Porous plaster also absorbs common pool sanitizing and water conditioning chemicals, requiring that you use more chemicals to maintain correct water chemistry than if you had other, less-porous pool-surfacing materials. Plaster Pool Finish: A Timeless Favorite. Plaster and pebble finishes are options for resurfacing a tired in-ground concrete swimming pool. Plaster is affordable, customizable, and offers a respectable lifespan of 7 to 10 years with proper care. Pool Pebble Finish. A pebble surface is made of pool plaster or Portland hydraulic cement mixed with polished stone pebbles so that the pebbles form most of the pool’s surface area. While plaster is much less expensive compared to Pebble Tec®, it has a few drawbacks to be aware of. An aggregate pool finish incorporates small pebbles and stones and glues them together with a specially mixed cement. Plaster requires more maintenance. Since plaster is not as durable as other pool finishes, it requires more maintenance to avoid staining and discoloring. This material is spread by hand and sets with a smooth, white finish but appears a brilliant light blue when under water. Pool resurfacing is not a do-it-yourself project; it is best left to the professionals. For more information on plaster vs. Pebble Tec pool finishes, or to start your pool project today, contact us here at Paradise Oasis Pools with the link below! The price will be influenced by the color of the pebbles, with black and blue pebbles costing slightly more than the lighter materials. It is a combination of plaster and another material like quartz, glass beads, granite, or … I love my plaster. Since plaster is not as durable as other pool finishes, it requires more maintenance to avoid staining and discoloring. 2. An enduring classic, plaster pool finishes have been around since the early days of backyard swimming pools – and with good reason. Also, it is not just surface coating but continuous through the entire material. I have never had a problem with my bathing suit getting snagged nor have my feet been roughed up. Mini pebble will last longer. But it also is relatively short-lived, giving seven to 10 years of service if cared for. (the local pebble installers are Gardner pool, so they'll probably do the work) For comparison, if memory serves, I was quoted the following upcharges from white plaster on a 45 by 12.5 foot pool (these numbers may vary by a hundred or two, but it'll give you an idea): Colored plaster … Plaster, also known as marcite, is the least expensive pool-resurfacing material. Pebble Tec pools use proprietary technology. This pool finish uses its own proprietary pigment application process and mixing formula to create a one-of-a-product you won’t find anywhere else. Over the past several years, new products have been introduced to the pool industry and consumer to choose from for the interior finish. Quartz finishes are very smooth and have a similar look to standard plaster. Most older pools have traditional plaster as an interior finish. While plaster is much less expensive compared to Pebble Tec®, it has a few drawbacks to be aware of. , Plaster It looks pretty if you want a natural aesthetic, but can be rough on the feet when you’re dealing with larger pebbles. Pebble Finish: A pebble finish is known in the industry as an aggregate finish. Pebble Tec pool finish uses This pool finish adds a watertight seal and makes the surface smoother for contact with swimmers than the underlying rough concrete shell. It’s pneumatically applied, then hand-wiped or water-blasted to reveal the top layer of pebbles. 979-704-6102, Posted on: October 16, 2017 Resurfacing a run-down swimming pool can dramatically change your pool’s appearance for the better. The combination of stones and pebbles gives off a more natural and textured feel, as compared to plaster and quartz. Serving The Brazos Valley There is a similar feel and finish with quartz and pebble, but the more aggregate the stone, the less likely for color discoloration. Explore the different types of NPT pool finishes including StoneScapes, QuartzScapes and more here. Posted in: An aggregate pool finish is like an upgraded version of plaster. How to Choose a Pool Finish that is right for you. The main difference between these two surfaces is the size of the aggregate stone used, the quartz being a crushed stone while the pebble finish is made of tumbled stone. We provide the best pool renovation services in Boston, including quartz & gunite plaster, pebble finishes, and more. Since retiring from the news business in 2008, Kirchhoff takes care of a 12-acre rural Michigan lakefront property and applies his experience to his vegetable and flower gardens and home repair and renovation projects. Pebble/ Aggregate Finish. Plaster is a time tested product. It has been used as a swimming pool surface coating since the 1960s, which shows that it can withstand different environments when using proper maintenance techniques. Pool Finishes Plaster vs Hydrazzo vs Pebble Fina - Opinions welcome I'm at the phase in my pool build where my contractor is waiting for me to decide what finish I want. Additionally, the average plaster surface can easily last 15 to 25 years. What Can You Put in a Pool to Make the PH Level Go Up? The color of a plaster finish allows you to design your backyard in any way that you wish. A common misnomer in the pool industry is to call a pebble pool finish “Pebble-Tec” but that would be like calling every pair of jeans “Levi’s”. Therefore, it looks like you are walking on the bottom of clear stream, right in your pool. Plaster is less chemically resistant than an aggregate finish, and is highly susceptible to discoloration, staining and deterioration. The porous surface is susceptible to staining and readily supports bacterial and algae growth. Calcium or mineral buildup can also be a concern for pebble pool surfaces. 