Diamond Brite Pros and Cons: Is It Worth It?
Published March 15, 2023
When constructing a pool, one of the many decisions you must make is what finish you want to use. There are three main options: (1) plaster, (2) aggregates, and (3) tiles. Each one has different benefits and drawbacks. But one option that’s been gaining traction recently is Diamond Brite.
What Is a Diamond Brite?
Diamond Brite is, in essence, a pool finish made from a blend of quartz aggregates and fortified cement. Rather than a finish, it’s more fitting to think of Diamond Brite as a brand of pool finish.
The finish looks similar to sandblasted concrete, though, of course, its characteristics are completely different. It became popular primarily because of its aesthetics, but there’s much more to it than that.
Read on as we explore the pros and cons of Diamond Brite finish.
Diamond Brite Finish: Pros
Diamond Brite Finish Is Incredibly Resistant
Many homeowners are looking forward to building a Diamond Brite pool due to the promise that the pool will be incredibly resistant, at least more resistant than if the finish is plain plaster or aggregate.
More specifically, the Diamond Brite finish supposedly makes the pool resistant to the following:
- Scratches
- Rust
- Pool chemicals
The Diamond Brite plaster and finish material itself is resistant to rust. But more importantly, it features a protective exterior layer that protects the surface from scratches and chemicals.
As such, you’ll rarely find any stains in the pool, usually caused by harsh pool chemicals.
The same goes for other signs of damage like scales and flakes. A Diamond Brite pool is also unlikely to develop stains from algae since microorganisms will find it difficult to stick on the surface.
It’s Easier To Maintain
You may have also heard that pools with Diamond Brite plaster or finish will be easier to maintain.
That’s primarily because of two reasons.
One, as stated earlier, the surface isn’t sticky. Even if algae or other debris gets stuck on the surface, you can scrape them off easily. Two, Diamond Brite finish is known for its slip resistance.
That means you can easily clean and maintain the pool without worrying about slip hazards. In other words, you’ll find it easier to navigate the pool when the water is drained.
Diamond Brite Plaster Is Durable
Diamond Brite plaster is, in fact, relatively durable.
To put it into perspective, a regular plaster finish lasts 7 to 10 years, an aggregate finish lasts 15 years, a pebble finish lasts 20 years, tiles last 5 to 10 years, and Diamond Brite lasts 8 to 15 years.
Though these are just approximates, there’s no denying that the durability or longevity of Diamond Brite finish and plaster is, at the very least, in the middle range.
There Are Several Shade Options
While the color range of pool finishes is typically limited to blue, you have the option to customize the appearance by choosing different shades. That’s particularly true for a Diamond Brite pool.
You have several Diamond Brite colors to choose from, including but not limited to:
- Plain Blue
- Light Blue
- Blue Quartz
- Midnight Blue
- Cool Blue
These options offer more versatility to a Diamond Brite pool as far as appearance is concerned.
Diamond Brite: Cons
Diamond Brite Finish Is a Bit More Expensive Than Its Alternatives
One issue people find with Diamond Brite is that it’s a bit more costly than its alternatives. The average cost to resurface an existing swimming pool with Diamond Brite pool plaster is $10,000.
For comparison, it costs $5 per square foot to resurface with regular plaster, $6 per square foot for aggregates, $10 per square foot for a pebble finish, and $15 to $25 per square foot for tiles.
If we consider the fact that pools are 16 feet wide and 32 feet long on average, with an average depth of 6 feet, you need to cover 1,088 square feet of surface with the finish.
This results in the following total costs:
- $5,440 to resurface a pool with regular plaster
- $6,528 to resurface a pool with aggregates
- $10,880 to resurface a pool with pebbles
- $16,320 to $27,200 to resurface a pool with tiles
Though it’s not exactly the most expensive, a price tag of $10,000 is still not ideal, especially for homeowners who want to stay on budget.
Diamond Brite Plaster Is Prone To Bond Failure
In addition to its cost, Diamond Brite finish and plaster are also susceptible to bond failure.
Bond failure is when the finish doesn’t hold onto the pool’s surface where it’s supposed to be attached. When this happens, the finish can get loose, reducing its longevity significantly.
The good news is it’s a matter of exercising caution. So long as you can find a reliable agency, it’s no big deal. With that said, you might want to check our Diamond Brite pool resurfacing services.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
As far as the pros and cons are concerned, a Diamond Brite pool is certainly worth looking into. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It offers several benefits, but if you want to stay on a budget, you have more economical options, like regular plaster and aggregates. At the very least, you now have a better understanding of what Diamond Brite offers and how it fares against other options.
Hire Boca’s Favorite Pool Builders
Excel Pool and Patio Solutions is your trustworthy provider of pool services in Boca Raton. We are experts in pool and patio remodeling and can handle your resurfacing needs as well. Our technicians are vetted and trained for your guaranteed satisfaction. Get to know us by browsing our website or reaching out to us with any questions.
Contact our team today to request a free estimate for pool construction, maintenance, repairs and more.
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About The Author
Lenard Arceo is an experienced writer and digital marketing expert. He loves to code and spending time outdoors. He has helped many reputable websites grow over the years.
