Why Your Pool Finish Matters

Have you noticed that your pool water looks cloudy, or the plaster is starting to feel rough, dusty, or discolored? Especially on recent installations.
And if your pool is already a few years old, are you worried about the high cost of replastering — or whether you’ll have to go through it sooner than you thought?

The truth is, most pool finishes begin breaking down from the very first day water touches them. But there’s a scientific solution that can stop this problem at its source.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What a pool finish is.
  
  
• Why does it weaken over time?
  
  
• How MicroGlass protects both new and many older pool finishes from costly damage, plaster dust, and color loss.
  
  
• What MicroGlass costs and how it’s applied.
  
  

What Is a Pool Finish?

The pool finish is the thin interior layer that covers the concrete shell of your pool (usually shotcrete or gunite). This is the surface swimmers feel under their feet.

Common finish materials include:

• Plaster (marcite)
  
  
• Quartz
  
  
• Pebble finishes
  
  

These finishes are made by combining cement (usually Portland cement), sand, water, pigments, and aggregates such as marble dust, quartz, or pebble.

Why Pool Finishes Break Down Over Time

Even though a finish feels solid, under a microscope, it’s full of tiny voids and capillaries. These act like highways that let pool water and chemicals move in and out of the material.

The problem is that pool finishes contain a mineral called calcium hydroxide, which makes up about 25% of the cement matrix. Calcium hydroxide is soft, soluble, and easily dissolves in water.

That means your pool water can literally “steal” calcium from the finish as it tries to maintain balance. Over time, this weakens the surface, causes cosmetic issues, and shortens the lifespan of the finish.

Common Problems Caused by Finish Breakdown

Most of these problems aren’t caused by poor workmanship — they’re the result of natural chemical processes attacking soft calcium in the finish:

• Plaster dust
  
  
• Rough or etched surfaces
  
  
• Color loss or fading (blotchy look)
  
  
• Surface cracks (crazing)
  
  
• White calcium nodules or efflorescence
  
  
• Pebble loss or spalling
  
  

How MicroGlass Solves the Problem

Pool finish breakdown is a scientific problem, so it requires a scientific solution.

MicroGlass is a laboratory-developed densifier that penetrates the microscopic voids of a pool finish. Unlike traditional sealers that coat the surface, MicroGlass works from the inside out.

Here’s what it does:

1. Infuses hard nano-particles deep into the cement matrix.
   
   
2. Converts soft calcium hydroxide into strong, glass-like silicate compounds.
   
   
3. Permanently densifies the finish, making it more resistant to water, chemicals, and discoloration.
   
   

Because it reaches the full depth of the plaster, MicroGlass protects both new and older finishes, extending their service life.

How MicroGlass Is Applied

The application process is straightforward but requires professional handling to ensure proper penetration:

• A team of 2–3 technicians applies the product evenly across the pool finish.
  
  
• For a regular-sized pool, this usually requires 5 to 10 gallons of MicroGlass.
  
  
• Two coats are recommended for full protection.
  
  
• Depending on temperature and time of day, MicroGlass can often be applied the same day the plaster has been installed.
  
  
• For specific aggregate finishes, additional curing time may be required before MicroGlass can be appropriately applied.
  
  

This careful timing ensures the densifier bonds at a microscopic level and permanently strengthens the finish.

What Does MicroGlass Cost?

Homeowners often compare MicroGlass to the cost of full replastering — and the difference can be significant.

• MicroGlass treatment typically costs between $1,200 and $2,500, depending on pool size, finish type, and site conditions.
  
  
• By contrast, replastering often costs many thousands more — and can come with hidden expenses like water replacement, chemical startup, or surface prep.
  
  

For many homeowners, MicroGlass is a way to avoid costly, premature replastering while still protecting the look and strength of their pool.

What About Older Pools?

Homeowners often assume replastering is the only option once their finish begins showing signs of age. While not every pool is a candidate, many older finishes can be treated with MicroGlass.

If your pool qualifies, MicroGlass may help you:

• Avoid premature replastering.
  
  
• Save thousands in hidden costs tied to full resurfacing.
  
  
• Extend the usable life of your existing finish.

Why MicroGlass Is Different from Traditional Sealers

Some products only coat the surface, offering temporary protection. Others don’t reach deep enough into the cement structure to make a lasting difference.

Independent third-party lab results show that MicroGlass:

• Penetrates the full depth of the pool finish.
  
  
• Converts weak minerals into strong, durable compounds.
  
  
• Protects against chemical damage inside and out, not just on the surface.

Protect Your Pool Finish Before Problems Get Worse

Now you know why pool finishes naturally break down — and how MicroGlass strengthens them by turning soft minerals into durable, glass-like structures.

Instead of constantly fighting plaster dust, color fading, or facing the high cost of premature replastering, you can protect your finish and extend its life with MicroGlass.

If your pool is brand new, applying MicroGlass early can prevent problems before they occur. And if your pool is older, there’s a good chance it may still qualify — saving you from costly and often hidden replastering expenses.

At J Designs Pool and Spa, we help homeowners extend the life of their pool finishes with proven science.

Still Have Questions?

Many homeowners want to know more before making a decision. Below are answers to the most common questions we hear about MicroGlass:

Frequently Asked Questions About MicroGlass

Is MicroGlass safe for my pool water?

Yes. Once applied, MicroGlass reacts within the plaster itself — not in the pool water. After curing, the surface is chemically stable, safe for swimmers, and requires no special maintenance beyond standard water balancing.

Can MicroGlass be applied to any pool finish?

MicroGlass works on plaster, quartz, and pebble finishes, both new and many older pools. However, not every older pool is a candidate. If the finish is already severely delaminated or structurally compromised, MicroGlass may not be effective — and replastering may be the only option.

How long does MicroGlass last?

Because MicroGlass chemically converts weak minerals inside the plaster into strong glass-like compounds, the protection is permanent. Unlike surface sealers that wear off, MicroGlass bonds at a microscopic level throughout the finish.

Can MicroGlass be applied DIY?

No. Proper application requires a trained team of 2–3 technicians, specific equipment, and timing based on temperature and curing conditions. This ensures the product penetrates fully and performs as designed.

How much does MicroGlass cost compared to replastering?

MicroGlass treatment typically costs $1,200–$2,500 for a standard pool. By comparison, replastering can cost several times more, plus additional hidden expenses such as draining, preparing, and refilling your pool.

When is the best time to apply MicroGlass?

• For new pools, MicroGlass can often be applied the same day the plaster goes in (depending on temperature and conditions).
• For older pools, an evaluation can usually be followed by a scheduled application with minimal downtime.