Pool Interior Finish: Get Beauty, Endurance, and Better Value

Forget old-school pool plaster. Instead, give your pool a distinctive color finish that’s unmatched in looks, durability, and ease of ownership.

Inground pool featuring SmartBrite ColorQuartz finish

Blue Haven’s SmartBrite® ColorQuartz®—made with a select blend of ceramic quartz aggregate—will accentuate your pool’s interior with an attractive, slip-resistant, long-lasting surface that’s easier to maintain than plain marcite plaster.

SmartBrite’s pleasing appearance and incomparable performance come from the marriage of two key elements: 

  • Quartz—Natural, translucent, and one of the world’s hardest minerals, and
  • Ceramics—For centuries, a proven method of coating and preserving colored surfaces.

This innovative pairing of quartz aggregate and color ceramics creates ColorQuartz®—a superb pool surface that delivers style with staying power.

SmartBrite® ColorQuartz®: Standing the Test of Time

With a handsome interior and impressive longevity, SmartBrite® finish puts traditional marcite to shame. This ColorQuartz® surface gives pool owners a number of advantages:

  • Overall, a ColorQuartz® interior holds up better against chipping, chemical etching, UV deterioration, erosion from harsh water,* and mechanical wear and abrasion from the wheels of some automatic pool cleaners.
  • The pigmented ceramic coating on each quartz granule lasts just like glazed ceramic tile, and it will never bleed or leach harmful chemicals into your pool water.
  • With its attractive color-speckle surface, ColorQuartz® minimizes the appearance of streaks and the tiny, superficial hairline cracks that occur with all marcite pool plaster.
  • Deep stains can’t take hold, and if surface spots do appear, they’re much easier to clean. Should acid washing ever be needed, ColorQuartz® holds up dramatically better than plain marcite.
  • ColorQuartz® provides a smooth, yet slip-resistant pool surface—without exposing sharp rock edges like some pebble finishes can.
  • Unlike dyed marcite , ColorQuartz®-coated granules deliver even, non-stop color without fading, bleeding, mottling, or pigment stains.
Depending on where you live, a Blue Haven designer will explain the SmartBrite® ColorQuartz® material warranty and provide samples so that you can see—and feel—your color options.
Cleaning pools with SmartVac energy wise suction cleaners

*Proper water chemistry is critical to maintain the appearance of all pool finishes.
**Available in some U.S. markets in premium pebble upgrade; inquire with your local Blue Haven office. Learn more in this article about various kinds of pool finishes—marcite, quartz, and pebble.

Blue Haven Helps Pioneer ColorQuartz® Pool Finishes

For decades, traditional marcite plaster presented many shortcomings to pool owners everywhere. Back in the Nineties, a solution came from one unexpected source: materials innovation giant, 3M®.

ColorQuartz finish for an elegant inground pool surface

The company had developed ColorQuartz® aggregate to use in roofing materials. Later, it was discovered that the material also worked in pool finishes to combat the pitfalls that came with plain marcite.

Blue Haven offices played a major role in helping usher in the wider use of this new material finish for pools. Teaming up with 3M, Blue Haven offices across the country were among the first contractors to launch 3M’s new product into the pool-construction marketplace. 

With multiple Blue Haven offices promoting SmartBrite® ColorQuartz® to theirthousands of customers, the popularity of this pool finish soared coast to coast.

Ever since these early efforts to popularize quartz finish among American pool buyers, Blue Haven offices have remained on the forefront of using this high-performance material in both new pools and renovations.

With all of its attributes, this finish provides greater overall value for each Blue Haven customer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Gunite pools can be finished with a variety of interior surface materials, each offering its own appearance, durability, texture, and lifespan.

Common gunite pool finishes include:

  • Marcite plaster – A traditional white plaster finish that provides a classic appearance.
  • Quartz aggregate finishes, such as ColorQuartz® – A blend of plaster and ceramic-coated quartz that offers enhanced color, durability, and longevity.
  • Pebble finishes – Small natural stones that create a highly durable, textured surface with a distinctive, natural look.

Each finish offers its own combination of aesthetics, performance, maintenance requirements, lifespan, and upfront investment. The right choice depends on your design preferences, budget, and long-term ownership goals.

The frequency of resurfacing a gunite pool depends on the type of interior finish, water quality, and how well the pool is maintained. While every pool is different, premium finishes are generally designed to last longer than traditional plaster under normal conditions.

Typical lifespan by finish type includes:

  • Standard marcite plaster: Typically requires resurfacing sooner than upgraded finishes.
  • Quartz aggregate finishes, such as ColorQuartz®: Can often provide 10–15 years of service under normal conditions.
  • Pebble finishes: Typically offer the longest lifespan and may last even longer with proper maintenance.

Consistently maintaining balanced water chemistry and following a regular maintenance routine can help maximize the life of your pool’s interior finish. During the design process, your Blue Haven team can help you compare finish options based on their appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and long-term value.

Pool tile offers an opportunity to add color, texture, and personality while complementing your pool’s overall design.

Popular pool tile options include:

  • Glass mosaic tile
  • Decorative waterline tile
  • Patterned or textured tile
  • Accent inlays and medallions
  • Tile for steps, benches, raised walls, and water features

When selecting pool tile, consider:

  • Color coordination with your interior finish
  • Compatibility with coping and decking materials
  • Durability for constant water and sun exposure
  • Ease of cleaning and long-term maintenance

Choosing tile specifically designed for swimming pools helps ensure long-lasting beauty while creating a cohesive look throughout your custom pool and outdoor living space.

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