Pebble finish vs Plaster finish
Pool surface finishes determine how long the surface lasts, how it feels underfoot, how it looks underwater, and how it resists stains from Northeast Florida's water chemistry. Pebble (PebbleTec, PebbleSheen) is the premium choice; standard white plaster is the baseline.
Pebble finish
20–25 yr lifespan, exposed-aggregate
Plaster finish
10–12 yr lifespan, smooth marcite
How they stack up.
| Dimension | Pebble finish | Plaster finish |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 20–25 years | 10–12 years |
| Material cost (typical) | $8,000–$18,000 | $5,500–$11,000 |
| Texture underfoot | Exposed aggregate, slightly rough | Smooth, polished |
| Stain resistance | High; resists mineral staining | Moderate; vulnerable to NE FL well-water mineral content |
| Color depth | Reads as natural stone; multiple aggregate sizes | Solid white or pastels; flat appearance |
| Resurfacing prep | Sandblast + bond coat + finish | Sandblast + bond coat + plaster |
| Manufacturer start-up requirement | Yes; documented startup required for warranty | Recommended but not warranty-critical |
Pebble is the right call when the pool will be in service for another 20+ years and the homeowner wants the lower lifetime cost despite the higher upfront. Coastal pools and pools with hard well-water chemistry also benefit from pebble's stain resistance.
Plaster is the right call when budget is tight at resurfacing time and the homeowner wants the lowest upfront cost. Also appropriate when the pool may be replaced or substantially renovated within 10 years — the plaster will reach end-of-life on the same timeline.
- PebbleTec product documentation — lifespan and finish specifications
- National Plasterers Council — standard plaster service life in residential pools
- Florida Statute 553.954 — pool equipment regulations (variable-speed pumps)
Tivey services for this work.
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