Interior finish

Press, 26 November 1980, Page 18

Interior finish

Fibreglass pools and those with vinyl liners do not need an interior “finish” — all others de. The main choice is between plaster and paint, since complete tile finishes are too costly for most home pool owners. Plastering is the usual finish for concrete pools and lasts indefinitely in mild climates if correctlymaintained. Plaster provides a smooth, waterproof “skin” and a non-skid walking surface on the bottom. It is often left white but can be tinted according to preference before being applied. Pool plaster requires much more trowelling and finishing than the household variety, and pool specialists are the only tradesmen qualified for the job. The idea of the tile strip commonly added at the water line is to conceal the daily fluctuations in water level, and edge scum can be easily ceaned off the shiny surface. Light blue tiling adds blue tints to the water. Other colours to match

the decking or fencing can be equally pleasing. Standard, pre-cast coping stone is the most economical edging and is usually made of coloured concrete with a porous finish. If something a bit different appeals and the extra cost is. acceptable, there are a great many styles of coping available. There are also a great many types of paint finishes on the market, some of which can be applied by the pool owner. If you do not mind the prospect of repainting at the beginning of each swimming season, cementbased paint could be the answer. It is the least expensive and the easiest to apply. Chlorinated rubber paint is more attractive and lasts a big longer. It is the usual treatment for steel and aluminium pools, which need five or six coats.

Vinyl paint gives a glossy, hard surface, though it still needs a fresh coat every two or three years. Best of all, epoxy paint applied by an expert makes an excellent, lasting finish. ’