A Splash Of Sparkle

 

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Aquabeads

When it comes to making your pool standout, it’s all about the small details. Glass beads are taking pool design to dazzling new heights, adding a splash of sparkle that brings a luxurious feel to any pool. Beyond creating a touch of glimmer, glass beads enhance the texture and durability of your pool surface. Here, Jessica Muller from Sydney Pool + Outdoor Design chats with Gabriela Lopes, the CEO and founder of Aquabeads, to explore how these sparkling wonders are transforming the way we think about pool finishes.

Aquabeads
Aquabeads

Aquabeads was born from a passion for excellence in pool surfacing and renovation, specialising in high-quality glass bead products for swimming pool interiors. “Our mission is simple: to bridge the gap between skilled tradespeople and discerning pool owners,” Lopes says. “With a commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, we strive to transform every client’s experience and each pool into a masterpiece of craftsmanship.” This devotion to superior service and results ensures that every client interaction leaves a lasting impression of dedication, professionalism and customer service. Aquabeads’ finish is favourited in both residential and commercial projects due to itsblend of aesthetics, practicality and longevity. The 100 percent pure glass beads are very well positioned pricewise in comparison to other pool finishes, especially considering the durability, labour and stunning results.

GLASS BEADS: A GAME CHANGER

“Aquabeads is a type of pool finish that incorporates glass beads to create a smooth, colourful, and very reflective surface,” Lopes describes. “The beads are mixed into cement during the installation process, and once the surface is exposed, they give it a glossy, textured appearance,” she adds.

The biggest perk of glass beads, beyond the aesthetics, is that they are highly durable due to the nature of the material. “The polished glass makes it ideal for surfaces that experience frequent exposure to water, chemicals and high traffic,” Lopes explains. “As glass beads don’t absorb water or chemicals, they help keep the surface looking good without much effort,” she adds. This resistance to wear, coupled with being easy to clean ensures a low-maintenance pool finish. Whilst a fully tiled pool is beautiful and can last a long time, they can be significantly more expensive in comparison to a glass interior and are more difficult to maintain.

Aquabeads also provide a safe surface for your pool. “Despite its smooth appearance, Aquabeads offer slip resistance due to the texture created by the glass beads,” Lopes details. Additionally, unlike traditional exposed aggregate such as pebbles, Aquabeads have a polished, non-abrasive texture, making it gentle on the feet for a more enjoyable swimming experience and reducing the risk of cuts or abrasions.

MAKE THE WHOLE POOL SHIMMER
“Aquabeads is a great choice for a pool’s aesthetics because it combines the durability of traditional cement-based finishes with the shimmering effect of embedded glass beads,” Lopes describes. “The glass beads catch and reflect light, creating a sparkling, jewel-like effect in your pool. This enhances the water’s colour and depth, making it look more vibrant,” she says. Different lighting conditions also create a different visual effect, giving your pool water a dynamic, high-end appearance and an enticing play of light. The unparalleled visual depth and clarity produces a multi-dimensional glow within the pool itself.

This unique and attractive appearance can be customised with different bead colour combinations with a variety of textures available, allowing you to achieve a unique look that complements your pool design and surrounding landscape. “Unlike traditional pool finishes, glass beads retain their original colour and sparkle, even after prolonged exposure,” Lopes notes. This ensures that this versatile style stays beautiful for years to come with simple upkeep.

BEAD BY BEAD
Fully tiling a pool can be a time consuming and labor-intensive process, often taking weeks to complete. Other finishes, like marble sheen or painted surfaces, can offer different aesthetics and durability but may require a lot more maintenance over time. Glass beads interiors, on the other hand, provide a stunning, durable finish with a much more efficient installation process. “When applying Aquabeads to a brand-new pool shell, the installation can be completed in just one day, as minimal surface preparation is needed,” Lopes explains. For renovation projects, the process typically takes about four days in order to prepare the surface to receive the material. “It also becomes a more cost-effective option due to reduced labor expenses,” she adds.

Incorporating glass beads into your pool design is a great way to achieve a durable, beautiful and low-maintenance pool finish. “Take the time to choose the right aggregate mix, plan for long-term care, and work with experienced professionals to ensure that your pool not only looks great but also performs well for years to come,” Lopes advises. “Whether you prioritise durability, aesthetics or safety, glass beads offer a balanced, beautiful and reliable option for any pool design.”

Images Courtesy of Aquabeads.