What Is Marcite?

Written by Michael Dean
July 23, 2024

pool plaster finishes

There’s a lot that goes into building a concrete swimming pool. But once you have planned, excavated, and built the pool structure, it’s time to figure out what pool finish to choose. When researching the different pool finish options, one choice you may come across is marcite.

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about choosing marcite as your pool finish, including its pros, cons, durability, and more. Let’s dive into it!


Main Takeaways

  • Swimming pool marcite is more commonly known as plaster, a type of finish for concrete or gunite pools.
  • Marcite can last 8 to 12 years, has a smooth, classic finish, is affordable, and is versatile.
  • On the flip side, marcite has a relatively short lifespan, is susceptible to staining, may become rough over time, and can have major issues like cracking or delamination.
  • While quartz, pebble, and tile are arguably better options in terms of durability and aesthetics, marcite leads the pack in terms of its low cost!

What Is Swimming Pool Marcite?

Marcite is a type of swimming pool finish for concrete and gunite pools. You may be more familiar with marcite by its more common name: plaster. Think of marcite as the coating for your concrete pool… the icing on the cake, if you will.

This plaster coating is made from a mixture of white cement, marble dust, and water. It has a smooth, durable surface, providing a classic, clean look many pool owners love. It is one of the most popular choices for pool owners when it comes to pool finishes, thanks to its affordability and versatility.

Benefits of Marcite

Marcite is a super popular choice as a swimming pool finish, but why? Here are the reasons marcite is a top option for pool owners and builders around the world.

Durability

When properly applied and maintained, a marcite finish can withstand the wear and tear caused by pool chemicals, weather conditions, and regular pool use.

Aesthetics and Texture

Marcite has a smooth, classic finish that enhances the look of your pool, making your water look super inviting and blue. Plus, the smooth texture of marcite is gentle on the skin, making it comfortable for swimmers, which is particularly important for pool owners with young children or those with sensitive skin.

Affordable

One of the main reasons pool owners opt for marcite pools is that it is a more affordable option compared to other pool finishes like pebble or quartz. Its lower cost makes it accessible for a wide range of budgets without compromising on quality or appearance.

Versatile

Finally, marcite is a very versatile material that can be used for a wide variety of pool designs, shapes, and sizes.

Disadvantages of Marcite

On the flip side, what are some reasons to avoid marcite? All pool finishes have their disadvantages, and it’s good to know exactly what to expect when it comes to your marcite pool – the good and the bad.

Relatively Short Lifespan

Despite its durability, marcite does not last as long as some other pool finishes. Generally, you will need to replace the marcite every 8 to 12 years. On the other hand, alternatives like pebble or quartz can last a whopping 10 to 20 years or even more in some cases!

Susceptibility to Staining

Unfortunately, marcite is relatively prone to staining, especially if the pool’s water chemistry is not properly maintained. Minerals, metals, and organic materials in the water can cause discoloration on the pool’s surfaces over time.

Roughness Over Time

Although initially, marcite has a smooth texture, the constant exposure to pool chemicals and water can erode the surface, leading to rough patches that can be uncomfortable for swimmers and may even damage the fabric on your swimsuits. Beyond that, this roughness can also increase the likelihood of algae growth.

How Does Marcite Compare to Other Pool Finishes?

Not yet fully convinced if you should go for marcite as the finish for your concrete pool? After all, there are plenty of other options… pebble, quartz, and even tile. Let’s see how marcite compares to these other popular pool finish options.

Aesthetics

Marcite has a smooth, white, or light-colored finish that really brightens up the pool water. On the other hand, quartz is an aggregate that’s mixed with marcite and provides a textured appearance. Pebble is similar to quartz but incorporates small, smooth stones instead of quartz. Both quartz and pebble offer many colors and sizes, allowing for more customization than plain marcite. As for tile, it is the most customizable option of the pool finishes, with a vast array of colors, patterns, and materials to choose from.

Durability

While marcite is durable, it has a relatively shorter lifespan of 8 to 12 years. Quartz is more durable, lasting around 10 to 20 years on average. Pebble lasts slightly longer, averaging 10 to 25 years. Finally, tile is the most durable option, with a potential lifespan of decades when properly maintained!

Maintenance

Marcite is relatively sensitive to chemical imbalances, so you have to take care of your pool and regularly maintain it. While the regular maintenance routine is not too difficult, do not forget to regularly clean, brush, and balance your pool! Quartz, pebble, and tile are all more low-maintenance compared to marcite as they are more resistant to algae growth and less affected by chemical imbalances.

Cost

The cost factor is a huge reason pool owners choose marcite over other pool finishes. Marcite is overwhelmingly the most affordable pool finish option. Quartz is the second cheapest option—a great balance between cost and durability. Pebble is more expensive than both marcite and quartz, and tile is the most expensive finish option due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and gorgeous aesthetics.

How Long Does Marcite Last?

As mentioned already, marcite generally has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. However, how long your pool marcite lasts depends on various factors, and there are many things you can personally do to extend the lifespan of your plaster.

First things first, proper installation is a must! If the concrete is not prepped properly or the marcite is not applied properly or cured properly, you’re just waiting for a disaster to happen. Without proper installation, you may run into issues like cracking or delamination much sooner than you may expect!

Beyond that, it’s super important to maintain the pool regularly. This means balancing the pool chemistry and cleaning and brushing the pool to prevent algae buildup.

However, keep in mind that no matter how much elbow grease you put into maintaining the pool and balancing your pool chemistry, marcite does not last as long as other pool finishes like quartz or pebble. The surface eventually starts pitting and becoming rough, after which you will need to resurface the pool, which can be costly.

How to Deal with Stains and Discoloration in a Marcite Pool

Marcite is relatively susceptible to staining and discoloration. So, what should you do if you notice some unsightly stains in your marcite pool?

First, you’ve got to identify what kind of stain you’re dealing with. Typically, there are three types of stains: organic stains, metal stains, or calcium deposits. If you are dealing with an organic stain, such as those resulting from algae, leaves, and other debris in the water, shock the pool and brush the stains to loosen the stains from the marcite.

If you are dealing with a metal stain, apply ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid and metal sequestering agents.

Finally, if you have a white-gray stain on your marcite, this is a calcium deposit, which you can remove by scrubbing it with a pumice stone or a stain eraser.

The best advice I can give you regarding dealing with stains and discoloration in a marcite pool is to prevent them from happening in the first place. As always, the best way to prevent these unsightly spots in your pool is to keep your water balanced and regularly maintain your pool by brushing and cleaning. Keeping your pool covered can also go a long way.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most durable pool finish?

The most durable pool finish is undoubtedly tile, as it can last decades, depending on the type of tile you get! However, both quartz and pebble aggregate options are relatively durable.

Is marcite the same as plaster?

Yes! Marcite is the same thing as plaster. In fact, you might be more familiar with the term plaster pool finish.

Is Marcite for You?

Ultimately, whether or not you pick marcite is up to you. If you are looking for a budget-friendly pool finish for your concrete pool that still looks timeless, marcite is a great option! While it may not be as long-lasting as some other options out there, it still holds its own. It is one of the most popular pool finish options for a reason!

Any more questions regarding marcite and other pool finishes? Let me know!

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