Premium Swimming Pool Finishes

Elevate your pool with premium finishes

At Living Pools & Spas, we believe your pool should feel as considered and refined as the home around it. The best swimming pool finishes can completely change the atmosphere of a space – influencing the colour of the water, the way light reflects across the surface, and how the pool connects with the surrounding landscape.

From fully tiled interiors and shimmering glass bead finishes to natural stone surrounds and integrated pool features, we create premium spaces designed to feel timeless, functional, and enjoyable to use every day.

Every detail is selected to suit your property, lifestyle, and the way you want to experience the water. Whether you’re building a new concrete pool or planning swimming pool upgrades, we guide you through the selection process with practical advice and a calm, design-led approach.

Our range of premium pool finishes

At Living Pools & Spas, we offer a carefully considered selection of pool finishes, materials, and integrated features that elevate both the appearance and functionality of your outdoor space. Rather than approaching a pool as a standalone structure, we design every detail to work cohesively with your home, landscape, and lifestyle.

Fully tiled interiors

Fully tiled interiors are one of the most premium concrete swimming pool finishes available. Using high-quality porcelain, ceramic, or glass tiles, these interiors create a refined and highly durable surface with a smooth texture underfoot.

Tile finishes allow for greater control over the final water colour and overall aesthetic of the pool. From deep mineral tones to lighter coastal shades, tiles can dramatically influence how the pool water reflects the surrounding environment and sunlight.

Compared to standard plaster finishes, fully tiled interiors:

  • Last longer
  • Offer excellent durability
  • Are low-maintenance
  • Resist staining and fading
  • Create a luxurious, polished finish

For homeowners seeking timeless pool upgrades, fully tiled interiors remain one of the most visually striking and durable options available.

Glass bead interiors

Glass bead finishes create a soft shimmer beneath the surface of the water, producing a luminous effect that changes throughout the day as the sun moves across the pool.

These premium concrete pool finishes combine finely mixed glass beads with white cement or aggregate materials to produce a smooth, reflective interior finish with subtle depth and texture.

Glass bead interiors are ideal for homeowners wanting:

  • A softer, natural water tone
  • A more contemporary finish
  • Enhanced light reflection
  • A smooth and comfortable swimming surface

They also provide a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional plaster surfaces.

Natural stone surrounds

Natural stone surrounds help ground the pool within the landscape and create a more organic connection between the home, pool, and outdoor entertaining areas.

We work with a range of:

  • Stone tiles
  • Granite
  • Porcelain
  • Slip-resistant materials
  • Natural stone finishes

These materials can be selected to suit different types of homes – from modern architectural properties through to relaxed rural and hinterland settings. Natural stone also performs well in Australian conditions, offering excellent durability and heat resistance under the sun.

Custom pool edges & infinity pools

Infinity edges create one of the most dramatic and elegant visual effects in modern pool design. By allowing the water to disappear into the surrounding landscape, these custom pool features create a calm, uninterrupted connection between the pool and the horizon.

This style works particularly well on sloping blocks, acreage properties, and homes positioned around expansive views throughout the Northern Rivers and Byron Bay Hinterland. Custom pool edges can also be designed to suit the overall style of the home, whether minimalist, natural, or highly architectural.

Hydrotherapy spas & heated pools

A heated spa integrated into your pool design adds another layer of comfort and usability throughout the year.

Our hydrotherapy spas combine:

  • Heated pool systems
  • Hydrotherapy jets
  • Smart automation
  • Energy-efficient heating systems

This allows homeowners to enjoy relaxation, recovery, and all-season comfort with simple control from a smartphone or automation system. For many clients, a heated pool or spa becomes one of the most-used spaces within the property during cooler months.

Acrylic windows & architectural features

Acrylic pool windows create a striking architectural detail that adds depth, light, and a completely different perspective to the pool.

These custom features work particularly well in:

  • Modern homes
  • Raised concrete pools
  • Courtyard spaces
  • Pools positioned near entertaining areas

Combined with thoughtful lighting and surrounding materials, acrylic windows can transform a pool into a true design feature.

Pool system upgrades & smart automation

Modern pool system upgrades can dramatically improve comfort, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

We offer:

  • In-floor cleaning systems
  • Automated pool covers
  • Smart pool automation
  • Energy-efficient heat pump systems
  • Upgraded filtration and pumps

These systems help maintain water chemistry, reduce ongoing maintenance, and keep the pool ready to use with minimal effort.

Automated covers can also help:

  • Retain heat
  • Reduce evaporation
  • Save money on heating costs
  • Keep debris and algae under control

For busy homeowners, integrated automation creates a more seamless and low-maintenance experience overall.

