The Surface That Defines Your Pool

Colors & Textures

Part 1: Key Factors That Determine the Color of Your Pool’s Water

Choosing an interior finish for your new or remodeled swimming pool can seem overwhelming, so we’ve made every effort to simplify the process. The first question you need to ask yourself is what color water am I looking for?

In this segment Jon Temple shows how the light entering your pool is influenced by your pools shape and water movement.

The location, size and color of your house can impact the color of your pool’s water. In this segment Jon Temple teaches you how to use this to your advantage.

Your pool and the reflection of your landscaping provide opportunities to bring more color out of your pool water.

Now that you have an understanding of some of the factors that will influence your pools water color, it’s time to choose your color finish. In this lesson Jon Temple breaks down the colors of pool finishes and the types of aggregates so you can make an informed decision when you choose your pool’s color finish.

Watch this First

Choosing Your Color Finish​

Selecting a pool finish color is more complex than choosing a sample. Water depth, sunlight exposure, surrounding materials, and water chemistry all influence how a finished pool ultimately looks. In this free video course, Jon Temple—Founder & CEO of Tempool Inc.—walks through the key factors that shape final water color and explains how to make informed finish selections before installation begins.

As Tempool continued working with builders and plaster crews in the field, those same principles led to the creation of ELEMENT™, a proprietary pool finish line engineered to deliver more predictable results and long-term durability. Start with the course to understand color. Choose ELEMENT™ when you’re ready to apply those insights to the finish itself.

ELEMENT™ by Plaster Logic

  • Proprietary pebble finish formulations
  • Performance-enhancing additive
  • 30-year residential material warranty
  • 15-year commercial material warranty

ELEMENT™

A Surface That Brings Water to Life

ELEMENT™ is a plaster finish designed for pools that demand consistent, vibrant color and refined texture. Built on a white cement base with integrated pigment, this finish delivers uniform color throughout the pool surface while small aggregates add subtle visual depth and a smooth, sophisticated texture. Every aspect of ELEMENT™ is engineered to maintain plaster integrity during installation and curing, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting result that enhances the water’s natural sparkle.

  • Pigmented white cement base for rich, consistent color

  • Small aggregate finish for a balanced, refined texture

  • Integral pigmentation that ensures uniformity across the surface

  • Engineered to support flawless application and long-term durability

White element™

Clean, Bright, and Timeless by Design

WHITE ELEMENT™ delivers the timeless appeal of a true white plaster surface, accented with decorative aggregates for texture and dimension. The white cement base ensures brightness and clarity, while the aggregates provide visual interest without altering the pristine base color. The result is a pool interior that feels clean, open, and strikingly vibrant, with a controlled surface expression that highlights the water’s natural brilliance.

  • True white cement base for a bright, clean appearance

  • Decorative aggregate blend adds depth and visual interest

  • No pigmentation in the base for unmatched clarity

  • Maintains high-clarity, elegant finish that enhances any pool

Slate™

A Finish with Dimension and Distinction

SLATE™ brings architectural sophistication to pool interiors. Its pigmented cement base combined with slate aggregates creates depth, contrast, and a distinct surface character that turns a pool into a true visual centerpiece. The dimensional surface profile enhances how light interacts with the water, giving your pool a dynamic, high-end appearance that is both durable and visually stunning.

  • Pigmented cement base for consistent, bold color

  • Slate aggregate blend adds texture and architectural interest

  • Dimensional surface profile creates dynamic visual depth

  • Designed for a refined, high-end, and lasting finish

TYPES OF AGGREGATES

Choosing Your Finish

We offer several different textures for our pool finishes, each with their own attributes and specialties.

Small Pebbles

These finishes feature a small rounded pebble, portland cement, and the option for quartz accent stone to give you a lightly textured feel. Pebble finishes are known for their durability and resistance to chemical abuse, and we find they work best in shallower pools.

Slate

These finishes provide a natural, organic appearance with deep, natural tones that often produce a medium to dark blue water color. They are well suited for modern, Mediterranean, and naturalistic pools, especially those designed with clean lines or stone elements.

Large Pebble

These finishes feature larger rounded pebbles, portland cement, and the option for quartz accent stone. They provide a slip-resistant, natural stone surface with a more rugged, organic texture compared to smaller pebble finishes. We find they work best in deeper pools.

Mother of Pearl

These finishes feature crushed shell blended into the surface to create a soft, natural shimmer when exposed to sunlight. Mother of Pearl finishes add depth and light reflection to the water and are often used as an accent within the overall finish.

The Science and Art of Pool Surface Design

Stunning Pools Start with ELEMENT™ Finishes

Tempool’s ELEMENT™ line delivers consistent, vibrant finishes with carefully blended aggregates and pigments, engineered for beauty, durability, and performance. Each surface is designed to bring out the ideal water color, create depth, and highlight the unique personality of your pool, every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious About Tempool Inc.? Start Here

Our FAQs cover everything from preparation and plastering techniques to remodel tips and finish options, all straight from the team that’s perfected over 80,000 pools worldwide.

How do I choose the right plaster finish for my pool?

Finish selection depends on aesthetics, water color, and maintenance preferences. Our ELEMENT™ line offers three distinct options: Element™ for refined texture and consistent pigment, White Element™ for bright clarity with decorative aggregates, and Slate™ for architectural depth and contrast. Our consultants help you select the right finish to achieve the desired look while ensuring long-term performance.

Tempool specializes exclusively in preparation and plastering. Unlike general pool companies, we focus entirely on creating flawless interiors, using decades of experience and hands-on techniques refined over 80,000 pools worldwide. Our team combines meticulous preparation, precise application, and expert finish selection to deliver consistent, long-lasting results that meet the highest standards.

Absolutely. While we don’t handle digging or structural construction, we excel in interior remodels. We replace worn plaster, apply new finishes, and optimize interior surfaces for water color, texture, and durability. Every remodel is treated with the same care and precision as a new plaster application.

The timeline depends on pool size, complexity, and chosen finish. Typically, a residential pool can be prepped and plastered in several days, with curing and startup time included. Our experienced teams manage every step to minimize delays and ensure a high-quality, durable finish.

Elevate Every Swim

ELEMENT™ surfaces are designed to perform beautifully and last longer. Reach out now to discuss the ideal finish for your pool.

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The Pool You Imagine is Closer Than You Think

We don’t do shortcuts. We deliver precision, mastery, and pool finishes that stand the test of time. Let us show you what your pool can become. Contact us today.