Plaster or Mini Pebble Pool finish?

5 years ago

We’re about to choose a new finish for our pool finish and we’re trying to decide between a grey plaster finish (which we had previously) or a mini pebble. Of course the mini pebble is $5k more. So is it worth it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

PRO
Casa Bella Designs
5 years ago
We did go with the mini pebble instead if the plaster. It was worth it for us because we liked the darker look and the heating effect. It was 3k difference for us. I've heard you need to replaster about every ten years (I've never had a plaster pool), but the mini pebble won't have to be redone. I must say it looks great and feels great walking on it.
PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
5 years ago
The quartz based finishes will last longer compared to a traditional plaster finish. The term "pebble" finish covers a broad spectrum of finishes from companies.

Companies such as Diamond Brite and Hydrazzo (CL Industries) make their products in batches, pre-mixed. The contractor essentially adds water and is good to go. This ensures color consistency from mix to mix.

Sounds simple but.....

All plaster finishes though are subjective to longevity based on proper prepping, the application, the startup and the after care.

A proper, chemically treated pool with a finish like this, will yield 12+ years before re-surfacing is required.

Most plaster failures and short life spans, are due to improper water chemical balance.
Related Discussions
Pool Finish Choices - Pebble Sheen
Q
Comments (27)
Hi - I live in San Antonio, TX. my pool is being constructed now. We have a big choice to make with the pool finish and are waffling horribly. Our contractor told us that they have a special right now and we can get CL Industries Sunstone Pearl White Pearl finish for only $500. That is the only color. I guess it's on clearance. Any other color would be another $2400. We initially were thinking of grey plaster. We have huge live oak and post oak trees in our back yard. The more research I've done on here and talking with people in our area, I think the pebble finish is a better choice. The problem is that my husband doesn't like the color white. He thinks it looks like a community pool. Other people here say their plaster has stained from the oak tree leaves and hasn't held up well. I don't want to spend another $2400. Any additional thoughts from the gallery? p.s. We are using Arizona flagstone and then a golden sand color cool deck with a texture. You guys rock!
...See More
mini pebble (stonescape) in a 'play pool'???
Q
Comments (1)
I have Stonescapes mini pebble in my pool and I have kids. The pebbles have never hurt our feet, or snagged our swimsuits. If I could do it over again I would (without hesitation) do an aggregate finish, but I would probably go with Pebble Tech if I could afford it. I get the impression that the quality is better and the installers are better trained.
...See More
Pictures of your pool finish (quartz & pebble)
Q
Comments (6)
extremely unhappy with my 'tropics blue' mini pebble finish. $5500 later, my pool is more depressing than anything else. Very different from their advertised images!. If anyone has any ideas about how to proceed here, I would greatly appreciate your help! g.zepeda simi valley, ca
...See More
Hydrazzo pool finish vs Pebble Sheen
Q
Comments (3)
We use Hydrazzo quite a bit. It's a polished finish which brings out the colors and provide a smooth surface much like a shark skin texture. Not slippery but some grip. It's a 2 day process. Plaster applied the first day, the second day the finish is exposed with acid and then polished. My recommendation on any plaster finish, is to truck water in when completed. You want that surface to be hydrated as quickly as possible as it's part of the curing process (28 days). I'm not completely familiar with the Pebble Tec finishes. My plaster contractor has plastered 1,000's of pools over the years and I go with his expertise and recommendations on certain finishes. We have had good experiences with Hydrazzo for the last 10+ years. Like any other plaster, the key to longevity is chemical balance right from the start and constant monitoring and adjusting going forward. Most plaster failures are due to chemical negligence.
...See More
wozzies
4 years ago
We are demoing an old small pool and building a new larger one. Any pros or cons like maintenance and durability with a Pebbletec/Diamond Brite, other than cost? I've noticed that the current plaster surfaces are nice and soft underfoot. Any thoughts about a reliable decking surface? I'm leaning toward an exposed aggregate in a color to go with a bluestone deck.

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Pools Overflow With Finish Options

By Katherine Caviness

Move over, plaster: Pebbles, colors and glow-in-the-dark glass are making waves on the pool finish scene

Full Story

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Replaster (or Remodel) Your Pool

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Have an old pool? It could be time to update the plaster, landscaping and more for a pool that works swimmingly with your current style

Full Story

POOLS 8 Ideas for Petite Pools

By Laura Gaskill

Modest in size but big on looks and function, pools like these offer a private swim space without requiring lots of room

Full Story

122

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Backyard of the Week: A New Pool and Spa, and Room to Lounge

By Becky Harris

A contractor finds a pleasing layout for water elements and a pergola-covered seating area in a compact backyard

Full Story

By Becky Harris

A modern moat, submerged chaises and even a dry conversation pit have popped up in the latest most-popular pools

Full Story

PETS 5 Finishes Pets and Kids Can’t Destroy — and 5 to Avoid

By Christine Tusher

Save your sanity and your decorating budget by choosing materials and surfaces that can stand up to abuse

Full Story

145

DECORATING GUIDES Look Up and Dream: 11 Ideas for an Inspired Ceiling

By Lisa Higgins

Think beyond the standard coat of paint, and make your ceiling pop with unexpected materials and glamorous finishes

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 6 Ways to Rethink Your Patio Floor

By Laura Gaskill

Figure out the right material for your spring patio makeover with this mini guide to concrete, wood, brick and stone

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Bathroom Remodel Insight: A Houzz Survey Reveals Homeowners’ Plans

By Mitchell Parker

Tub or shower? What finish for your fixtures? Find out what bathroom features are popular — and the differences by age group

Full Story

364

INSPIRING GARDENS Lawn Gives Way to a More Natural Lakeside Garden

By Bonnie Monte

Meadow grasses, beach pebbles and driftwood replace turfgrass in a nature-friendly landscape on Lake Washington’s shore

Full Story

110

Plaster or Mini Pebble Pool finish?

Comments (3)

Casa Bella Designs

Mystic Pools, LLC

Related Discussions

wozzies

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US