In order to get the best results, you should consider the type of finish that you want for your pool. For example, if you want a more natural look, then you should consider crushed aggregate finishes.
Interior-finish renovations are becoming more and more popular. Newer finishes are also covered by longer warranties and should last 15 to 20 years if properly maintained.
You can choose from many brand names. In this article, we are going to be looking at two popular brands: Diamond Brite & Florida Gem.
They are composed of fine quartz stone pieces, colored gems, and specially modified Portland cement. A skilled craftsperson trowels or hand-applies the finish.
Finally, some of the concrete must be removed to reveal the quartz stone and gems, hence the name exposed aggregate. Applied properly, these finishes are durable, and if maintained properly, they last for a long time.
As they are made largely of stone extracted from nature, no two pools are alike; they all have a marbled or mottled appearance. Now, this brings us to our next topic, which one is better? Florida Gem or Diamond Brite?
Diamond Brite Vs. Florida Gem: Which One To Choose?
The Diamond Brite pool finish is a highly recommended pool finish by most pool contractors. They say that it is easy to apply, and maintain, and also reliable.
Similarly, a lot of pool contractors will also vouch for Florida Gem for its contractor support, reliability & ease of use.
Florida Gem and Diamond Brite are two of the most popular pool finish in the market.
They both offer similar qualities and durability, but there are some small differences that you should consider before you make your purchase.
About Florida Stucco
Florida Stucco’s pool plastering finishes are colored quartz aggregates of the highest quality, white Portland cement, and proprietary additives for strength, density, and bonding to enhance performance characteristics. The company offers 14 varieties of color.
About Diamond Brite
In general, Diamond Brite finishes are the best for pool interiors since they give you the durability and beauty of a diamond!
With Diamond Brite, you can finish your pool with a mixture of natural quartz aggregate, polymer-modified cement, and fade-resistant color quartz that comes in a wide variety of stunning patterns.
Personal Preferences
These are my personal opinion about colored quartz finishes for the most part. You don’t need to worry about picking Diamond Brite or Florida Gem.
Finding The Right Pool Builder
Make sure the applicant has experience. It all comes down to finding the right applicator. Before you hire them, you should look at their recently resurfaced work and ensure that you are satisfied with their work.
Both AreSimilar
Diamond Brite is no better than Florida Gem except that it is more expensive for the brand value. Fortunately, no matter how many Florida gem pool finish reviews you read, you won’t find many disappointing results.
Maintenance
It is important to acid wash the surface after it has been installed properly. You’ll have a horrible pool finish if you do not hire someone who knows what he is doing.
The finish of my pool would need to be acid washed only if it is super blue and white cement. Acid washing would not be recommended on pools finished in black or dark blue or any other color that contains dye.
Florida Gem Vs. Diamond Brite: Main Points
There are several forums where people ask the same questions. There are costs associated with renovating an interior pool, and it is sort of a permanent thing. Therefore, I am going to discuss it. Keep reading.
Quartz aggregates and cement are used as the main ingredients of both Florida Gem and Diamond Brite pool finishes. Similar additives are also used in both products. So, which one to pick? So, let’s look at what pool contractors and pool enthusiasts are saying.
Budget Matters
The Diamond Brite seems to be more popular among those with a good budget. Since they have noticed the finishes remain the same after more than a decade.
Similar Quality
Quality-wise, they perform and work similarly. The people, however, tend to pick a particular brand based on budget and what distributors are offering.
Similar Experience
The foot feels the same on both, according to people who have experienced both. You could say the experience is identical.
Different Brands
The price of Diamond Brite is higher than that of Florida Gem. However, many pool owners claim that this doesn’t have anything to do with quality or aesthetics. There is only one difference between the two: the brand name.
Diamond Brite Vs. Florida Stucco: Plastering Finishes
The reflective brilliance of glass finishes is enhanced when sunlight strikes them directly.
In general, plaster is a common material, but the type of plaster will vary based on how much quartz it contains. A glass finish makes your pool look as bright and shiny as possible.
Using quartz, fine pebble aggregates, and proprietary SGM polymer-modified Portland cement, Diamond Brilliance features factory blends of quartz, pebbles, and cement.
Spas, water features, shotcrete, concrete pools, and many other uses are made possible with this blend. In addition, diamond Brilliance finishes are factory blended to guarantee that pool owners get precisely what they want.
In addition to the already appealing choice of quartz aggregate finishes, Florida Stucco Reserve Finishes includes a pre-blended accent of colored iridescent glass beads.
Final Words
The color of the plaster in a pool can be difficult to determine. This is a fact. Perception is the only factor differentiating between Florida Gem pool finishes and Diamond Brite pool finishes.
Florida Gem is far behind Diamond Brite’s recommended list of contractors, and Diamond Brite has already established its brand name. They are, however, the same in terms of quality.
If you don’t care about the price, you can go with the Diamond Brite. This brand has been around for a long time and is already trusted and proven.
That being said, it is hard not to love your newly plastered pool when a professional pool plastering company uses both these brands.
