We had a pool built last year and chose a Pebble Tec finish. I am now so sorry we did. I wish we'd saved the $$$ and had just gone for the old fashioned plaster finish. I'm 62 and use the pool for aqua exercises for my arthritis, and part of my routine is to walk MANY steps back and forth in the pool. The first few days I did this, the bottoms of my feet ended up RAW. At first I didn't make the connection. But finally on about the 3rd day, I realized it was from the surface of the pool. My feet were so sore I could hardly walk on them. My feet are not that sensitive. I walk around barefoot all day when I'm home. I now wear either water shoes or mesh shower shoes in the pool. I thought maybe I could "toughen up" the bottoms of my feet, but the few times I've tried to go in barefoot since the beginning, I can feel the irritation, and end up putting my shoes back on.

I know this is an old post, but I am having a similar issue with same pebble plaster pictured in the original post except mine is already 12 years old. This year, I had the pool acid washed. The acid was diluted propery from what I know. The pitting isn't really terrible, a lot of pebbles come loose apparently when you acid wash, but the discoloration started to appear mainly in two small areas over the course of the season. I have never had a plaster issue before. My pool guy insists that it's not the acid wash - and maybe he's 100% correct - but I have no other explanation. Yet. I bought an underwater camera but haven't yet developed the film. In the meantime, can any of you here shed light on acid washing pebble plaster. I've read a lot of posts where pool experts warn against it. My pool guy assures me that it's a lot of chatter, and, that done right, acid washing pebble is fine. I treasure this guy, he's hard working and honest. It's not a good spot to be in. I just want to figure out what is going on.

hello, we are putting in a pool in Los Angeles and are wondering your thoughts on concrete/plaster finish vs Pebble sheen or pebble tec. Our contractor is quoting $4k extra for the pebble sheen... he says to stay away from pebble tec. one factor is that its always cold at night, and we are trying to save money on heating. So either option we would probably need a darker color. Does anyone with Pebble Sheen have an issue with the texture? particularly sitting on it in a hot tub? thanks for any feedback!

I was going to post this same question when I found this post. Does anyone have any experiences or knowledge of these finishes?