When some people think about fibreglass swimming pools, it’s not uncommon to think of just a plain, smooth fibreglass finish. While this is pretty common in backyard pools around the country, you can actually do a lot more with your fibreglass pool finish than you might initially expect.

 A wide range of finishes is available for a fibreglass swimming pool, as well as many design options to give your pool that little something extra. In this article, we’ll look at some of the different fibreglass pool finishes you could use to transform your pool area into a summertime sanctuary.

 

The Benefits of Fibreglass Pools

Before we dive into the different design options you can consider, let’s look at some of the reasons people love fibreglass swimming pools. 

Easy Installation

Most fibreglass swimming pools are made off-site and transported to your home for installation. This is a drawback in some cases because many pool retailers only pre-mould their fibreglass pools in certain shapes and sizes. This limits your options, but fortunately, Blue Haven customises fibreglass pool designs to suit your needs.

 However, they are still made off-site, so the installation is quick and easy compared to concrete pools. When it comes time to install the pool, the process is much faster, which means less labour and, therefore, a reduced overall cost. 

 

Affordability

Perhaps the most attractive thing to many Australian homeowners is the price of a fibreglass pool. Compared to concrete pools, which require more extensive labour and installation, fibreglass pools are generally much more affordable. For many homeowners, the price difference means they can afford a larger pool than they would have been able to afford if they chose concrete.

 There are some limitations in terms of design options, so most people who want a truly stunning and opulent swimming pool may be happy to spend more. For those who want to save some dollars, fibreglass is a great option. 

 

Durable and Long-Lasting

While not necessarily stronger than concrete, modern fibreglass swimming pools are still built to last. Modern fibreglass pools can withstand the elements much better with better finishing technology. They’re less likely to crack than older versions, and they don’t need a lot of maintenance to remain in good condition. Here at Blue Haven. We’re so confident in the durability of our pools that we offer a 25-year warranty on the pool shell.

 

Different Types of Fibreglass Pool Finishes

Every pool in the Blue Haven range features a high-quality finish backed by a 25-year warranty on the shell. So, regardless of which option you choose, you’re going to get a high-quality, durable finish. But the finish you choose for your pool isn’t necessarily about durability or ease of maintenance. Rather, it’s about ensuring your pool looks and feels exactly how you want it to.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the finishes you can have on your backyard pool. All of them are durable and long-lasting, so it’s just about choosing something you love the look and feel of, while also considering your budget. 

 

Standard finish

The colour is infused into the fibreglass resin with a standard fibreglass pool finish. You still get a protective coating to keep your pool in good condition, but the colour is moulded into the product. This ensures a smooth, durable finish with no abrasive surfaces.

 A standard finish is popular for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is the least expensive option, so it keeps your overall pool costs down. Secondly, because the colour is moulded into the fibreglass, you get a nice, even colour throughout the entire pool.

 Standard finishes are available in a range of colours, including: 

• Sapphire
• Lagoon
• Daintree
• Sand

Cultured Finishes

A cultured finish is always a good option if you want to give your pool a little extra pizzazz. These high-performance finishes are durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain, making them another popular choice among Australian pool owners. These decorative options provide a stone-like appearance rather than being smooth and flat like a standard finish.

 Concrete swimming pools have a slightly more elegant appearance, which is why many people choose a cultured finish to emulate that style. If you want your pool to look a little more up-market, these stone-like finishes are the perfect choice. It’s still an affordable way to go, but adds a touch of elegance normally reserved for more expensive pools.

 Depending on the colour you choose, these finishes can also offer a more natural look, especially the Ivory Sand and Coral Blue. A cultured finish can be the perfect match if you’ve got lots of flora and natural elements in your backyard.

 You can get a range of cultured finishes, including: 

• Bermuda
• Mid Blue
• Coral Blue
• Aqua Jade
• Ivory Sand
• Grey Granite

 

Starlight Finishes

Do you want your pool to sparkle and shine in the sun? Our Starlight finishes take your fibreglass pool to the next level in quality and aesthetic appeal. A Starlight finish is another decorative surface, similar in many ways to the cultured finishes. The major difference is that Starlight pool finishes include jewel highlights that create a sparkling effect in and out of the water.

 This finish features excellent weathering and fade-resistance properties that make it a durable, long-lasting option. Naturally, if you invest in a beautiful, sparkling finish for your pool, you want it to stay looking good for many years to come.

 The colours available are also an eclectic mix, not dissimilar to the cultured finish range, but Starlight appears brighter, bolder, and more decorative. Choose from a selection of: 

• Sapphire
• Lagoon
• Blue Grey
• Daintree
• Pebble

 

Shimmer Gelcoat Finish

While currently only available on our freestanding plunge pools, the shimmer gelcoat represents amazing value, durability and visual appeal. The protective gelcoat layer offers excellent UV protection against fading, so you can expect your fibreglass pool finish to sparkle and shine for many years to come. 

As the name suggests, this finish creates a shimmering effect in the sun while still being quite natural and eye-catching. A gelcoat Shimmer finish comes in a range of colours, including: 

• Reef Blue
• Sandstone
• Platinum
• Midnight
• Coral Blue
• Ocean Blue

 Again, many of the colours are inspired by nature, so they will look good in any Australian backyard. Even if you don’t have a lot of trees or gardens around, adding natural colours to your pool helps to create a more serene and relaxing environment, which is exactly what you want from your backyard oasis.

 

Cultured Gelcoat Finish

Also only currently available on our freestanding fibreglass plunge pools, the cultured gelcoat finish is another one that can add natural beauty to your pool. Offer a decorative and reflective finish, the gelcoat offers premium weathering protection while also enhancing the rich colours underneath. 

The colours also have a great natural feel, meaning there are options galore for every Australian home. Whether you want earthy tones, water-inspired colours or something else, the range is extensive, including: 

• Bermuda Blue
• Coral Blue
• Ivory Sand
• Hawaiian Sand
• Mid Blue
• Pool Grey

 

The Importance of Choosing Natural Colours

While not all fibreglass pool finishes are exclusively inspired by the natural landscapes around us, many of them are. You can still choose bold designs such as Midnight and Platinum if you want something different, but almost all of our colours are somehow linked to the world around us. 

The blues, for example, should invoke feelings of our beautiful oceans and rivers. Plenty of lighter shades resemble sand, sandstone, pebbles and even light granite. Then, you’ve got the green-tinged selections, which can remind you equally of a rainforest or a green-blue ocean. 

Swimming is a very natural activity that, without pools, we would be doing at beaches or in lakes and rivers. That’s why the most beautiful pools have a natural element to them. Even though you know you’re taking a dip in a backyard pool, it’s a much nicer experience if it feels more natural. 

Many people incorporate natural elements into their pool design, using rocks, boulders and more – especially in natural mineral pools. Of course, at the end of the day, your pool colour and finish are very personal choices. There’s no right or wrong way, but the team at Blue Haven is always available to offer colour advice if you need it.

 

Looking for the perfect pool finish?

If you’re ready to beat the heat this summer, it’s time to book a pool consultation with Blue Haven. We can come to your home, check your available space and run through a range of pool options with you. We customise our pool designs to suit your space and budget, so you won’t need to just pick a pre-made fibreglass pool from a catalogue and hope for the best. 

Blue Haven Pools brings you an exceptional range of pools and spas, with decades of expertise behind us. So, when you’re ready to create your backyard pool sanctuary, contact the expert team at Blue Haven today. We’ll be more than happy to help you select the right pool and finish for your needs.

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