The most common form of pool finish is marcite—a mixture of water, white cement, marble dust, and additives.

Marcite is white. (Some builders will tint it shades of blue or greyish-black, but this approach may pose undesirable consequences.)

Marcite carries the lowest initial price of three kinds of material finishes for a pool interior. However, it requires greater maintenance and earlier replacement—costing more over time.

In a pool with properly balanced water, marcite typically provides a lifespan of 5 to 12 years. However, other factors—such as hard water or improper water chemistry—can cause faster deterioration.

While all three forms of interior finish deteriorate over the course of years, marcite is by far the most vulnerable to a host of factors that degrade its appearance and reduce its lifespan.

Learn more: Pool Plaster Problems: Typical Causes