that matches many backyard aesthetics. Water in a white pool creates a very light and fresh blue hue. Stains and algae show up on a white pool finish more easily than other colors. Luckily, with regular pool cleaning services, algae and stain management can be made easy.
Gray – Gray is a common alternative to a white plaster pool because it still offers a soft and luxurious hue while being more stain-resistant. This earth tone also creates a natural-looking poolscape that can match a variety of aesthetics.
Blue – This is a great choice to enhance the natural color of your pool water and give your poolscape a tropical, refreshing, and truly aquatic feel. You can get a variety of blue pool plaster shades ranging from dark navy to light turquoise.
Black – For a trendy pool color, many pool owners opt to make a statement with black pool plaster. Dark gray and black plasters create a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere.

How to Choose a Pool Plaster Color

To choose a new pool plaster color you’ll need to consider the aesthetic of your poolscape, the surrounding environment, and the energy benefits of each color you’re considering.

Let’s break down these factors:

Aesthetic appeal – The color of your plaster affects the hue of the pool water, setting the mood for your outdoor space. With the color of your pool plaster, you can try new trends and keep your outdoor space looking modern and stylish. Color also allows you to personalize your pool to reflect your unique tastes and preferences, making it a true extension of your home.

Temperature regulation – The color of your pool can affect water temperature. Darker colors absorb and retain more heat from the sun, potentially warming the water. If you live in a cooler climate or want to extend your swimming season, opting for a darker shade might be beneficial. In warmer regions, a lighter color can help keep the water cooler, providing a more refreshing experience on hot summer days.

Algae and debris camouflage – Algae growth is a common issue in pools, and it tends to be more noticeable in lighter-colored water. Changing your pool color to a darker shade can help mask the presence of algae. Additionally, if you have many trees and other foliage surrounding your pool, a darker-colored pool may mask some debris in the water in between cleanings.

Please note that having a darker pool plaster does not mean you need less pool cleaning. For the health and safety of all swimmers and the longevity of your pool surface and equipment, regular cleaning and maintenance is important for all pools regardless of color.

Ready to Choose?

Choosing the best pool plaster color ultimately comes down to finding the color you enjoy and will want to see in your yard. The right color can help you create an environment that suits your style, enhances functionality, and provides an inviting space for relaxation and recreation.

Call ASP for Professional Pool Plastering

Whether you’re installing a new concrete or gunite pool or replastering an existing pool, the pool professionals at your local ASP—America’s Swimming Pool Company—are prepared to create and apply a pool plaster color that you’ll love for years to come. Contact the team today at (866) 253-0455 or request a service online.