Why choose premium finishes for your pool?

Choosing premium swimming pool finishes does more than improve the appearance of your pool – it changes how the entire space feels and functions over time.

Higher quality finishes generally:

  • Last longer
  • Require less maintenance
  • Improve durability
  • Better protect the pool surface
  • Create a more refined visual finish
  • Enhance comfort underfoot
  • Increase long-term property appeal

At Living Pools & Spas, we help clients choose finishes that suit both the practical needs of the space and the overall design vision for the property. Rather than overwhelming you with endless material options, we guide you towards finishes and features that will feel timeless, cohesive, and enjoyable to live with for years to come.

Why choose Living Pools & Spas?

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Living Pools & Spas specialises in bespoke concrete pool design and construction throughout the Northern Rivers region.

Clients choose us because of our:

  • Calm, owner-led approach
  • Experience with complex sites and acreage properties
  • Attention to detail and refined finishes
  • Practical guidance throughout the design process
  • Focus on premium materials and long-term durability
  • Experience integrating sustainable and energy-efficient systems

Founder Ben Salisbury personally oversees every project from concept through to construction and final handover, ensuring every finish, material, and feature is carefully considered.

If you’re investing in premium concrete swimming pool finishes, thoughtful design and experienced guidance make all the difference.

We are so happy with our pool and even happier that we chose Living Pools and Spas to build it....Ben is amazing, he not only gave us a schedule but he kept to it and the finished product is perfect....we highly recommend Ben from Living Pools and Spas.

Jennifer & John

We love our new pool and Ben was great to work with. He always kept us updated with where the project was up to and when different trades would be onsite and was happy to work with us through some tricky details. Highly recommend building your pool with Living Pools and Spas!!!!

Rustin

"Ben built our 15m x 4m pool in 2023 in the rural area outside Lismore NSW. If you are looking at getting a pool built get Ben to do it. From start to finish it was hassle free and done in a timely manner. At no point were we stressed. As a bonus Ben is a lovely guy!"

Jason

“Our experience with Ben and his crew has been awesome. Ben was professional, knowledgeable, and ran to schedule!! Ben assisted and supported us through every phase of the build and handover was really thorough. We are so happy with the results. Absolutely recommend going with these guys for your pool build.”

Robyn

“Ben was professional and efficient from inception to completion and throughout the complex bureaucratic process of planning permission, surveys, soil testing and construction. He delivered everything in a timely manner with full explanations and a smile.His subcontractors were of the same ilk and similarly professional and very pleasant to deal with.Really appreciated his attention to detail, approachable manner and wealth of knowledge on all aspects of the pool building process.

Would highly recommend Living Pools & Spas to anyone contemplating a pool.”

Alison

“Ben from Living Pools & Spas finished our pool earlier this year, on time and budget. Communication was easy, speedy and professional throughout the entire process - from beginning of the initial site visit to this day - including assistance with choosing the tiles and colours. Ben promptly assisted us with any queries we've had, even after it was finished. We are very happy with our new pool, as well as the builder! Highly recommend Ben and Living Pools & Spas.”

Perri

Ready to build your dream pool?

It’s time to turn your vision into reality. Whether you're starting from scratch or renovating an existing pool, we are here to bring your ideas to life with practical, hands-on experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best swimming pool finishes for concrete pools?

The best concrete pool finishes depend on the style of the home, desired water colour, maintenance preferences, and budget. Popular options include fully tiled interiors, glass bead finishes, polished aggregate, exposed aggregate, and premium plaster finishes.

Are glass bead finishes worth it?

Yes. Glass bead finishes create a unique shimmer beneath the water while also offering excellent durability and a smooth swimming surface. They are a popular choice for homeowners wanting a more refined and contemporary look.

What pool upgrades add the most value?

Popular pool upgrades include:

  • Automated pool covers
  • Heating systems
  • Smart automation
  • Hydrotherapy spas
  • Infinity edges
  • Acrylic windows
  • In-floor cleaning systems

These upgrades improve both usability and long-term enjoyment.

Are fully tiled pools low maintenance?

Fully tiled pools are generally considered low maintenance because tiles resist staining, fading, and surface wear more effectively than standard plaster finishes. They are also highly durable and easier to maintain over time with proper water chemistry management.

Can swimming pool finishes be updated during renovations?

Yes. Many older concrete pools can be resurfaced or upgraded with new tile finishes, aggregate finishes, updated coping, heating systems, automation, and modern pool features as part of a pool renovation project.

Premium finishes and considered features bring a level of comfort, style, and everyday ease to your pool that you’ll appreciate for years to come.