1. , Pebble Tec However, if a plaster pool is well maintained, then the above concerns will take years to develop … As a result, more chemicals may be required to … Finally, plaster has a tendency to crack, stain, and scale, and is the least durable pool finish (usually lasting between 5-10 years). 5 Finish Options for Pools Besides Plaster Move over, plaster: Pebbles, colors and glow-in-the-dark glass are making waves on the pool finish scene. A recent variation on pool plaster adds finely ground quartz to the mix to add a sheen to the pool’s surfaces. by Katherine Caviness for Houzz One of the biggest decisions to make when considering a swimming pool is what product to use for the interior surface. Pebble finishes can utilize different naturally occurring colors of pebbles to create subtle, more subdued shade variations of the pool finish. Plaster requires more maintenance. Pebble Tec pool finishes are the highest quality pool finish on the market. It quarries its own stone so it can carry out its own quality control to create a visually appealing, high-quality finish. A pebble or aggregate finish is like a plaster finish with pebbles mixed in. There are three main types of pool finishes to choose from: plaster, quartz, and pebble. We will discuss the pros and cons of plaster vs. Pebble Tec pool finishes. If you opt for a pebble tec pool resurfacing with small and large pebble finish, then expect to pay around $7,500 to $18,000 or even more. It also presents a rough surface that can be unpleasant to walk on. Its cost compared to other surfaces makes plaster a good choice for someone on a budget. Small and large pebble finish. CrystalStones Natural pebble pool finishes utilize a larger pebble size which provides a natural, soft sandy beach feeling to the skin, while providing maximum durability. Polished Aggregate Pool Finish. … It is highly susceptible to discoloring, staining, and harboring bacteria due to the porous nature of the material. Typically northern states are more expensive than, say, Florida. Pebble pool finishes are generally pricier than plaster finishing, and it is true that pebble pool surfaces can be a bit rough on feet if not installed correctly. These pebbles are bound together utilizing a durable aggregate. And you can select a range of naturally colored pebbles to add visual interest to your pool. Pebble Tec is another gunite flooring made from a mixture of cement, stone aggregate, and large pebbles. Children and elderly family members have all enjoyed the pool and I have never had any commenters or complaints about the surface being too rough. Below we focus the basic differences and how pool chemicals affect them. All Rights Reserved | 404 University Dr. East, Suite B | College Station Texas, 77840 | (979) 704-6102 | Privacy Policy | Site Map. The interior of your concrete swimming pool will wear over time, becoming unsightly. A pebble surface is a costly choice, running about double the cost of a simple plaster finish. Pebble Tec Pool Finish. A pebble finish is more accurately called as an aggregate finish. Plaster is economical. The initial cost of plaster is well below more expensive options. Some pool companies offer a pebble surface that uses very small pebbles for a smoother finish. Plaster is available in a variety of colors. This allows you to create any appearance you desire. Best Swimming Pool Plaster Colors Quartz Mini Pebble Pool Finish Plaster Colors Swimming Pools Ideas - YouTube. It is a textured finish made with smooth round stones for a polished and seamless texture. Plaster also can be colored. , Pol Surfaces. The standard marble-based mix has been around since the 1960’s with many improvements over the years. Pebble surfaces are nonporous, meaning they don’t … A pebble finish will last much longer than a plain plaster finish, giving you 12 to 20 years of service. Quartz uses a much finer stone, so much more of the plaster is visible. I will talk in detail about only these two products to waterproof the pool shell, please note that everything you read here is nothing but my honest opinion after spending over 13 years working in the pool industry. At BND Plastering, we specialize in the application of this Wet Edge pool finish for … There are additives that increase plaster’s resistance to pool chemicals, etching, mottling and cracking, but these add to the cost of a pool-resurfacing job. Plaster is a pool finish that is typically ¼ inch to ½ inch thick. As a result, more chemicals are required to maintain a balanced water chemistry in a plaster pool. Plaster is susceptible to discoloring and staining. This pool surface has a porous nature, which means that it will often show stains easier and faster than other surfaces. White Plaster – Grey Plaster – 3M Quartz – Pebble Coat – Micro Pebble. Tags: However, depending on the Pebble Tec you choose, some are smoother than others. Plaster is less durable. Compared to other pool finish options, plaster offers less durability. Each and every stone is specially selected for its size, smoothness and luster. Fiberglass Glasscoat vs. Plaster / Pebble Tec GlassCoat is a high-performance, spray-applied corrosion resistant, glass fiber reinforced polymer coating for Pools and Hot Tubs. