A swimming pool is more than just a luxury—it’s a focal point of relaxation, entertainment, and outdoor living. Whether you're building a new pool or renovating an existing one, choosing the right interior finish is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Two of the most popular and time-tested options are pool pebble and plaster finishes. While both enhance the appearance and usability of your pool, they differ in material composition, texture, longevity, and maintenance requirements.
This comprehensive article explores everything you need to know about pool pebble and plaster finishes, including their key characteristics, pros and cons, cost considerations, and tips on making the right choice based on your needs and lifestyle. If you're looking for a lasting, beautiful pool surface that complements your home’s aesthetic while standing up to the elements, understanding these two finishes is essential.
What Is Pool Plaster?
Pool Pebble and Plaster is the traditional and most widely used interior finish for concrete or gunite pools. It consists of a mixture of white Portland cement, fine sand or marble dust, and water. When applied, it creates a smooth, dense surface that waterproofs the pool shell and provides a clean, polished look.
The most common form of plaster is white plaster, which gives the water a light blue appearance. However, plaster can also be tinted with pigments to produce a range of colors—such as grey, blue, or green—to complement your landscaping or create specific design effects.
What Is Pool Pebble Finish?
Pool Pebble and Plaster is a type of aggregate surface made by embedding small, natural pebbles into cement. Once applied to the pool surface and cured, the top layer of cement is removed to expose the smooth, polished pebbles. This creates a beautiful, textured surface with a natural appearance that can resemble a riverbed or beach.
Pebble finishes are available in a variety of sizes and colors, from subtle earth tones to vibrant blues and greens. Popular branded options like PebbleTec®, PebbleSheen®, and PebbleFina® offer varying degrees of texture and shine, allowing homeowners to choose the look and feel that best suits their design preferences.
Benefits of Pool PlasterSmooth and Comfortable Surface
Traditional plaster offers a smooth, soft feel underfoot, which many swimmers prefer. It’s gentle on skin and won’t cause abrasions, making it ideal for families with children.
Aesthetically Clean Appearance
White plaster is known for its clean, bright look that enhances the natural blue tone of the water. It works well in both classic and contemporary pool designs.
Cost-Effective Installation
Plaster is one of the most affordable pool finishes, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to build or renovate their pool on a budget.
Custom Color Options
While white is the standard, colored plaster allows for aesthetic flexibility. Whether you prefer a deep lagoon look or a tropical blue, colored plaster provides design versatility.
Drawbacks of Pool Plaster
Shorter Lifespan
Standard plaster typically lasts 7–10 years before it begins to show signs of wear, such as etching, cracking, or staining.
Susceptibility to Stains and Chemical Imbalance
Plaster is porous, which means it can absorb minerals and chemicals, leading to staining or surface deterioration if water chemistry is not carefully maintained.
Requires More Maintenance
Compared to more durable finishes, plaster requires regular brushing, chemical balancing, and cleaning to keep it in good condition.
Benefits of Pool Pebble Finishes
Exceptional Durability
Pool Pebble and Plaster can last 15–25 years with proper maintenance. The embedded stones are resistant to etching, chipping, and chemical damage, making them ideal for long-term use.
Natural and Luxurious Appearance
The exposed pebble surface gives the pool a natural, high-end aesthetic that blends seamlessly with outdoor landscaping. It’s perfect for homeowners who want a more organic look.
Textured Grip for Safety
The texture of pebble finishes provides a non-slip surface, which enhances safety—particularly around shallow areas and steps.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Pool Pebble and Plaster surfaces are less porous than plaster, reducing the risk of staining or algae growth. They’re easier to maintain and can withstand imbalanced water conditions better than plaster.
Wide Range of Colors and Styles
From deep ocean blues to earth tones and vibrant mosaics, pebble finishes offer extensive customization options. Some products even include glass beads for added sparkle and elegance.
Drawbacks of Pool Pebble Finishes
Higher Initial Cost
Pebble finishes are more expensive to install than standard plaster due to the materials and specialized labor required.
Rougher Surface Texture
Some homeowners find the pebble texture slightly rough underfoot, especially in larger pebble varieties. However, smaller pebbles (like those in PebbleSheen®) offer a smoother feel while retaining durability.
Installation Process for Both Finishes
Regardless of the finish you choose, the installation process requires professional expertise to ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Surface Preparation
The existing pool surface is drained, cleaned, and etched or removed to prepare for the new finish. This may involve sandblasting or chipping out old plaster.
Application
For plaster, the mixture is applied evenly and smoothed by hand. For pebble finishes, the pebble mix is sprayed or troweled onto the surface, then compacted and smoothed.
Finishing Touches
Pebble surfaces are exposed using a water wash or light acid wash to reveal the pebbles. The surface is then cured under water for several days to prevent cracking or shrinkage.
Cost Considerations
Pool Plaster: $4 to $7 per square foot. A complete resurfacing of a standard-sized pool may cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
Pool Pebble Finish: $8 to $15+ per square foot. A full resurfacing could range from $10,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on pool size and design features.
While plaster is more affordable upfront, pebble finishes offer better value in the long run due to reduced maintenance and a longer lifespan.
Which Finish Should You Choose?
Your ideal pool finish depends on your budget, design preferences, long-term plans, and maintenance habits.
Choose plaster if you want a smooth, elegant finish at a lower cost and are willing to maintain water chemistry rigorously.
Choose pebble if you're looking for a long-lasting, luxurious finish with minimal maintenance and a natural aesthetic that complements your landscape.
If you're renovating for resale or plan to stay in your home long-term, investing in a pebble finish can add value and curb future repair costs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose classic pool plaster or opt for the natural elegance of pebble, both finishes can transform the look and feel of your swimming pool. Each option has its own strengths, and the best choice ultimately comes down to your personal priorities and lifestyle.
Work with a reputable pool contractor to explore color samples, touch real surface textures, and see finished pools firsthand. A professionally installed pool finish will not only improve your pool's functionality but also elevate the overall ambiance of your outdoor living space. By understanding the distinctions between pool plaster and pebble finishes, you're well-equipped to make a decision that brings beauty, performance, and enjoyment for years to come.
