What are the best pool finishes?

Asked by: Larry Aldridge

What is the longest lasting pool finish?

Tile Finishes

Tile Finishes



Though tile is the most expensive pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate, it’s the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.

What type of pool finish is best?

Quartz Aggregate



Quartz is the most cost-effective pool aggregate finish and the first step up from a traditional plaster finish. A mixture of cement, colored quartz, dyes and additives create this look. Colored quartz is achieved by coating crushed quartz with ceramic.

How do you choose a pool finish?

The shallow end is going to appear lighter than the deeper water. In order to get blue water, you want a pool finish that has a gray, blue, or white pigment. For green water, you want to pick a darker finish with black, brown, tan, or green pigment. The water color and finish should complement the atmosphere.

What type of pool plaster is best?

Standard white plaster is the tried and true pool and spa surface finish. White plaster has been around as long as people have been building swimming pools and it remains a popular choice in spite of the myriad of choices that have come into the market in recent years.

Is Diamond Brite pool worth it?

Diamond Brite



With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, and with a stunning appearance, it is an excellent choice for some pools. This option provides the best bang for the buck – it is truly beautiful and durable, but it just doesn’t feel as luxurious as our all-time favorite plaster, Hydrazzo (see below).

Does Pebble Tec last longer than plaster?

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.

Which is better Pebble Tec vs wet edge?

And longevity when a pigment is incorporated wet edge provides only powdered pigments why not the cheapest are considered to be the most stable.

Is quartz better than Pebble Tec?

Quartz base products are more cost efficient. Quartz has a tendency to crack more frequently than pebble. In the long term, pebble is more durable and has less discolorations. If the design calls for plaster to be exposed above the water line, pebble will be the only option.

What is similar to Pebble Tec?

River rok is good alternative, stones are somewhat smaller and smoother than pebble tec. Can also custom the colors to your liking.

Is quartz pool finish better than plaster?

Quartz surfaces are more durable than plaster and offer some color variety like pebbles. Quartz finishes are perfect for families who want a low maintenance option, but also want their pool to define the backyard.

Is pebble better than plaster?

Pool plaster is not as durable as Pebble Tec®. Over time, it discolors, stains, and collects bacteria. This is due to its porous surface material being difficult to fully clean.

How much more is Pebble Tec than quartz?

Pebble surfaces are luxury upgrades that require a bigger budget than marcite and quartz aggregate. Expect to pay about 45 to 60 percent more than marcite. In fact, for a medium-sized, 20,000-gallon pool, figure on it adding at least two to three thousand dollars to the finish cost.

What is the difference between PebbleTec and Stonescapes?

Pebbletec does have their certified application training and licensing. However, the materials are twice the cost. When I talked to my sub, her told me the pebbles are the same in both products, the stonescapes are $14.00 a bag and Pebbletec is $28.00 a bag.

How long does Pebble Sheen last?

Traditional pool resurfacing materials require a high level of maintenance and will only last 5-10 years before it needs to be replaced. We generally would expect a Pebble Tec surface to last upwards of 20 years with proper maintenance.