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Standard pool plaster is the most well known style of pool surfacing. Herb Kirchhoff has more than three decades of hands-on experience as an avid garden hobbyist and home handyman. I had planned on going with the tried and true classic look and soft feel of white plaster. Plaster may cost $3.60-$4 per foot, while an aggregate material may cost $4.75-$5 per foot. Quartz and marble are polished aggregates, while natural pebble and glass beads are exposed. The interior finish of a pool can elevate the pool’s design to a whole new level of style and grace. My Pebble Tec pool was installed in 1999 and is as smooth today as it was when it was installed. Pool Finishes #4 of 6. You might consider using pebbles to evoke the imagery of a lake bed, mountain stream, or … Pebble Tec is a little rougher. Pebble Tec pools are a little rougher on your feet than plaster. Plaster’s porous surface is its major drawback. And it’s hard on automatic pool cleaners that employ any kind of mopping or wiping action. Many builders will offer plaster or quartz as their standard option, with pebble being considered an upgrade. Some quartz are synthetic. Since a pool pebble finish lasts longer than plaster pool finishes, you are guaranteed to save time, money, and effort over the years. Pebble Tec is extremely durable. Compared to plaster pools that only last between 6-8 years, Pebble Tec pool finishes can last from 10-15 years. Today I’ll be speaking a little bit about plaster and pebble pools. Who's your builder? Factors including your yard’s natural surroundings, how much pool maintenance you are willing to do, durability and cost are all aspects to consider. Pool plaster is made of white cement mixed with marble sand or finely pulverized limestone. Maintain your chemicals properly and your plaster should last very long time. NPT’s line of premium pool finishes features pebble, quartz, plaster and other aggregate pool finishes in dozens of colors. Aggregate. As with any element of a pool, your interior finish will cost you more the bigger your pool is. They’re actually the top choice of gunite pool surface users all over the world and offer a highly textured appearance. Below we have explained the different types of pool finishes to give you an idea of which finish may be best for your swimming pool. Good Morning my readers! An exposed aggregate finish is more durable than plain plaster but not as durable as a polished aggregate. © 2020 Paradise Oasis Pools. If you already have a pebble tec pool finish, imagine the amount of time you save from reducing the number of brushing you need to make. Aggregates are applied by hand and either polished for shine, or power-washed to expose their surface. However, if you are looking for the most durable and long-lasting pool finish, then pebble is the way to go. No fiberglass mat is used. Pebble Tec pool surfaces are more expensive. Compared to plaster, Pebble Tec is more expensive due to the high quality pool resurfacing material it uses. For Free Estimate TEL: (888) 709-7665 Pool Finishes This is the most durable of all pool plaster as they can last between 15 to 20 years or more. A pebble finish will last much longer than a plain plaster finish, giving you 12 to 20 years of service. With EcoFinish’s custom color service you can now have aquaBRIGHT™ made to your order in virtually any color you desire. When applied, the top layer of plaster is wiped away to reveal the pebbles. With a wide variety of colors available, pebble finishes can be used to create a stunning aesthetic. Repairing Hairline Cracks in Plaster Pools, Classic Tile & Plaster: Swimming Pool Resurfacing, DIY Pool Plans: How to Choose Swimming Pool Plaster. What Can Happen If Water Gets Behind the Pool Liner? The pebble finish was never a consideration for us not necessarily due to budget. Finishes include plaster, tile, and aggregate, and each type comes in an array of materials, colors, and textures—from classic white plaster, to sparkling iridescent glass tiles, to a kaleidoscopic blend of river pebbles or glass beads. Pebble Tec pool finish uses a mix of pebbles that have been blasted to a smooth surface with a shiny exterior. Plaster surfaces are great for your first pool or if you have small children. With smaller pebble size, Satin Matrix is an exposed aggregate finish for swimming pools. Pebble surfaces are nonporous, meaning they don’t absorb pool chemicals and they resist staining and algae growth. Pebble-finish pools typically require separate visits on different days from the plaster crew. An aggregate pool finish represents the next level of luxury after a plaster finish. Aggregate pool finishes use a mixture of cement-based, pigmented plaster with naturally-occurring products like pebbles, stones, and crystals. Pebble Pebble pool surfaces begin with a layer of specially formulated cement. I love the look of an old fashioned white plaster pool, although we did add the blue 3M crystals. I […] The type of pool-resurfacing material you choose will affect the cost of redoing your pool. Standard pool plaster is made from a marble-based mix and can be found in many older pools. Additionally, plaster accumulates algae easily and requires weekly maintenance and acid washing every 3-5 years.