The interior finish is what you see, touch, and live with every time you use the pool. It's also one of the most variable cost factors — switching from basic plaster to premium glass mosaic can double your finishing budget. Here's a clear comparison.
Finish Options at a Glance
| Finish | Cost per m² (AED) | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard white plaster | 80 – 120 | 7 – 10 years | Low |
| Coloured plaster (Pebblecrete) | 120 – 200 | 10 – 15 years | Low |
| Ceramic mosaic | 180 – 350 | 15 – 25 years | Low |
| Glass mosaic (standard) | 250 – 500 | 20 – 30 years | Medium |
| Premium Italian glass mosaic | 500 – 1,200 | 25+ years | Medium |
| Stone (travertine, basalt) | 400 – 900 | 20+ years | Higher |
White Plaster
The basic finish. Quartz aggregate mixed with white cement, troweled smooth.
Pros:
- Cheapest option
- Quick to apply
- Smooth, soft underfoot
Cons:
- Stains and discolours over 5–7 years
- Shows every chemical imbalance
- Plain appearance
Best for: Budget projects, rental properties, pools that will be renovated within 10 years.
Coloured Plaster (Pebblecrete)
The popular middle ground. Plaster with crushed pebbles or quartz aggregate in various colours — blue, grey, charcoal, sand.
Pros:
- Wider colour range
- Hides minor imperfections
- More forgiving than white plaster
- Looks more natural
Cons:
- Slightly rough underfoot (depends on aggregate size)
- Still requires resurfacing eventually (10–15 years)
Best for: Family pools where appearance and budget both matter.
Ceramic Mosaic
The classic durable finish. 25mm or 50mm ceramic tiles applied in fields or patterns.
Pros:
- Durable — outlasts plaster significantly
- Wide colour and pattern range
- Easy to clean
- Holds colour over decades
Cons:
- Visible grout lines (require periodic regrouting)
- Slightly higher cost
- Pattern alignment matters at design stage
Best for: Mid-range villa pools, classic European look, long-term ownership.
Glass Mosaic
The premium aesthetic. Glass tiles ranging from 10mm (Bisazza, Sicis style) to 50mm. Reflective, jewel-like appearance.
Pros:
- Most beautiful finish — true visual depth
- Doesn't fade or stain
- Easy to clean
- Wide pattern and gradient possibilities (ombré, mixed-tone fields)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires expert installation
- Some glass types more reflective than others (test with sample)
Best for: Luxury villas, infinity pools, hotel pools, when appearance is the priority.
Premium Italian Glass Mosaic (Bisazza, Sicis, Trend)
The luxury statement. Hand-mixed tiles, often with metallic, iridescent, or 24K gold accents.
Pros:
- Unique appearance no other finish achieves
- Heirloom quality
- Strong design statement
- Excellent for resale value
Cons:
- AED 500 – 1,200/m² is real money
- Long lead times (6–12 weeks from Italy)
- Requires specialist installer
- Repairs require matching tiles (keep extras)
Best for: Showpiece pools, hotels, villas where the pool is the centrepiece.
Natural Stone
The earthy, organic option. Travertine, basalt, or volcanic stone applied in slabs or split-face.
Pros:
- Unique natural texture
- Doesn't look like a "pool"
- Excellent for resort-style designs
Cons:
- Higher maintenance
- Sealing required
- Some stones change colour over time
- Not all stones suitable (test for chlorine resistance)
Best for: Resort-style designs, pools integrated with natural landscape.
How to Choose
Match finish to pool type:
- Plunge pool → Coloured plaster or simple mosaic. Don't over-finish a small pool.
- Standard family pool → Pebblecrete or ceramic mosaic.
- Infinity / overflow pool → Glass mosaic. The finish makes or breaks the visual effect.
Match finish to ownership horizon:
- Selling within 5 years → Plaster is fine. Buyers don't pay much extra for premium finishes.
- Living long-term → Mosaic. The 10x lifespan justifies the 3x cost.
Match finish to budget honestly:
- Don't underspend on the finish to overspend on equipment. The finish is what you see daily.
- If budget is tight, build a smaller pool with a better finish rather than a bigger pool with cheap plaster.
See Real Finishes
We maintain sample boards in our showroom and complete projects across Dubai you can visit (with client permission). Photos don't capture mosaic depth and reflectivity — always view in person before committing.
Contact our team for a finish consultation and showroom visit.