They thought we would be better off going with plain plaster or pebble. For blue water look for a finish that is white, blue… In one of the tests performed at the National Pool Industry Research Center, 50% Quartz finishes were evaluated to determine if they perform better than standard plaster. It will be a very light shade of blue, compared to the deeper water around it. 50% Quartz is better than white plaster. To see how light behaves at different depths of a swimming pool, submerge a white bucket into a pool just below the surface and note the tint of the water in it. Marcite / traditional pool plaster This can cause your pool water to appear bright, clean and light blue. Hi, I haven’t priced a plaster coat in some time, and it depends on if you are going plain white plaster, or plaster with pozzolans, or with quartz chips, or with colorants – so lots of options, but I would say that it likely varies from $5-$8 per square foot of pool surface area. It will enhance the blue color of your pool water, creating an ocean-like swimming area. That way, you can make the best choice for your needs and preferences. Please note, though, that the color you choose mainly affects water color. Most plaster guys are pushing their customers away from quartz. Another pro is the smooth surface of plaster. I was around back when your only choices were white, light blue, or aqua blue. Plaster Finishes The pool’s white plaster finish reflects light around the inside of the pool, creating a brilliant, light blue glow. Selecting the pool color. Marble aggregates are easily dissolved by pool chemicals causing unsightly attaching and rapid deterioration. Three pools I've seen in person recently have had a white plaster base with aggregate Quartz (diamond brite cool blue), and when the sun is not up the pool looks pale/colorless. It’s among the cheapest options when redoing your pool finish. A traditional white pool finish. In one of the tests performed at the National Pool Industry Research Center, 50% Quartz finishes were evaluated to determine if they perform better than standard plaster. Today's pool owners have numerous trusted and also gorgeous swimming pool surface alternatives offered to them. The inert glass bead aggregate is beautiful to look at and smooth to the touch. We originally were leaning toward quartz but most were very hesitant about it. Our most popular pool finish offering the same natural beauty and inherent qualities as the original PebbleTec® pool finish with a more refined texture. This surface is hard, yet smooth and appears white in color. Finally, pool owners may choose colors other than white for their plaster finish. We had 6 quotes on our recent pool build. The three primary finishes available for a new pool or a “replaster” job are marcite (traditional white plaster), colored quartz aggregate, and pebble.