Pool Trowel vs. Finishing Trowel: What’s the Difference?

The humble trowel might not seem like an overly complicated or important tool, but the role it plays in concreting cannot be underestimated. The use of a trowel will only need to happen at the end of your concrete finishing process to smooth and compact the concrete before it dries. But even among this simple tool, there are variations you need to keep an eye out for.

Pool trowels and finishing trowels are among the different types you may come across in your search for the perfect trowel to use in your next project, and we are going to discuss them here today. They might both look similar at first glance, but using the right type of trowel can greatly affect the success of your concrete project.

Pool trowel or finishing trowel–read on to make the right decision!

How We Define a Trowel

A trowel is a small, handheld tool with a flat metal base and a handle on the top. You will find variations in the level of the trowel’s base (is it flat or does it have curved sides?), the size of the metal and the handle, the shape of the handle and the materials it is made from.

Trowels are usually made from stainless steel, blue steel or carbon steel. You may find ones made from other types of metal, but these are the most common! 

Here is what you can expect from these materials:

• Stainless steel is the most common type of metal used for trowels, and it is an evenly tempered, slightly heavy metal that holds a sharp edge and is rather rigid compared to the other metals on this list.

• Blue steel is a very hard metal that, when used to make a trowel, creates a tool with a good spring to it. This springiness makes it great for use as a pool trowel, where it helps when working on a curved surface.

• Carbon steel is light, strong and more flexible than stainless steel but not as much as blue steel. It is also harder than stainless steel.

Trowels are used to create a smooth and professional-looking finish on concrete after it has been floated. Sometimes, a trowel will have a pole attached that allows it to be used without standing on the concrete itself–this tool is called a fresno, and won’t allow for the same firm compacting as you do with a classic trowel.

Now that we have discussed what trowels are as a whole, let’s dive into what pool trowels and finishing towels are, and how they differentiate.

You can find trowels for sale at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, as well as a number of other concrete tools, in Melbourne!

Finishing Trowels vs Pool Trowels in Melbourne

These two trowels look similar, but have one glaring difference–their edges. Finishing trowels are rectangular shapes with flat sides, while pool trowels have curved sides and are oval-shaped. 

Let’s get into the details!

What You Need to Know About Pool Trowels

A pool trowel will have rounded ends and greater flexibility than your average trowel, and is used in–you guessed it–the creation of pools. Think about the pools you have seen throughout your life. Whether empty or full, they will always have smooth, curved surfaces that are free from ridges, scuff marks or scars. This is due to the use of a pool trowel in its creation!

Things like sweep marks and scuffs will be very visible in a pool, so it’s best to use a tool that can create a perfectly smooth surface. While completely smooth concrete can be dangerous to walk on while slippery, this won’t be an issue in a pool, so the more even the finish, the better. In fact, a smooth surface is best for pools, and if anyone is pushing off the bottom of the pool with their feet, you won’t need to worry about them cutting or grazing themselves on a rough surface.

When not to use pool trowels in Melbourne

The rounded edges of a pool trowel may make them look like a great tool to use for all your trowelling needs, but sometimes, you’ll want line lines and textures provided by other types of trowels. If you use a pool trowel to smooth your driveway, backyard path or patio, you will be creating a surface that is easy to slip on in wet or icy weather, whether on foot or by vehicle.

A textured concrete surface won’t look bad or unprofessional if it is still correctly levelled and compacted. In fact, the look of a textured patio or driveway can even be a point of visual interest on your property, especially when combined with a concrete colour product.

What You Need to Know About Finishing Trowels

These types of trowels are more commonly seen and used than pool trowels, as they can be utilised to finish flat concrete surfaces–which is most of them. Pathways, roads, office floors, warehouses, shop floors and patios will all probably need to be smoothed using a finishing trowel.

These trowels have a flat, wide and sharp-edged design that is ideal for creating smooth finishes against tight corners. You can also find them in a greater range of sizes than pool trowels, with very small finishing trowels available for hard-to-reach areas.

When not to use finishing trowels in Melbourne

If you are trying to smooth a curved surface like a pool, archway, tunnel or balcony, then a finishing trowel is going to make your life very difficult. The flat, sharp edges of this type of trowel will leave marks in a curved surface no matter how hard you try to get rid of them.

Pool Trowels vs Finishing Trowels at a Glance

As you can see, both types of trowels have their own qualities that make them more suitable for certain types of concreting jobs. A good quality finishing trowel is a smart choice for most concreters, but if you know you will be working on pools or other structures with curved surfaces, then a pool trowel will prove invaluable in getting that perfectly smooth finish you’re after!

No matter what type of concrete trowels in Melbourne you need, you will be able to find them, plus many other helpful tools and supplies, at Australian-Slate-Crete. If you are still stuck on the best type of trowel to choose for your upcoming project, feel free to ask a member of our team for assistance.

What Other Hand Tools Will You Need to Use Alongside a Trowel?

Trowels are a must-have tool in any concreter’s kit, but they are one of the last ones used after a lot of other work has taken place.

Here are some of the other hand tools you’ll need to use, alongside your hand trowel, when creating concrete:

1. Bullfloats: These tools are used after screeds and are designed to smooth most of the concrete down and bring any excess moisture to the surface.

2. Edgers: Want your concrete to have a smooth edge? You’ll want to use an edger for the job. Any concrete that isn’t flush against a wall will probably need an edger used on it.

3. Rakes: When you initially pour concrete onto any surface, a specialised concrete rake is what you will be using to spread it across the area. They’re not your average garden rake, either–these tools are made from sturdy metals that won’t bend or snap under the weight of your fresh concrete.

4. Screeds: After you have poured your concrete and spread it with a rake, you will flatten it into a workable surface using a screed. They come in power varieties for larger work areas.

5. Groover: Concrete can crack as it dries, but you can control where the cracks appear using a groover. You can also create grooves to make your concrete surface grippier, or just for decoration!

To browse our wide range of hand tools in Melbourne, visit us in person in Epping or buy hand tools online from our online store. And for more information, please read our blogs on Choosing The Right Concrete Tools For Your Project and 8 Hand Tools Melbourne Concreters Need To Have.

Shop at Aus Slate-Crete for Hand Tools in Australia

No matter what kind of trowels for sale you are looking for, we encourage you to explore Australian Slate-Crete Supplies’ amazing collection! Every tool, sealer and stencil we offer has been carefully checked for quality and is ideal for use by concreters of every discipline. Even if you’re new and starting to DIY some concrete projects, we have the tools and supplies you need for a successful end result.

If you have questions about your project or what supplies are needed for a professional finish, you can call us on 03 9408 7722 or leave us a message using our online contact form. We are very experienced in everything to do with decorative concrete and have been working in this industry for over 25 years. 

Get in touch now–we’re eager to help you bring your next concrete project to life!