Designing a pool or spa is an exciting journey, and selecting the right finishes can transform your outdoor space into a personal oasis. At AquaVision Poolscapes, we help guide you through the process of choosing tiles, coping, plaster, and other finishes to ensure your pool reflects your style and needs. Whether you’re drawn to a classic aesthetic, modern luxury, or something in between, this guide will help you make informed decisions.

Choosing Pool Tiles

Pool tiles set the tone for your pool’s overall design. They’re available in a variety of materials, colors, and textures to match your vision. Popular options include:

Glass Tiles: Known for their vibrant colors and reflective properties, glass tiles create a luxurious, shimmering effect.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: Durable and versatile, these tiles come in endless designs, including mosaics and custom patterns.
Stone Tiles: Natural stone like travertine or slate adds an earthy, organic look that blends beautifully with outdoor spaces.

Explore the tile catalogs below for inspiration:

For cost efficiency, consider selecting 6"x6" waterline tiles or larger, as intricate small tiles require significantly more labor to install.

Selecting Coping

Coping is the edge or cap around the top of your pool, providing a finished look and a smooth transition between the deck and water. Please note that most coping is not included in the AquaVision scope unless specially requested. Coping installation often falls to the landscaping team. For questions, please contact us directly or refer to your project proposal.

To explore coping options, please utilize these resources:

It is important to note that precast coping options will be more cost effective than custom aggregate.

For the shape of your coping , please contact your contractor to ensure compliance with local rules and regulations. Many counties have certain rules regarding the shape of the coping— in our experience, most counties don’t allow sharp edges. AquaVision Poolscapes always recommends a straight bullnose as the perfect blend of safety and style.

Choosing Pool Plaster

*Image created by AquaVision Poolscapes, LLC.*

Plaster finishes influence not only the color but also the feel of your pool. Here are some popular options:

Quartz Plaster: Blended with crushed quartz for added durability and a sparkle effect.
Pebble Finishes: Provide a natural, textured look in a variety of colors, ideal for a lagoon-style pool.
Polished Aggregate: Sleek, smooth finishes like CLI’s Wet Edge® products that enhance both style and longevity.

While pebble or aggregate-heavy plasters may seem appealing, Colorado's harsh weather conditions make them less suitable. These finishes are prone to chipping and flaking in our climate. We strongly recommend polished or quartz plasters for their durability and aesthetic appeal in our region.

We recommend browsing the following plaster resources to explore premium options and view galleries of installed finishes:

Feel free to navigate the CLI and SGM galleries to see how certain plasters look when installed. It is important to consider your desired water color when selecting your plaster color.

AquaVision Poolscapes Default Project Selections

We know that every design is near and dear to our customers hearts. After all, your home is your home and making design choices is very personal. This is why it is very likely that your AquaVision Poolscapes project proposal contains only basic finishes. The finishes in your bid may include:

Waterline Tile: 6"x6" solid tiles in navy, blue, white, black, or light blue.
- Please refer to page 83 of the NPT Tile Flipbook to view these selections.

Step Tile: 2"x2" Unglazed tiles in white, sapphire sky and raven black.
- Please refer to page 104 of the NPT Tile Flipbook to view these selections.
Plaster: SGM blue quartz plaster.
- Please refer to the SGM Diamond Brite Blue Quartz gallery.
Grout: Bright white grout.

Any selection of finishes chosen outside of these may necessitate a change order.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 720.838.3513.

Tips for Coordinating Your Selections

Set a Mood: Think about the ambiance you want to create. Do you prefer a serene, spa-like retreat or a bold, dramatic poolscape?
Consider Durability: Choose finishes that will stand the test of time, especially in Colorado’s varying climate.
Stick to a Palette: Pick complementary colors and textures that blend seamlessly across your tiles, coping, and plaster and landscape.
Factor in Maintenance: Some materials require more upkeep than others. We’re happy to advise on care for your selections.

Why Choose AquaVision Poolscapes?

At AquaVision Poolscapes, we’ve worked with homeowners across Colorado to build stunning pools and spas tailored to their tastes. Our experience with premium materials, local climate conditions, and expert craftsmanship ensures you’ll love your pool for years to come.

Still deciding? Schedule a consultation with us to discuss your project, and we’ll help you narrow down the best options. Contact us today!

Choosing the Perfect Finishes for Your Pool and Spa