Pebble Tec is not rough because, as the OP stated, the stones are tumbled. The stones in Pebble Sheen are much smaller, also tumbled, but in addition the Pebble Sheen is buffed before the pool is filled with water. We have Black Onyx Pebble Sheen and love it. The texture of the Pebble Sheen is very much like a basketball or football. To really choose between larger/smaller stones, you absolutely should have your pool builder or plaster company take you to at least one pool with the larger stones and at least one pool with the smaller stones. Be prepared to take your shoes off and step into the pools, so you can tell what it feels like underfoot.

Thank you all!!! My e-mail is sheri at shweri dot com. Would love any photos. Very appreciative! Is ocean blue darker than midnight blue? I thought they were same. Or do smaller pebbles end up changing color? And thus, is Turtle Bay, which folks here love, loved more than Emerald Bay? Funny, I saw a photo of one, but not labeled. I said, whatever this color is, that's the one I'm going to get. Pebbletec let me know it was Black Pearl. I do love the black ones, but nervous they will be too pondy in some lights. Or affect resale down the road. But they are gorgeous. You all have me sold on abalone! That's one decision down! Ah, that may be why Turtle Bay is seeming loved over Emerald Bay! Turtle Bay has enough I don't need to add any, right? Thank you again. You guys have been more help than PebbleTec, builder, and PT installer! And thanks natural_one for the offer of photos! sheri

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.

Concrete overlay would have to be thicker than you can live with so that leaves you with more epoxy or possibly modified leveler. If modified floor leveler will adheare to the old epoxy you can use any floor cover you like. If thinset doesn't stick you could use epoxy instead for setting brick or stone on patio.